Author: bridgeportmotorsportspark

Bridgeport adds “Underdog 20” for Crate/Sportsman division on Friday night

Friday and Saturday November 4 & 5 will mark the first ever Big Track Classic Weekend for the URC Sprint Cars and Crate/Sportsman. The 360 sprints will compete in the Midge Miller Tribute Races on both nights while the Crate/Sportsman will face off in the “Showdown” on Saturday. Just added to the Friday night schedule will be the “Underdog 20” for the Crate/Sportsman racers.

The “Underdog 20” is an open invite for any drivers that have not won a feature event in 2016. If a driver has visited victory lane in 2016 at Bridgeport, New Egypt, Grandview, Big Diamond, Georgetown, Delaware Int., OCFS, or any other speedway they are not eligible for the “Underdog 20”. “Quite a few drivers have asked us over the years about having a race of this format for the racers. I think this is a perfect time to hold an event like this on Friday night,” offered General Manager Danny Serrano. “There are so many drivers that have been so close in getting to victory lane but unfortunately have just missed out. So Friday’s their chance to stand tall in the spotlight on the night before their big race,” Serrano added. The top 3 finishing positions will place in the cash along with the winner receiving a trophy.

The Bridgeport Speedway is preparing for its first United Racing Club/360 Sprints Big Track Classic coming to the Logan Township speed plant on Friday and Saturday, November 4th and 5th honoring the late, great competitor and URC official, Midge Miller for the First Annual Midge Miller Memorial.

Racing will get underway at 7:30pm on Friday night with the winged 360 machines take to the track for qualifying before competing in a twenty-five lap main event that will pay $2,000 to the winning driver. The sprint cars will compete in a second complete show on Saturday with the first green flag waving at 5pm.   Saturday’s twenty-five lap main event will reward the race winner with a $3,000 payday.  At the end of the two days of competition, the driver with the best overall point average will receive a trophy honoring Midge Miller.

 

Upcoming event 

Saturday & Sunday, November 4 & 5 – URC/360 Sprints Big Track Classic plus Crate/Sportsman Showdown

Friday, November 11 – Wild Card Weekend – 358 Small Blocks, TSRS Sprint Cars, Outlaw Stocks plus practice for Saturday

Saturday, November 12 – Gone But Not Forgotten – 811 Dig Safely Poker Series Hand #5 – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks

 

 

If you are the owner of a 4×4 vehicle, then maybe this weekend is the time for you to get out of the grandstands and behind the wheel when the Bridgeport Speedway presents the Misfits 4×4 Fall Down & Dirty Weekend this Saturday and Sunday.  It’s a show, shine and swap meet all wrapped up in one!

 

Bring your trucks, bring your friends – bring your friends’ trucks and be ready to play and have a blast!  There is something for everybody at the Bridgeport Speedway this weekend!

 

The events get underway at noon at Saturday but gates open at ten.  The play area opens at noon with time slots allotted to trucks, jeeps, side by sides, and a freestyle session.   At 5pm there will be a burnout contest sponsored by First Choice Tire.  There will be trophies presented in twelve different categories including Best Rat Rod, Best Halloween Theme truck of car, Best Club participation, Best Jeep, Best Mega Truck, and more!

 

There will be a show and shine area for trucks, cars and bikes.  Bring your spare parts or used cars for the swap meet.  An area will also be set up for vendors throughout the day.

 

A demolition derby is scheduled for 7pm with a final session in the play area for the trucks from 8-9pm.

 

You can come back and do it all over again on Sunday when the play area opens at 10am.

 

And there is something for every member of your family!  There will be two bounce houses for the kids.  There will be live music and a DJ both days.  The Mopar 1 Monster Ride Truck will be on hand. The concession stands will be open.  There will be tickets on sale for the 50/50 drawing.

 

Campers will be welcome on Saturday night!

 

The Bridgeport Speedway has earned a reputation for our play areas and this one will not disappoint!  This play area will be bad to the bone.  All money raised in the play area for this event will be donated to Beat Dystonia.

 

There will be a wide, deep, chewy mud pit, a mild obstacle course as well as a WILD ONE!  Look for the car crush, an RTI ramp as well as a burnout area and a donut area.

 

General admission is $10 per day or $17 for the weekend.  Truck entries are $15 for just one day of $25 for the weekend.  Entries include the driver as well as the show & shine.

 

Check Facebook or our web site for schedule of events.

