Author: bridgeportmotorsportspark

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)

For the third time in just seven days, Ryan Watt drove his Ron Roberts Racing No. 14w to victory on the lightning fast 5/8th mile Bridgeport Speedway on a night of racing sponsored by Joy Auto Parts of Dunellen and Chester, New Jersey.

Watt became the first driver this season to win three times in the Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modified ranks as he picked up back-to-back wins in Saturday night action.  Watt was also the winner of the Small Block Modified portion of Bridgeport’s Three for All program on Tuesday night.

Brad Roberts, grandson of Ron Roberts, drove to his second win of the season in the Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman main event after taking the lead from three time winner, Matt Stangle on the sixth circuit of the twenty lap race.  TJ Henry picked up a pair of wins in the PennCo Tech Outlaw Stocks, winning both of the Twin 12 lap feature events for that division and upping his win total to an even dozen by the end of Saturday night’s action.  No one was able to claim the bounty placed on Henry who has now won eleven Outlaw Stock features in a row.  Riehl Towing and the Bridgeport Speedway combined to post a $200 bounty to be paid to the driver who can win in this division with Henry still in the race at the checkered flag.

Tommy Beamer had the Thornton Gulf No. 31 out in front for the first five laps of the Big Block Modified feature before Neal Williams put the Overhead Door No. 0w into the lead on lap six.  Williams led the way through half way after Watt moved into second on lap nine.  Watt closed in on Williams and took a look to the inside of the leader in turn three on lap thirteen.  Mindful of Watt’s move to the inside to take the lead in last week’s event, Williams was determined not to let that happen again.  “I wasn’t going to get beat on the inside again,” Williams stated.  “I moved to the bottom.”  When Williams changed his line, it left the outside open for Watt raced side by side with Williams to complete lap fifteen.  Watt pulled ahead as the field raced out of turn two.

There was plenty of action remaining as Dominck Buffalino closed in on Williams just before the five to go sign.  Buffalino went to the outside and raced Williams to the stripe to complete lap twenty-one then moved ahead as they head through the corners.  Rick Laubach, assuming the wheel of the Atlas Paving No. 66, moved in to pressure Williams in the final laps.

A caution flag with two laps to go erased Watt’s advantage and had Buffalino, Williams, Laubach and Joseph Watson lined up nose to tail behind the leader.  But the current point leader prevailed as he led the way to the finish with Buffalino finishing second.  Laubach made a move by Williams with just a little more than a lap remaining to take third.  Williams finished fourth  with Joseph Watson rounding out the top five.

David Crossman led the field of Crate/Sportsman competitors for the first lap before Matt Stangle took over the lead on lap two.  Stangle led the way through lap five but Roberts used the inside to take the lead following a lap six restart.  It was all Roberts to the checkered flag with point leader, Steve Davis closing within a few car lengths of the leader.   Bobby Lilick finished third with Steve Kemery taking fourth.  Dave Damiano rounded out the top five.

The PennCo Tech Outlaw Stocks raced in two complete twelve lap feature events that saw Seaford, DE driver, TJ Henry drive to the front in each event.  In the first twelve lap feature,  Henry took the lead on lap two after Steve Land and Mike Creamer tangled while racing for the lead, leaving Billy Wroble no place to go.  Hard contact was made but all drivers were okay following the incident.  Henry led the way to the finish with Tom Wills, Jr. holding off the challenges of Brian Ludwig for second.  Scott Dugan finished fourth with Creamer rounding out the top five.

Gary Klimeczak put his No. 11 out in front in the second twelve lap feature event for the first four laps while holding off the challenges of Spider Ensinger.  Henry took over second on lap four and then took the lead on the next circuit around the 5/8th mile track.  Ensinger raced ahead of Klimeczak to take second but Scott Dugan made a late race charge to finish second to Henry at the checkered flag.  Ensinger finished third followed by Creamer and Klimeczak.

Colonial Pipeline’s 811 Dig Safely sponsored intermission activities that saw the young drivers of the future take to the quarter mile track for some laps before the feature events.  Competitors from Atco, Phoenixville, Blackbird and Wall Quarter Midget Clubs took part in Bridgeport’s Quarter Midget Night.  The youngsters were proud to display their cars behind the grandstand and then joined Ryan Watt, a father of a quarter midget driver himself, in Victory Lane.

The Bridgeport Speedway hosts Bike Night next Saturday night, sponsored by Harris Paving.  Anyone driving/riding a motorcycle to the races will be admitted free.  The Motorcycles will be on display throughout the night’s events behind the grandstand.  Several lucky boys and girls will win new bicycles during the night’s activities.  The Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman and Tri State Race Saver Sprint Cars will be in action with racing getting underway at 7pm.

