602 Crate Sportsman Are Part of Bridgeport Success

Bridgeport, NJ – ​Planning for the future is an integral part of any success story and the 602 Crate Sportsman represent that future in dirt track racing. The stars of tomorrow launch their futures from this division and give us a glance at what the future holds for our sport. The 2022 Bridgeport Motorsports Park schedule reflects how important this division is to Bridgeport’s Doug Rose. Eight races will pay $2,000 or more to the winner while the 602 Crate Sportsman perform on the national stage via FloRacing broadcasts.

After increasing the purse for the 2021 season, Rose continues to fine tune the pay-outs which are available on the track’s website along with the point fund. 2021 Champion, Sammy Martz, Jr. took home the point money and a brand new Velocita racing suit as a result of his efforts last season.

The Third Annual Precision Hydraulics and Oil Invitational moves to the Danny Serrano 100 weekend in 2022. Joe Infante’s annual event is one of the highlights of the season. “Joe and his family have played a significant role with the speedway since I took over,” says Rose. “His support has been over the top. He could have taken the Precision Hydraulics and Oil event to any speedway but he chose Bridgeport. The Infantes have the same appreciation for the 602 Sportsman division as I do and this event shows that,” adds Rose. “Joe has also been key to bringing the IMCA Modifieds to Bridgeport for the first time ever!”

The Third Annual Precision Hydraulics and Oil Invitational will be held on Saturday of the Serrano 100 weekend. Then the 602 competitors will return on Sunday for another full show climaxing with a forty lap feature event with $4,000 going to the race winner.

The 602 Crate Sportsman will benefit from the FloRacing coverage on a weekly basis along with their four midweek appearances with the PA Posse in April, USAC Eastern Storm in June, the Short Track Super Series in July and then the All Star Circuit of Champions in August.

“These are some exciting events that get our sportsman teams in the limelight but with that comes more races on the schedule,” Rose explains. “We know some family time is always needed so we will factor in three or four Saturday nights off for them.”

Ryan Godown, Jr. is looking to start out 2022 right where he left-off in November. The second generation driver finished out the 2021 season with five Bridgeport victories, a strong showing during Super DIRTcar week at Oswego and then a win in the Short Track Super Series Finale at Georgetown. Godown has his eye on the 2022 track championship and has made his Saturday night program a priority. Godown knows that the laps he’s turned on Bridgeport’s high banks have made him a better driver. “You have to drive every lap of the race at Bridgport,” Godown explained. “You’ve got to give it 110% every lap. Other tracks may be more about set-up or the car in general but Bridgeport is about the driver.” Godown knows that his Bridgeport experience has paid dividends when he went on the road with his No. 26.

The “Super Rookie”, Ethan Bill, is looking for his first feature win in 602 competition. The second year driver will build on his Rookie success as he continues to develop as a driver and the father and son team build on their racing knowledge.

Matt Ellery was another first year driver in 2021 and he quickly proved to be a contender. Ellery is also looking for his first 602 win after picking up a late season win in the Underdog 20. “Doug is giving us a lot of opportunities this season, especially with the FloRacing,” Ellery stated. “That is great for the sponsors as well as for family members who can’t get to the track.” Ellery will have a brand new DKM chassis No. 29 for Bridgeport this season.

Jim Dallett was another first year driver during the 2021 season. The school teacher from Vineland, NJ is also seeking his first win and looks to build on his late season success. “It’s really exciting to see everything that is going on at the track,” Dallett exclaimed. “With twenty-two point races on the schedule, we’ll concentrate on our Saturday night program but I would love to run whatever special shows we can. We learned a lot of good stuff late in the season and we’re updating the car for the new year.”

The excitement is building for the 2022 Bridgeport Motorsports Park season as some new faces join the old on the high banks for some outstanding racing.