 

 

 

Upcoming event 

 

Saturday & Sunday, October 15 & 16 – Misfits 4×4 Fall Down & Dirty Weekend plus Demo Derby, 7pm Saturday

Saturday & Sunday, November 4 & 5 – URC/360 Sprints Big Track Classic plus Crate/Sportsman Showdown

Friday, November 11 – Wild Card Weekend – 358 Small Blocks, TSRS Sprint Cars, Outlaw Stocks plus practice for Saturday

Saturday, November 12 – Gone But Not Forgotten – 811 Dig Safely Poker Series Hand #5 – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks

 

 

 

The Bridgeport Speedway will present the bonus hand of the 811 Dig Safely 2016 Poker Series presented by Colonial Pipeline on Saturday, October 1st.  This race is an opportunity for drivers to improve their Poker Series hands by giving them a “bonus” card that can be used to replace another card in their hand.  The bonus card can only help a driver – not hurt his chances.

 

Colonial Pipeline came on board as the title sponsor of Bridgeport’s 2016 Poker Series.  Colonial Pipeline asks that you call 8-1-1 befire you dig!  Colonial’s pipelines are buried underground, usually with a minimum of three feet of cover.  Over time, however, erosion and human activiites can change that depth.  That’s why it is important to always call 811 before you begin any digging project!  Be safe – dial 8-1-1 first!  Make sure you check out Colonial Pipelines tent as you walk in for all kinds of giveaway’s and goodies.

 

The Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds, the Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman and PennCo Tech Outlaw Stocks will compete in qualifying races and feature events with all drivers trying to gain a key card for the Poker hands.

 

Duane Howard and Rick Laubach lead the Poker Series for the Big Blocks.  Howard has a pair of Aces for his two wins while Laubach sports a pair of Kings for his two runner-up finishes.  However, 2016 Bridgeport Champion, Ryan Watt, Jordan Watson, Brett Kressley and Richie Pratt Jr. are all working on straights and could upset Howard and/or Laubach with the right finish.

 

In Crate/Sportsman competition, 2015 Rookie Champion, Stephen Kemery leads the way with three 10s for his three fifth place finishes.  Clyde Cox follows with three sevens.  Scott Hulmes holds a pair of twos while Matt Stangle and Pete Visconti have each collected an Ace for the wins in past events.

 

The Outlaw Stock competitors have only complete three Poker Series events.  They will close out the series with two eligible events on the final race weekend in mid-November.  So far, 2016 Champion, TJ Henry leads the competition with a pair of Aces and a Queen.  Scott Dugan follows closely with a pair of tens.  Billy Wroble has a pair of nines and Jeff Dirkes holds a pair of eights while Ron Frees and Tom Wills, Jr. each hold an Ace for their wins.

 

October 1st will be a full Saturday night of racing action with plenty of activities for the entire family.  There’s the Bounce House, basketball and volleyball.  There will be musical entertainment before and during the racing program.  Colonial Pipeline will also be on hand educating the fans on what it means to “Call 811 Before You Dig.”  Colonial will have a tent set up where they will be giving away gourmet hotdogs, gift certificates, t-shirts and apparel, and all kinds of other prizes to the fans as they walk into the gate.  All of the Bridgeport Speedway concession stands will be open to provide everything from cool beverages to snacks or a full meal.  Take home a Bridgeport Speedway t-shirt or pick up a copy of the Bridgeport Bullet – the official Bridgeport Speedway program and catch up on the action from the King of the Big Blocks weekend!  Take a ride with the Bridgeport Bandit on the Bandit Bus and get to see the drivers and crews prepare for the night’s racing action.

 

Racing action gets underway at 6pm.

 

The Bridgeport Speedway is committed to maintaining a safe, fun, family atmosphere, creating life-lasting memories.

 

 

Upcoming event 

Saturday, October 1 – 811 Dig Safe Poker Series Bonus Hand  Presented by Colonial Pipeline – Big Block Modifies, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks & Powder Puff Races on the 1/4 mile

Saturday & Sunday, October 15 & 16 – Misfits 4×4 Fall Down & Dirty Weekend plus Demo Derby, 7pm Saturday

Saturday & Sunday, November 4 & 5 – URC/360 Sprints Big Track Classic plus Crate/Sportsman Showdown

Friday, November 11 – Wild Card Weekend – 358 Small Blocks, TSRS Sprint Cars, Outlaw Stocks plus practice for Saturday

Saturday, November 12 – Gone But Not Forgotten – 811 Dig Safely Poker Series Hand #5 Brought to you by Spirit Auto Center – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks

During his forty plus year career, Billy Pauch has earned many titles.  King of the Big Blocks can now be added!

Billy Pauch raced to the win in the first King of the Big Blocks event at the Bridgeport Speedway in front of a huge crowd of racing fans, many of whom were seeing their first race on the 5/8th mile speedway.  The King of the Big Blocks is sponsored by K&A Excavating and United Rentals.

Pauch’s performance was flawless, starting out with a win in his qualifying event, drawing the pole for the fifty lap feature and then leading from the green to the checkered flag and the $12,000 pay check.  Pauch spends most of his Saturday nights racing Small Block Modifieds but the accomplished veteran proved that he’s got what it takes regardless of the division that he’s racing.  “I hope I can do this a few more times before I give it up,” Pauch said following the victory.