SPIRIT AUTO CENTER BIG BLOCK MODIFIEDS (25 LAPS)

1 – Ryan Watt, 2 – Dominick Buffalino, 3 – Rick Laubach, 4 – Neal Williams, 5 – Jojo Watson, 6 – Tommy Beamer, 7 – Sam Martz, 8 – Richie Pratt Jr, 9 – Jim Britt, 10 – Dave Shirk, 11 – Billy Pauch Sr, 12 – Mike Franz, 13 – Ron Roberts, 14 – Chuck Potts, 15 – Jordan Watson, 16 – Wade Hendrickson, 17 – Bob Sarkisian, 18 – Ricky Dieva, 19 – CJ Jones, 20 – Ryan Krachun

STEWART STAINLESS CRATE/SPORTSMAN (20 LAPS)

1 – Brad Roberts, 2 – Steve Davis, 3 – Bob Lilick, 4 – Steve Kemery, 5 – Dave Damiano, 6 – Eric Kormann, 7 – Kris Lilick, 8 – Tom Sherby, 9 – Bob Bracall, 10 – Melissa Scarpati, 11 – David Crossman, 12 – Matthew Luzi, 13 – Matt Stangle, 14 – Jeramy Doerr, 15 – Bill Briggs, 16 – Brian Lilick, 17 – Roger Manning

PENNCO TECH OUTLAWSTOCKS FEATURE 1 (12 LAPS)

1 – TJ Henry, 2 – Tom Wills Jr, 3 – Brian Ludwig, 4 – Scott Dugan, 5 – Mike Creamer, 6 – Spider Ensinger, 7 – Ed Bischoff, 8 – Gary Klimeczek, 9 – Tom Princiaotta, 10 – Jack Beaumont, 11 – John Parker, 12 – Doug Debray, 13 – Steven Land, 14 – Billy Wroble   DNS – Art Avery

PENNCO TECH OUTLAW STOCKS FEATURE 2 (12 LAPS)

1 – TJ Henry, 2 – Scott Dugan, 3 – Spider Ensinger, 4 – Mike Creamer, 5 – Gary Klimeczek, 6 – Tom Princiotta, 7 – Ed Bischoff, 8 – Tom Wills Jr, 9 – Doug Bebray, 10 – Brian Ludwig, 11 – Jack Beaumont, 12 – John Parker   DNS – Art Avery, Steven Land

There’s a lot of the Bridgeport Speedway in Ricky “The Rocket” Elliott.

The Seaford, DE driver has had a lot of success on the 5/8 mile speedway where he sits eighth on the All Time Feature Winner’s List with thirty-five wins – just behind Kenny Brightbill.

Elliott came close to winning the Bridgeport track title in 2004 when he won ten feature events.  The championship came down to the final race of the season.  Duane Howard finished ahead of Elliott that night and won the point title.  “I’ve never been a points racer,” Elliott says, in spite of his numerous track championships in his home state.  “I’ve always been a driver who wants to win and racing for points, changes the way you race,” Elliott added.  “Every week, people as me the same question – ‘Who won’ – they never ask who finished second.

For many seasons, Elliott spent his Saturday nights turning the wheel of some of the best cars to compete on the Bridgeport clay.  Elliott wheeled the Hewlett No. 901, Sal DeBruno’s No.0  and  the  J & J No. 27 as well as Jake’s Marine No. 85.

“It was time for a change,” Elliott says of his decision to leave Big Block Modifieds in favor of the Super Late Model ranks a little more than ten years ago.

And it is the Super Late Model that will bring Ricky Elliott back to the Bridgeport Speedway for the BRB Contractors Three for All Event this Tuesday, August 16^th.  This is the second year for the Three for All – a tripleheader show that features the Super Late Models, 358 Small Block Modifieds and United Racing Club Sprint Cars.

In spite of his past successes at Bridgeport, Elliott is still seeking his first Super Late Model win on the 5/8^th mile Logan township track.   “I thought I was smarter than everybody else,” Elliott explained.  The former Bridgeport regular thought that his past Bridgeport experience would pay dividends at last year’s event but a wrong choice in tires found Elliott in the top five but not able to compete for the win.  The Super Late Models are lighter and more aerodynamic than the Big Block Modifieds and will turn laps about a second and a half faster than the Modifieds.

