Author: bridgeportmotorsportspark
BRIDGEPORT ANNOUNCES 2019 RULE CHANGES FOR SATURDAY NIGHT DIVISIONS
Bridgeport, NJ – After a wet and rainy 2018 season, Bridgeport Speedway is ready to turn the page as the track gets ready for an exciting 2019 campaign. Entering the 7th season under the Brian Ramey-led Team, Bridgeport Speedway will once again focus on Saturday night racing programs for their three main divisions -Big Block Modifieds, 602 Crate Sportsman, and the Outlaw Stocks. A majority of the 2019 events will take place on the 5/8 mile while a select group of events from mid-May through mid-June will switch over to the new 3/8 layout.
The MASS 305, Garden State Vintage Stock Car Club, URC Sprints, the wingless USAC East Coast Sprints, and 358 small block modifieds will all make special appearances throughout the season. Of course, highlighting the ’19 season will be the only appearances in New Jersey by the World of Outlaw sprint cars and USAC sprints as part of the ‘Eastern Storm’.
OUTLAW STOCKS: No rule changes
602 CRATES: As announced prior, the 602 Crate Sportsman will still utilize the ‘Crate-Lock’ program, which was extremely successful in 2018 producing 13 different winners in 15 races. Engines that were dynoed in 2018 are still valid and accepted for 2019. New engines can be purchased with seals at any one of the authorized engine shops or if purchased elsewhere, must be dynode for $425 at the same shops. A ‘Hardship’ seal application can be filled out on the track’s website and will be accepted or declined at the track’s strict discretion. A $150 sealing process for first-time drivers and a $250 sealing process for second-time drivers can be offered in lieu of the dyno procedure and are only valid for one year. All Hardship applications will be highly selective. All 602 Crate Sportsman will be required to run track fuel at all shows.
TIRES: Both 602 Crate Sportsman and Modifieds will be allowed to run a 33 or harder on (LF) 38 or harder on (RF)compound on the front tires at all shows in 2019.
MODIFIEDS: (5/8 TRACK RULES) Modifieds 364 to 477 cubic inches – Spoilers will be lowered 3″ (IE Max Height 47″) with the spoiler lip to be bent to the rear. All cars will weigh 2,550 lbs at the conclusion of each race.
358 ‘open’ small blocks (up to 363 cubic inch) can use sail panels (65″ from the ground, 70″ wide and measured 48″ from the center of the rear backwards and 12 inches forward)
358 ‘spec’ small blocks can weigh 2275 on gas or alcohol and will be allowed to use sail panels (65″ from the ground, 70″ wide and measured 48″ from the center of the rear backwards and 12 inches forward)
MODIFIEDS: (3/8 TRACK RULES)
Big Blocks can use sail panels and will weigh 2,500 lbs at the conclusion of the race.
Any Small Block engines 364 to 450 cubic inches must weigh 2,550 lbs at conclusion of race. Spoilers will be lowered 3″ (IE Max Height 47″) with the spoiler lip to be bent to the rear.
“Open” 358 Small Blocks (up to 363 cubic inch) will use ‘traditional windows’ and will weigh 2,450 lbs at the conclusion of the race. Spoilers will be lowered 3″ (IE Max Height 47″) with the spoiler lip to be bent to the rear.
“Spec” 358 Small Blocks will use ‘traditional windows’ and will weigh 2,350 lbs at the conclusion of the race on either gas or alcohol. Spoilers will be lowered 3″ (IE Max Height 47″) with the spoiler lip to be bent to the rear.
Bridgeport Speedway will be attending the 2019 Motorsports Expo in Oaks, PA where management will present to answer any questions regarding the new rule procedures for the upcoming season. Track licenses, pit spots, season passes, and all the essential information will be available throughout the weekend of January 18-20.
BRIDGEPORT SPEEDWAY HONORS 2018 CHAMPIONS
Drivers, owners, crew members, fans and track employees filled the Bridgeport Fire Company’s Social Hall to celebrate the 2018 season champions.