Pauch took over sole possession of third on Bridgeport’s All Time Feature win list as his win in the King of the Big Blocks moved Pauch’s total to fifty-nine – just one win ahead of Wade Hendrickson.  Pauch first won on the 5/8th mile Bridgeport Speedway in March of 1987.

Pauch held off challenges from 2015 Bridgeport Champion, Jamie Mills to capture the prestigious win.  Mills finished second with his Blue Hen No. 30.  Dominick Buffalino, the winner of the 2016 season opener, finished third in the Pat Michael No. 51m while former multi-time trackchampion, Duane Howard finished fourth in a new Norm Hansell owned No. 357.  Young Brett Kressley finished fifth after running as high as third in his Kressley Truck Sales No. 19B.

Ryan Godown, Billy Pauch, Jr. and Neal Williams followed the top five across the finish line.  Sam Martz and 2016 Bridgeport Champion, Ryan Watt made tremendous comebacks to finish in the top ten after both were involved in early race incidents.  Watt was forced to pit on two separate occasions to replace broken shocks.

The Stewart Stainless Crate Sportsman and PennCo Tech Outlaw Stocks joined the Big Block Modifieds on the King of the Big Blocks racing card. 

The number to be was 99 in the Crate/Sportsman action as Craig Whitmoyer raced ahead of Brian Papiez to capture the feature win at the end of twenty laps.  Whitmoyer last won at Bridgeport in during the 2012 season while Papiez was a feature winner earlier this season..

Eric Kormann finished third with pressure from Brandon Grasso who finished fourth.  Ryan Lilick finished fifth, coming all the way from a twenty-third starting position to finish in the top five.

Tom Wills, Jr. pickedup his second win of the 2016 season in the Outlaws Stock feature.  After running fourteen consecutive green flag laps, there were two cautions before the final lap could be scored.

Wills raced ahead of Ken Watson, Jr. for the win after former track champion, Pat Conaway spun on the final circuit.  Spider Ensinger picked up another solid finish to take third over Mike Creamer and Brian Ludwig.

The Bridgeport Speedway will present the bonus hand of the 811 Dig Safely 2016 Poker Series this coming Saturday, October 1st.  The Spirit Auto Center Big Blocks, Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman and PennCo Tech Outlaw Stocks will compete in the tripleheader show to be followed by Powder Puff competition on the quarter mile.  Drivers have the opportunity to better their poker hands during this event.  Racing gets underway at 6pm.

 

 

 

K&A EXCAVATING/UNITED RENTALS KING OF THE BIG BLOCKS (50 LAPS)

1 – Billy Pauch, 2 – Jamie Mills, 3 – Dominick Buffalino, 4 – Duane Howard, 5 – Brett Kressley, 6 – Ryan Godown, 7 – Billy Pauch Jr, 8 – Neal Williams, 9 – Sam Martz, 10 – Ryan Watt, 11 – Craig VonDohren, 12 – Tyler Dippel, 13 – Ryan Anderson, 14 – Tommy Beamer, 15 – Mike Iles, 16 – Richie Pratt Jr, 17 – Jimmy Horton, 18 – Travis Hill, 19 – CJ Jones, 20 – Wade Hendrickson, 21 – Billy VanInwegen, 22 – Bobby Drayton, 23 – Rick Laubach, 24 – Dave Shirk, 25 – Jeff Strunk, 26 – Rocco Infante, 27 – Danny Bouc

 

CRATE/SPORTSMAN

1 – Craig Whitmoyer, 2 – Brian Papiez, 3 – Eric Kormann, 4 – Brandon Grosso, 5 – Ryan Lilick, 6 – Dave Damiano, 7 – Brad Arnold, 8 – Clyde Cox, 9 – John Micek, 10 – Jordan Henn, 11 – Kyle Lilick, 12 – Dakota Kessler, 13 – John McGovern, 14 – Roger Manning, 15 – Chuck Potts, 16 – Scott Hulmes, 17 – Tom Sherby, 18 – Brian Hitz, 19 – Devin Dodson, 20 – JR Burritt, 21 – Matt Stangle, 22 – Steve Searock, 23 – Adam Cox, 24 – Steve Desmylek

OUTLAW STOCKS

1 – Tom Wills Jr, 2 – Ken Watson Jr, 3 – Spider Ensinger, 4 – Mike Creamer, 5 – Brian Ludwig, 6 – Tom Princiotta, 7 – Art Avery, 8 – John Parker, 9 – Fred Tomarchio, 10 – Rich Stinson, 11 – Pat Conaway, 12 – Joe Meron, 13 – Tom Wills Sr., 14 – Roy Combs

 

Upcoming event 

Saturday, October 1 – 8-1-1 Dig Safe Poker Series Bonus Hand Sponsored by Colonial Pipeline – Big Block Modifies, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks & Powder Puff Races on the 1/4 mile, racing at 6pm

Saturday & Sunday, October 15 & 16 – Misfits 4×4 Fall Down & Dirty Weekend plus Demo Derby, 7pm Saturday

Saturday & Sunday, November 4 & 5 – URC/360 Sprints Big Track Classic plus Crate/Sportsman Showdown

Friday, November 11 – Wild Card Weekend – 358 Small Blocks, TSRS Sprint Cars, Outlaw Stocks plus practice for Saturday

Saturday, November 12 – Gone But Not Forgotten – 811 Dig Safely Poker Series Hand #5 – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks

It brought back memories for seasoned racing fans!

It was a show not many will forget as two drivers who have forged stellar careers in stock car racing over the span of forty years battled wheel to wheel and side by side for more than half the race.

Frank Cozze picked up his first Bridgeport Speedway win in more than twenty years as he held off the challenges of Billy Pauch to win the twenty-five lap 358 Small Block Modified feature event at the Bridgeport Speedway on the eve of the first running of The King of the Big Blocks!  It was Cozze’s seventh Bridgeport Speedway win while Pauch sits tied for third on the track’s All Time Feature Winner’s List with fifty-eight wins.

It was Cozze’s fourth win of the season for car owner, Tom Umbenhauer.  Cozze lined up along side of 2016 Bridgeport Champion, Ryan Watt for the start and quickly jumped out in front.  Pauch drove into second from his sixth place start on lap eleven and the battle was on.

Lap after lap, Pauch would race ahead of Cozze on the inside as the two battled side by side through the turns but it was Cozze who would roll the outside off the corner to regain the lead.  Pauch edged ahead as the leaders raced across the line to complete lap seventeen but Cozze was back in front as the pair exited turn two on the next circuit.

Cozze and Pauch led a stellar field of talent to the checkered flag at the end of twenty-five laps.  The amount of racing history represented in those first to spots is nothing less than staggering.  Billy Pauch, Jr. finished third in his own Kid Racing No. 15.  Dominick Buffalino finished fourth with Brett Kressley racing into fifth on the final laps.

Watt, Tyler Dippel, Craig VonDohren, Ryan Krachun and Rick Laubach rounded out the top ten finishers.

Steph Palmai-Carberry returned to Bridgeport’s Victory Lane when she picked up the win in the Hilborn Tri-State Race Savers Sprint Car (TSRS) feature event earlier in the evening after leading from the green flag to the checkered.  The winner was greeted in Victory Lane by her father and grandfather who have played integral roles in her racing career.

Tim Tanner raced into second on lap fourteen and began to cut in to the lead but was unable to get to Palmai-Carberry’s No. 99 before the checkered.  Tanner finished second with Robbie Stillwaggon racing into third in the race’s final laps.  Tommy Carberry, the winner’s husband finishing fourth with Mike Haggenbottom rounding out the top five.  It was the final night of points for TSRS as Haggenbottom earned his fifth consecutive title with his fifth place finish.

Several hot lap sessions were offered for the Big Block Modifieds who will take center stage tonight (Saturday) in the first King of the Big Blocks event.  Fifty laps of Big Block Modifieds with $12,000 going to the winner in an event sponsored by K&A Excavating Company and United Rental Inc.

By virtue of the quick laps in the final timed sessions, Craig VonDohren and Brett Kressley earned guaranteed starting spots in the King of the Big Blocks.

 

358 SMALL BLOCK MODIFIEDS (25 LAPS)

1 – Frank Cozze, 2 – Billy Pauch, 3 – Billy Pauch Jr, 4 – Dominick Buffalino, 5 – Brett Kressley, 6 – Ryan Watt, 7 – Tyler Dippel, 8 – Craig Von Dohren, 9 – Ryan Krachun, 10 – Rick Laubach, 11 – John McClelland, 12 – Duane Howard, 13 – Jim Britt, 14 – Tommy Scheetz, 15 – Ray Swinehart, 16 – PJ Oiver, 17 – Ryan Forte, 18 – Ron Roberts, 19 – Brian Papiez, 20 – Eric Kormann, 21 – Kevin Vaclavicek, 22 – John Pakenham, 23 – Mike Iles, 24 – Ryan Godown, 25 – Jimmy Horton, 26 – Richie Pratt

HILBORN TRI-STATE RACE SAVER SPRINT CARS (20 LAPS)