For the third consecutive year, Ryan Watt and his Ron Roberts No. 14w Racing Team dominated the Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds, capturing six wins and finishing no worse than third in in any of the Big Block action on the 5/8th mile track. “I just really want to thank Ronnie and Fay for giving us what we need to race every week,” Watt stated. “It’s hard to believe, but the 2019 season will be our tenth year together.” Watt originally came to Bridgeport as a driver for car owner, Chad Sinon’s BPG operation. When a blown motor late in the season, threatened to bring an end to Watt’s season, it was Roberts who offered him a power plant to complete the season. Watt was always willing to help another team out and it was that level of sportsmanship that prompted Roberts’ offer to help. And as they say, the rest is history.
Billy Pauch raced to three wins during the 2018 season and was Watt’s closest competitor. Sam Martz, Richie Pratt Jr. and Wade Hendrickson each won a single feature during the season.
Jim Britt, Tommy Beamer and Neal Williams trailed Watt and Pauch in points to complete the top five. Pratt, Hendrickson, Roberts, Martz and Bucky Kelly finished sixth through tenth.
Watt was also crowned as the 2018 811 Dig Safely Poker Series Champion sponsored by Colonial Pipeline. Watt’s pair of Aces (2 wins – 60 Over Special and King of the Big Blocks) gave him the best Poker Series hand over Jimmy Horton who had a pair of nines and Jim Britt with a pair of sevens. Jeff Strunk received an award for the worst hand in this year’s Poker Series events.
The top twenty positions were honored in the Stewart Stainless 602 Crate Sportsman Division to recognize the success and the support of the competitors to this division in its first year at the Bridgeport Speedway. Eric Kormann was the top point man in this division, based on a season of very consistent finishes. David Crossman, a Rookie graduate, had his best season to finish second in points with Tom Moore, Jr. taking third with one feature win. Tommy Errico, Jr., a 2017 Rookie graduate finished fourth in points with a single victory followed by Frank Dorry, jr. in fifth. Wayne Weaver , Bobby Bracall, Brad Roberts ( 2 wins), Jim Gallagher (2 wins) and Sammy Martz, Jr., the 2018 Rookie Champions rounded out the top ten in points.
Steve Kemery took the 811 Dig Safely Poker Series for the 602 Crate Sportsman, winning twice in the final three races of the season. Wayne Weaver’s pair of Queens placed him second to Kemery’s pair of Aces. Chris Jenkins finished third with Frank Dorry winning the prize for the worst hand in the 2018 811 Dig Safely Poker Series.
Jeramy Doerr picked up his first ever Penn Co Tech Outlaw Stock championship over the 2017 Champion, Tom Wills, Jr. Doerr was the winner of five feature events during the season, including the first race run on the 3/8th mile track during the Pre-Season Points. Michael Creamer finished third in points after capturing his first Bridgeport victory. Lee Allen finished fourth in his first full season of Outlaw Stock competition with Brian Ludwig finishing fifth. Gary Elliott, Darren Cox, Jeff Dirkes, Paul Donahue and Steven Land complete the top ten in the Outlaw Stock rundown.
Tom Wills, Jr. win in the final 811 Dig Safely Poker Series race of the season gave him his third Poker Series Championship. Opening day winner, Rich Stinson finished second with Jeramy Doerr taking third.
Sammy Martz, Jr. was crowned as the 2018 DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookie Champion. Martz won twice during the rookie season and showed the poise and patience of a much more seasoned driver. Seth Spayd finished second in points with one win. Danny Buccafusca, who had a Rookie win on both the 3/8th and 5/8th mile tracks and Parker Guldin tied for third in points. Guldin was the only Rookie to win a 602 Crate Sportsman feature event this year. David Hartman finished fifth
A Pre-Season Point Series was conducted with three races scheduled to be run on the 3/8th mile track early in the season. Two races were run with the third race falling to the weather.
With two wins – including his first win in the Short Track Super Series – Jeff Strunk won the Pre-Season title in the Hyneman No. 126. Ryan Godown finished second with Duane Howard and Rick Laubach tied for third. Matt Stangle finished fifth.
Tom Scheetz, Sr. was the Pre-Season Champion in the 602 Crate Sportsman with two top ten finishes. Following Scheetz in the Pre-Season contest were Eric Kormann, Steve Kemery, Ryan Simmons and Frank Dorry.
Jeramy Doerr was the top point man in the Outlaw Stock in Pre-season competition followed by Tom Wills, Jr. and Spider Ensinger.