1 – Steph Palmai-Carberry, 2 – Tim Tanner Jr, 3 – Ryan Stillwaggon, 4 – Tommy Carberry, 5 – Mike Haggenbottom, 6 – Eddie Wagner, 7 – Joe Lord, 8 – Dave Brown, 9 – Joe Kay, 10 – Kyle Purks, 11 – Chris Allen, 12 – Samantha Lieberman, 13 – Bryant Davis, 14 – David Bonner, 15 – Harris Kohen, 16 – Tim Smolenyak, 17 – Douglas Snow, 18 – Scott Frack, 19 – Doug Suiter, 20 – Jeff Geiges, 21 – Rick Steif

 

 

Upcoming event 

Saturday, October 1 – Poker Series Bonus Hand – Big Block Modifies, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks & Powder Puff Races on the 1/4 mile

Saturday & Sunday, October 15 & 16 – Misfits 4×4 Fall Down & Dirty Weekend plus Demo Derby, 7pm Saturday

Saturday & Sunday, November 4 & 5 – URC/360 Sprints Big Track Classic plus Crate/Sportsman Showdown

Friday, November 11 – Wild Card Weekend – 358 Small Blocks, TSRS Sprint Cars, Outlaw Stocks plus practice for Saturday

Saturday, November 12 – Gone But Not Forgotten – 811 Dig Safely Poker Series Hand #5 – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Bridgeport Speedway will introduce The King of the Big Blocks – sponsored by K&A Excavating Company, Inc.  – on Saturday, September 24th on the lightning fast 5/8th mile speedway.

 

The Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds will be featured in qualifying events and a $12,000 to win, 50 lap feature event.  The Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman and PennCo Tech Outlaw Stocks will complete the line-up in the tripleheader program.

 

With the Bridgeport Speedway being the only track in the Garden State who headlines Big Block Modifieds, the Speedway Management wanted to offer a high dollar event to feature their Big Block Division since most of the special events throughout the Tri-State area are for the Small Block Modifieds.  This event promises to attract the leading names in Modified drivers throughout the area.

 

K&A Excavating Company, Inc. came on board as the title sponsor for the King of the Big Blocks event.  K&A Excavating is a company who has built their reputation on their commitment to providing quality service – a commitment that has them many valuable customers over the years.  With more than thirty years of experience, K&a Excavating is the “go to” company when you need asphalt removal, land clearing or site preparation.  On the best equipment is used for each job by a skilled staff who are able to perform the tasks involved in all projects.  K&A’s mission statement is to provide customers with courteous and friendly service and quality workmanship. 

 

Competing for the big prize will be Bridgeport regulars –  2016 Bridgeport Modified Champion, Ryan Watt, 2012 Champion, Rick Laubach, Sam Martz, The Watson brothers – Jordan and Joseph, Neal Williams, Richie Pratt, Jr., David Hunt, Tommy Beamer, Ron Roberts as well as both rookie Big Block Feature winners, CJ Jones and Jim Britt.  Jimmy Horton – the winningest driver in Bridgeport history and multi-time track champion – will be in the field to challenge the Bridgeport regulars along with former Orange County Speedway Champion, Jerry Higbie and young driving sensations – Tyler Dippel, Billy VanInwigen and Brett Kressley who earned his first Big Block Modified win right here at Bridgeport earlier this season.  Drivers like Duane Howard, Craig VonDohren, Jeff Strunk, Ryan Krachun, Ryan Godown, David VanHorn, Billy Pauch Sr., Billy Pauch Jr. and Dominick Buffalino are expected to pull double duty this weekend, racing in both the Friday and Saturday night events.  Drivers like Mike Barone, Ryan Andersen, Donny Cogdill, Jamie Mills, Scott Ambruster, Mike Iles and both Jesse and Travis Hill will be returning to action for this featured event.

 

 

 

Racing will get underway at 6pm on Saturday, September 24th with the Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman and Outlaw stocks in action but the two-day show will start on Fridayevening, September 23rd when the Small Block Modifieds and Tri-State Race Saver Sprint cars will compete in a doubleheader show that gets underway at 7:30pm. 

 

The track preparation has been excellent – just ask anyone who has competed on the lightning fast Bridgeport Speedway 5/8 mile track this season!  Many races have been decided in the final laps and with the line-up of drivers expected for this big weekend, it should be racing action at its finest!

 

The final feature events of the season point chase in both the Big Blocks and Crate/Sportsman were decided in the final three laps.  Ryan Watt took the lead with just three laps to go, racing ahead of CJ Jones and Tommy Beamer to capture his fourth Bridgeport Big Block win of the season.   Brad Roberts raced side by side with Steve Davis in the final laps of the Crate/Sportsman main event to pick up his third win of 2016.  TJ Henry has twelve wins in a row and a total of thirteen victories this season in the Outlaw Stock Division where a $200 bounty has been offered to any driver who can win a feature event with Henry still in competition.  Eight different drivers have claimed victory in Tri State Race Saver Sprint Car competitionat the Bridgeport Speedway with only former champion, Mike Haggenbottom able to repeat so far this season.

 

A special two-day pass is being offered to fans in advance of this event.  For $45, fans will receive grandstand seats for both Friday and Saturday night’s events AND a $10 food voucher that canbe used at the Bridgeport Speedway concession stands.  As always, there will be live music, basketball and volleyball, the Moon Bounce and rides on the Bandit Bus that will give you a behind the scenes view of the racing action from the pits before the night’s action gets underway.  Pick up a copy of the Bridgeport Bullet – the official program of the Bridgeport Speedway – and catch up on all of the racing action, filled with plenty of photos and suitable for collecting autographs throughout the weekend. 

 

Handicapped seating is available on the homestretch. 

  

Camping will be available starting on Thursday night at the Bridgeport Speedway.  

 

Should it be necessary, Saturday, October 1st has been designated as a rain date for the King of the Big Blocks event.

 

The Bridgeport Speedway is committed to maintaining a safe, fun, family atmosphere, creating life-lasting memories of excitement. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Upcoming event 

Saturday, September 10 & 17 – No Racing

Friday, September 23 – Small Block Modifieds, TSRS Sprints & Open Practice, racing at 7:30pm

Saturday, September 24 – King of the Big Blocks – $12,000 to Win – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks, racing at 6pm (Rain date if needed – October 1)

Saturday, October 1 – Poker Series Bonus Hand – Big Block Modifies, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks & Powder Puff Races on the 1/4 mile

The Bridgeport Speedway crowned its 2016 Champions as the Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds, Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman and PennCo Tech Outlaw Stocks ran their final events on the fast 5/8 mile speedway.  While there is still plenty of racing left on the 2016 schedule, Saturday night concluded weekly competition in the three headline divisions.

Boyertown, PA driver, Ryan Watt claimed his second Big Block title at the Bridgeport Speedway as well as his fourth win of the season when he raced by race leader, CJ Jones on a restart with just three laps to go in the twenty-five lap main event.  “You could race the top, the bottom or the middle,” the track champion exclaimed.  “You can’t ask for more than that!”

Steve Davis battled to the checkered flag with feature winner, Brad Roberts in the twenty lap Crate/Sportsman feature to capture his first track title of his racing career.  Roberts picked up his third win of the 2016 season, taking the lead from Eric Kormann just two laps before the finish.

TJ Henry has been an unwavering force in the Outlaw Stock division, earning his thirteenth win and twelfth in a row in the final point race of the season.  Henry moved into the lead of the point standings just one race ago and went on to capture the title over Tom Wills, Jr.

Ron Roberts took the lead at the start of the Big Block Modified feature event, leading the first lap before two time feature winner, CJ Jones raced into the lead.  The Big Block rookie looked like he was on his way to an unprecedented third feature win in his rookie season as he drove away from the competition in a race that went twenty-one laps without a caution.  Jim Britt spun in turns three and four with just three laps to go, setting up a three way race for the lead between, Jones, Watt and Tommy Beamer.  Jones went to the outside on the single file restart as did Beamer, opening up the bottom of the track for Watt.  Watt drove into the lead and then led the final three laps to the finish.  Jones, Beamer, Dave Hunt and Rick Laubach trailed Watt to the checkered.

 

Matt Stangle led the first five laps of the Crate/Sportsman feature before Kormann came through the pack and into the lead.  Roberts advanced into second just before the half way mark and began closing in on the leader.  Both Roberts and Davis made their way by Kormann with just two laps to go and then raced each other for the leader.  Roberts and Davis raced side by side to the checkered flag with Roberts edging out the new champion for the win.  Kormann, Stangle and Billy Briggs rounded out the top five at the finish.

Mike Creamer led the way in the Outlaw Stock feature event before Scott Dugan took over on lap three.  Dugan led through lap five as Henry pressured the leader from second.  Following a lap six restart, Henry drove to the front and then went unchallenged for the win.  Dugan finished a strong second followed by Wills, Jr., Brian Ludwig and Jimmy Avery.

The Bridgeport Speedway will be idle for the next two weekends but will return to action on Friday and Saturday, September 23rd and 24th.  On Friday night, the Small Block Modifieds return to the speedway for their second event of the season along with the winged sprint cars of the Hilborn Tri State Race Savers.  Ryan Watt was the winner of the Small Block Modified event in August and will lead a host of Bridgeport regulars along with invaders in the Friday night competition.  TSRS has produced eight different feature winners this season with only Mike Haggenbottom able to repeat in Friday night competition.  The first green flag waves at 7:30pm for this Friday night event.

Then on Saturday night, it’s Bridgeport’s biggest event of the season with the first  King of the Big Blocks sponsored by K & A Excavating, paying $12,000 to the winner of the fifty lap main event.  The Bridgeport regulars will take on the invaders from throughout the Northeast in this premier event.  The Crate/Sportsman and Outlaw Stocks will complete this tripleheader program with racing getting underway at 6pm.