Danny Serrano recognized several individuals for their support of the Bridgeport Speedway. Recognized were Bill Calvert and Family who sponsored both the 600 and 270 Micro Sprints with their Ace Overhead Door Company this season; Ken Andreas who has created the very special trophies for the Skyscraper events for the past two years; Scott Hulmes who supports all of the special events – fairs, car shows, parades – with his equipment and is always there to support his fellow competitors as well as the Bridgeport Speedway; Nick Skias who demonstrated supreme sportsmanship when he went to the aid of fellow title contender, Alex Swift, to insure that Swift would be able to race in that night’s main event and Jim Britt, who in addition to being a competitor in the Big Block Modifieds has offered his help and support in any way he can throughout the season.
Mike Rutherford picked up his first ever win and then his first ever Spirit Speedway 600 Micro Sprint Championship behind the wheel of the Gary & Donna Spotts and Earl Fellin owned No. 2S Kyle Spence, PJ Wiliams, Matt Smith and Mike Linderman completed the top five in the point standings.
Matt Smith picked up his first Poker Series Championship for the 600s on the strength of his wins in the Skyscraper and Bill Thomas Memorial events. Gary Bozowski and Tommy Kunsman finished second and third.
For the first time ever, the 270 Micro title ended in a tie with Nick Skias and Alex Swift named as co-champions for the 2018 season. Skias raced for Jim Widdoss while Swift was behind the wheel of the John Blanda machine. The title literally went down to the last lap of the final race of the season. Doing double duty, Mike Rutherford finished third followed by Andrew Locuson and Ken Andreas.
Like Smith, Jacob Hendershot used his wins in the Skyscraper and Bill Thomas Memorial race to collect his 2018 Poker Series Championship over Pat Bealer and Alex Swift.
Dave McCullough’s four feature wins put him on top of the Friday night Slingshot Championship for 2018. It was McCullough’s first Championship. Dave Morrell, Robin McTighe, Rich Afflerbach and Tomas Mowery trailed McCullough in points.
Behind the wheel of the S&S Speedway No. 55, Jared Silfee took the wins in three of the four Poker Series events to capture the 2018 Championship Energy Action Track USA Poker Series title for the Slingshots. Brett Bieber had the second-best Poker Series hand with Ashley Therien taking third.
The Four Cylinder competition was a family affair this year as Joe Garey Jr. picked up multiple wins to take the title over his dad, Joe Garey Sr.
Lee Allen made it two years in a row with the Eight Cylinder Enduro cars, taking the championship by winning two of the three races this season. Allen has won the title four out of the last five years. Scott Riggleman was Allen’s closest competitor followed by Derek Jones.
Now that the 2018 season has officially ended, everyone is looking forward to the next season. The 2019 season will get underway at the Bridgeport Speedway on March 30th, 2019 with the running of the 60 Over Special – the Doug Hoffman Memorial Race. Stay tuned for future announcements about other big dates at the Bridgeport season this season.rs, crew members, fans and track employees filled the Bridgeport Fire Company’s Social Hall to celebrate the 2018 season champions.
Upcoming events
Opening Day 2019 – March 30, 2019 – 60 Over Special – Doug Hoffman Memorial
BRIDGEPORT SPEEDWAY ANNOUNCES PLANS TO CONTINUE ON 5/8TH MILE TRACK FOR 2019 SEASON
Stay tuned for further updates as the 2019 takes shape in the weeks to come!
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Saturday Portion Of Wildcard Weekend Still On – Show Moved Up An Hour
** WE ARE RACING TOMORROW – EVENT MOVED UP AN HOUR – PLEASE READ BELOW **
Bridgeport, NJ – The final hand of the 811 Dig Safe Poker Series is set for Saturday afternoon at 4pm. “The track dried pretty good today and we’re excited to get this final race of the season in the books,” offered track manager Danny Serrano. “We’ve moved the times up by an hour to try and get the fans and drivers home a little earlier tomorrow, as we appreciate everyone’s support and their eagerness to race this weekend.”