SPIRIT AUTO CENTER BIG BLOCK MODIFIEDS (25 laps): 1. Ryan Watt, 2. C.J. Jones, 3. Tommy Beamer, 4. David Hunt, 5. Rick Laubach, 6. Sam Martz, 7. Neal Williams, 8. Richie Pratt, Jr., 9. Mike Barone, 10. Jordan Watson, 11. Ron Roberts, 12. Ricky DiEva, 13. Jim Britt, 14. Dave Shirk, 15. Chuck Potts, 16. Rusty Smith, 17. Anthony Moran, 18. Howard O’Neil, 19. Ryan Forte, 20. Kevin Britt, 21. Frank Doklan, DNS – Mike Franz, Pete Visconti

STEWART STAINLESS SUPPLY CRATE/SPORTSMAN (20 laps): 1. Brad Roberts, 2. Steve Davis, 3. Eric Kormann, 4. Matt Stangle, 5. Billy Briggs, 6. Roger Manning, 7. Dave Damiano, 8. Chris Jenkins, 9. Kris Lilick, 10. David Jenkins, 11. Chris Grbac, 12. Tom Sherby, 13. Shawn Ratchford, 14. Pete Serra, 15. Matthew Luzi, 16. Bob Lilick, 17. Jeramy Doerr, 18. Tom Errico, Jr., DNS – Jeff Bubori

PENNCO TECH OUTLAW STOCKS (15 laps): 1. T.J. Henry, 2. Scott Dugan, 3. Tom Wills, Jr., 4. Brian Ludwig, 5. Jim Avery, 6. Gary Klimeczak, 7. Mike Creamer, 8. John Parker, 9. Ryan Freshneck, 10. Cleve Riehl, 11. Art Avery, 12. Spider Ensinger, 13. Pat Conaway, DNS – Steven Land.

 

 

Upcoming event 

Saturday, September 10 & 17 – No Racing

Friday, September 23 – Small Block Modifieds, TSRS Sprints & Open Practice, racing at 7:30pm

Saturday, September 24 – King of the Big Blocks – $12,000 to Win Sponsored by K & A Excavating – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks, racing at 6pm  (Rain date if needed – October 1)

Saturday, October 1 – 811 Dig Safe Poker Series Bonus Hand Sponsored by Colonial Pipeline  – Big Block Modifies, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks & Powder Puff Races on the 1/4 mile

             LAUBACH, MANNING AND STIEF SCORE “FIRSTS” IN BRIDGEPORT ACTION

     

         In just his second race behind the wheel of the Atlas Paving No. 66, Rick Laubach drove into the lead just before half way in the Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modified Feature event to capture his second Bridgeport win of the season and his first in the Petruska family owned racer.  Roger Manning, in just his tenth Bridgeport start, picks up the first win of his career in the Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman division.  Rick Stief is certainly no stranger to the Bridgeport Speedway after racing Micro sprints on the quarter mile but on Saturdaynight, Stief picked up his first sprint car win with a victory in the final hand of the Tanner Brothers Dairy Store/Thayer Performance 2016 Poker Series for the Tri State Race Saver Sprint Cars.  It was a great night of racing on Bike Night on the 5/8 mile speedway!

     Bob Sarkisian took the lead from pole sitter, Dave Shirk as the field raced out of turn two on the first lap.  Sarkisian led the first two circuits before Bensalem, PA driver, Jim Britt raced by Sarkisian in turn three on the third lap.  With one win to his credit in his Modified rookie season, Britt pulled away from the field until Laubach moved up to second on lap six.  Laubach started in close the gap as Britt led the way to complete lap ten.  Britt led Laubach, Sarkisian, Dave Shirk and Jamie Mills.

     Mike Franz drew a caution with eleven laps scored, erasing Britts advantage over Laubach as the two drivers lined up side by side for the restart.  After one false start, Laubach raced into the lead and Mills, took over third. 

     It was Mills first race since being injured in late May.   Mills nephew, Joseph Watson, filled the cockpit for Mills during his absence but Mills and the Blue Hen Racing Team debuted a new Bicknell chassied No. 30 for Saturday night’s action. 

     Mills raced into second before the yellow flag waved as Richie Pratt, Jr. and Tommy Beamer slowed between turns one and two with thirteen laps complete.  Laubach elected to restart from the outside and pulled ahead of Mills on the restart.

     Ryan Watt raced his way into the top five after making contact with the third turn wall on the second lap.  One lap later, he moved by Britt to take fourth.  Laubach led Mills, Jordan Watson, Watt and Britt with ten laps to go. 

     With Laubach safely out in front, Watt was on the move in the final laps.  The current point leader overtook Watson on lap nineteen and then raced by Mills following the race’s final restart for the disabled mount of Watson with three laps to go.

     Laubach took the win for his new team over Watt, Mills, Britt and Neal Williams.  Laubach said that the ride in the Petruska No. 66, “is a dream come true for me!”  This is a new experience for Laubach who usually maintains and transports his rides to the track.  Laubach asked that fans keep car owners, Gary and Lori Hermann in their thoughts and prayers this week as Lori deals with some health concerns and Laubach’s mother, Shirley is battling breast cancer. 

     Roger Manning took the lead from the outside at the waveofthe green and flag and literally never looked back as he drove to a convincing win in the Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman feature.  Manning had no idea that he led Bobby Lilick and then Brad Roberts by a near straight away at the end of twenty laps.  The first time feature winner was focused on hitting his marks.  The second generation driver – son of former Bridgeport competitor, Don Manning – listened to his father’s words of advice as he circled the 5/8 mile track with his HigFab No. 50 with Lombardo power under the hood.

     Last week’s feature winner, Brad Roberts, took second from Bobby Lilick on the final lap.  Lilick finished third with current point leader, Steve Davis finishing fourth and Eric Kormann finishing fifth in the Cogdill No. 98.   

     Rick Stief was fast all night, taking the lead in the Hilborn Tri State Race Saver (TSRS) Sprint Car Feature event on lap nine as he drove to the first sprint car win of his career.  Stief was the eighth different driver to win in Saturday night TSRS action on the 5/8th mile speedway. 

     

     Former feature winner, Jeff Geiges finished second with Christopher Allen, Jr. finishing third.  Eddie Wagner finished fourth with Mark Bitner rounding out the top five.  Allen and Wagner are also previous feature winners.

     Current TSRS point leader, Mike Haggenbottom suffered mechanical failure in the final laps after running among the leaders for most of the race.  Haggenbottom was crowned as the 2016 Tanner Dairy Store/Thayer Performance Poker Series Champion with three Kings. 

     The final point race of the season is scheduled for Saturday night at the Bridgeport Speedway as the Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman and Outlaw Stocks return to action at 7pm.  The Garden State Vintage will be on hand for this final night of points.  Then the 5/8th mile speedway will be idle until the return to action on Friday, September 23rd for the Small Block Modfiieds and TSRS Sprint Car doubleheader followed by the King of the Big Blocks event on Saturday, September 24th with $12,000 going to the winner of the 50 lap Big Block Modified feature.

SPIRIT AUTO CENTER BIG BLOCK MODIFIEDS (25 laps): 1. Rick Laubach, 2. Ryan Watt, 3. Jamie Mills, 4. Jim Britt, 5. Neal Williams, 6. Dave Shirk, 7. David Hunt, 8. Ron Roberts, 9. Sam Martz, 10. Bob Sarkisian, 11. Mike Franz, 12. C.J. Jones, 13. Ricky DiEva, 14. Chuck Potts, 15. Jordan Watson, 16. Richie Pratt, Jr., 17. Tommy Beamer, DNS – Wade Hendrickson

 

STEWART STAINLESS SUPPLY CRATE/SPORTSMAN (20 laps): 1. Roger Manning, 2. Brad Roberts, 3. Bob Lilick, 4. Steve Davis, 5. Eric Kormann, 6. Dave Damiano, 7. Matt Stangle, 8. Kris Lilick, 9. Clyde Cox, 10. Chris Jenkins, 11. Jeramy Doerr, 12. David Crossman, 13. Bill Briggs, 14. Chuck Sayres, 15. Tom Errico, 16. Stan Hawk, 17. Jeff Bubori, 18. Ernie Miles, III, 19. Steve Kemery, DNS – Melissa Scarpati, David Banko

 

HILBORN TSRS 305 SPRINTS – TANNER BROTHERS DAIRY/THAYER PERFORMANCE 2016 POKER SERIES (20 laps): 1. Rick Stief, 2. Jeff Geiges, 3. Chris Allen, 4. Eddie Wagner, 5. Mark Bitner, 6. Tim Tanner, Jr., 7. Mike Haggenbottom, 8. Stef Carberry, 9. Tommy Carberry, 10. Kyle Purks, 11. Scott Frack, 12. Bryant Davis, 13. Joe Lord, 14. David Bonner, 15. Mike Kostic, 16. Douglas Snow, 17. Logan Diehl, 18. Doug Suiter, 19. Samantha Lieberman

 

 

 

Upcoming event 

Saturday, September 3 – Final Night of Points – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks & Garden State Vintage, racing at 7pm

Saturday, September 10 & 17 – No Racing

Friday, September 23 – Small Block Modifieds, TSRS Sprints & Open Practice, racing at 7:30pm

Saturday, September 24 – King of the Big Blocks – $12,000 to Win – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks, racing at 6pm  (Rain date if needed – October 1)