Pit gates will open at 12:30 p.m. with grandstands opening at 1:30 p.m. The first heat race of the three-division show will start at 4pm. The Spirit Auto Center Big Blocks, Stewart Stainless 602 Crates, and the Pennco Tech Outlaw Stocks will compete in what is sure to be one last great night of racing. For more information please call the speedway at 856-467-4408, check the track’s Facebook page, and the website ( www.bpspeedway.com)
Mother Nature’s Wrath Wins Friday’s Program of Wild Card Weekend
Bridgeport, NJ – Well, no one could have seen this coming. Well, at least not the white version of precipitation this time. With an all day and evening Thursday snow and rainstorm hitting the entire Northeast, Bridgeport Speedway was left without any option other than to cancel the Friday November 16 racing program. For the fourth consecutive weekend, Bridgeport’s Friday night racing schedule has been wiped out due to rainy weather.
“As of now, Saturday’s Big Block, 602 Crate, and Outlaw Stock show is still on,” offered track manager Danny Serrano. “We will evaluate the track tomorrow and see just how much it can dry out. This has obviously been a season to forget weather wise. November has been no different than the entire summer and as far back as to opening night practice way back in March. We just don’t have the words to describe it anymore,” Serrano added.
Saturday’s show will be the final hand of the 2018 811 Dig Safe Poker Series at the speedway. Pit gates will open at 1:30 while grandstand gates will open at 2:30 and the first green flag waving at 5pm. Please call the track (856-467-4408) for updates regarding Saturday’s event, as well as the track’s websitewww.bpspeedway.com and the track’s Facebook page.
Weekend Forecast Postpones Wildcard Weekend to November 16 & 17
Weekend Forecast Postpones Wildcard Weekend to November 16 & 17
Bridgeport, NJ – In what has been a rain-plagued 2018 season to say the least, Bridgeport Speedway has been forced to implement it’s scheduled rain date for this weekend’s ‘Gone But Not Forgotten’ Wildcard Weekend. Both Friday and Saturday’s programs on the 5/8 mile will now be run next Friday 16th & Saturday 17th. The divisions and times will remain the same for Friday and Saturday’s shows.
Sunday’s Bill Thomas Memorial is still scheduled for this Sunday, November 11 at 4pm on the Spirit Speedway 1/4 mile.
“This is pretty much a repeat of last weekend here at Bridgeport,” offered track manger Danny Serrano. “With all the rain we received last Friday, we weren’t able to dry out in time for Saturday’s URC show. Even though this Saturday’s forecast isn’t all that bad, we truly can’t see us drying out once again in time to race on Saturday. We want to be fair to those who are traveling from out of state, taking off work early, and who have booked hotel rooms. Looking at the 10-day forecast, next weekend looks a whole lot dryer and warmer, so we’re remaining positive that we can get this last race of the season in the books,” Serrano added.
“We were all ready to end the season on a high note but, I guess we’ll just have to wait one more week to crown the 811 Dig Safe Poker Series Champions. We’ve already hung the tarps this week under the pavilion, ordered the heaters, food, and grill for our annual Friday night party. We’ll just have to have it next Friday night for all the fans, race teams, and employees. It’s frustrating because we’ve been receiving a lot of calls from the drivers who are eager to race one last time in 2018” summed up Serrano.
Friday’s show will feature the 358 Small Blocks, Pennco Tech Outlaw Stocks and an open practice sessions for Big Blocks & 602 Crates (locking in 2 cars from each division from fast times), along with the ‘Underdog 20’ for 602 Crates. Saturday’s program will feature the Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifeds, Stewart Stainless 602 Crates and Pennco Tech Outlaw Stocks on Saturday for Hand 4 of the Call 811 Before You Dig Poker Series. For more information you can visit the track’s website atwww.bpspeedway.com, call the track office at 856-467-4408, or follow them on Facebook.
Friday, November 16
358 Modifieds/25 laps/$3,000 to win, Outlaw Stocks, 602 Crate Underdog 20, & Timed Hot Laps for Big Blocks & 602 Crates
Pits – 4pm
Grandstands – 5:30pm
Racing 7:30pm
General admission is $25/ Kids 10-15 are $10/ Kids 9 and under are FREE/ Weekend Pass for both days is $40
Pit Pass: $35Saturday, November 17
Big Block Modifieds/40 laps/$4,000 to win, 602 Crates/20 laps/$1,000 to win, Outlaw Stocks
Pits – 1:30p.m.
Grandstands – 2:30 p.m.
Racing 5:00 p.m.
General admission is $25/ Kids 10-15 are $10/ Kids 9 and under are FREE/ Weekend Pass for both days is $40
Pit Pass: $35
DISMAL FORECAST CANCELS FRIDAY PORTION OF BIG TRACK CLASSIC
WATT MAINTAINS HIS CROWN IN BRIDGEPORT’S THIRD ANNUAL KING OF THE BIG BLOCKS
SPIRIT AUTO CENTER BIG BLOCK MODIFIEDS – KING OF THE BIG BLOCKS (50 laps) – 1. Ryan Watt, 2. Ryan Godown, 3. Neal Williams, 4. Brandon Grosso, 5. Ryan Krachun, 6. Jimmy Horton, 7. Mike Gular, 8. Jeff Strunk, 9. Richie Pratt, Jr., 10. Travis Hill, 11. Tommy Beamer, 12. David Hunt, 13. Jim Britt, 14. Roger Manning, 15. Billy Pauch, Sr., 16. Craig VonDohren, 17. Sam Martz, Sr., 18. Wade Hendrickson, 19. Brett Ballard, 20. Matt Stangle, 21. Duane Howard, 22. Mike Franz, 23. Brett Kressley, 24. Ron Roberts, 25. Rick Laubach, DNQ – Dave Shirk, Brad Roberts, J.R. Burritt, Gary Hager, Rocco Infante, Scott Ambruster
STEWART STAINLESS SUPPLY 602 CRATE SPORTSMAN (20 laps) – 1. Steve Kemery, 2. Joe Toth, 3. Wayne Weaver, 4. Danny Buccafusca, 5. John Micek, 6. Ryan Heim, 7. Ryan Simmons, 8. Frank Dorry, 9. Brad Roberts, 10. Eric Kormann, 11. David Crossman, 12. Sammy Martz, Jr., 13. Matt Peck, 14. Jeremy Martino, 15. Tom Moore, Jr., 16. Dave Damiano, 17. Jim Cheesman, 18. Rich Wegner, Jr., 19. Tom Sheetz, 20. Mark Clauss, 21. Jim Gallagher, Jr., 22. Bobby Bracall, 23. Chris Jenkins, 24. Kevin Borden, 25. Pete Serra, DNS – Dave Hartman, DNQ – Scott Hulmes, Ernie Miles, III, Howard Huepfel, Ray Cost, John Cavallaro, Billy Briggs, Rob Mancini, Tom Princiotta, Bob Lilick
PENNCO TECH OUTLAW STOCKS (15 laps) – 1. Jon Meyer, 2. Jeramy Doerr, 3. Tom Wills, Jr., 4. Rich Stinson, Jr., 5. Rick Broushard, 6. Jeff Dirkes, 7. Gary Klimeczak, 8. Terry Sammons, 9. Paul Donahue, 10. John Parker, 11. Michael Creamer, 12. Billy Wroble, 13. Nicky Sandone, 14. Andrew Joslin, 15. Darren Cox, 16. Joe Reid, 17. Erick Mattson, 18. Gary Elliott
Upcoming events
Friday & Saturday, November 2 & 3 – URC Big Track Classic – Friday, URC Sprint cars & 602 Crate Sportsman Underdog 20, racing at 7:30pm, Saturday – URC Sprint Cars & 602 Crate Sportsman & Vintage Cars, Racing at 5pm (Raindate – Sunday, November 4)
Friday & Saturday, November 9 & 10 – Wildcard Weekend Friday – 358 Small Block Modifieds, Outlaw Stocks & Saturday night open trials, racing at 7:30. Saturday – Big Block Modifieds, 602 Crate Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks, racing at 5pm(Raindate – Sunday, November 12)
King of the Big Blocks Info
Hotel Accomodations: Please try Holiday Inn first we have a ‘track rate’ with them. 856-467-3322
Hampton Inn – 856-467-6200……Towne Place Suites – 856-241-9900
All Hotels are located at exit 10 just 5 minutes from the speedway. (Wawa, Applebees, Dunkin Donuts, McDonalds, Village Pub, Rite Aid are all right at this exit as well.)
Big Block last two sessions will be on the clock …Top fastest timer of each session locks into Saturday’s Redraw