“I’m really looking forward to this year’s event,” Elliott exclaimed.  “Bridgeport is one of my favorite tracks.  The faster you go, the better I like it,”  Elliott added.

Elliott will be competing for the win on Tuesday night along with drivers like Glenn Elliot, Dale Hollidge, Bryan Bernheisel, Donnie Lingo, Kenny & Mark Pettyjohn and others.  Racing gets underway with qualifying at 7:30.

It was Scout Night at the Bridgeport Speedway on a night sponsored by Eastern Autoparts Warehouse and the weather couldn’t have been any hotter as the East coast was experiencing yet another heat wave during the summer of 2016.  The temperatures were extra warm but not as hot as the racing on the 5/8 mile speedway!  Ryan Watt drove his Array of Monograms sponsored No. 14w to his second Bridgeport Speedway win of the season after Neal Williams dominated much of the race in Sal DeBruno’s Overhead Door No. 0. 

Polesitter, Ricky DiEva took the lead in the Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modified feature event after one false start.  Williams, Wade Hendrickson, Jordan Watson and Mike Franz followed as DiEva led the way through the first lap.  Rick Laubach was on the move, taking over fourth with a pass outside of Franz on lap two. 

 DiEva led the way through lap five but Williams had the No. 0NW working on the outside as he powered by DiEva as they exited turn two on lap six.  Laubach moved ahead of Jordan Watson who then had Watt challenging on lap seven.  Watt and then Watson made their way by DiEva on lap nine.  Williams led the way through lap ten followed by Hendrickson, Laubach, Watt and Jordan Watson. 

 Laubach had just taken over second after a battle with Hendrickson when the caution waved for Richie Pratt, Jr. who was facing traffic between turns one and two.  Williams took the outside on the restart but a tangle between Roger Manning and Jim Britt saw the yellow flag displayed yet again.  Williams took control on the restart as Hendrickson and Watt battled for the runner-up spot. 

 With one win to his credit, Tommy Beamer had the Thornton Gulf No. 31 on the outside and was quickly advancing positions.  With ten to go, Beamer ran fourth but while Hendrickson and Watt battled for second, it was Beamer who quickly moved into the runner-up spot, setting his sights on Williams. 

Watt moved into third behind Williams and Beamer but the caution waved again for last week’s winner, CJ
Jones who ran into trouble in turn one.  Watt pulled along side of Beamer under the caution to tell Beamer of a right rear tire going flat.  Beamer headed to the pits for a quick tire change and Watt moved up to second to start behind Williams on the single file restart. 

 Williams ran the outside, knowing that the outside was Watt’s preferred line.  “Watt runs the outside so I figured I was in good shape,” Williams explained later.  With four laps to go, imagine his surprise as Watt put the No. 14w on the bottom of the track, pulling even with Williams and then powering into the lead. 

 Watt led the final four laps to capture his second Bridgeport win of the season.  Williams finished second – his best outing since returning to weekly action on the 5/8 mile track.  Hendrickson deflected all challenges to finish third followed by Jordan Watson and Rick Laubach.  DiEva had his best outing of the season to finish sixth as Beamer rebounded for a seventh place finish.  Sam Martz finished eighth with Jimmy Horton and Dave Shirk rounding out the top ten.

 TJ Henry made it double digits in the win column with his tenth win of the season in the PennCo Tech Outlaw Stock feature event.  Henry took the lead from Scott Dugan on lap four and drove to the checkered flag at the end of fifteen laps.  Tom Wills, Jr. and Brian Ludwig battled throughout the race for the runner-up spot with Ludwig taking second on the final lap. 

 Dave Brown returned to Bridgeport for the Tri State Race Savers Regional event and fifth hand of the Tanner Dairy Store/Thayer Performance 2016 Poker Series event.  Brown led from the green flag to the checkered to capture his first win of the season at Bridgeport but third overall this season.  Mike Haggenbottom finished second with Eddie Wagner taking third.  Tim Tanner finished fourth with Joe Kay taking fifth on the final lap. 

Bridgeport host their Three for All event this Tuesday, sponsored by BRB Contractors.  Racing gets underway for the Super Late Models, Small Block Modifieds and United Racing Club Sprint cars at 7:30 on Tuesday evening.  It’s Quarter Midget Night at Bridgeport on Saturday for a regular three division show with the Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman and Outlaw Stocks with racing getting underway at 7pm.

Photos Courtesy of John Cliver

SPIRIT AUTO CENTER BIG BLOCK MODIFIEDS (25 laps): 1. Ryan Watt, 2. Neal Williams, 3. Wade Hendrickson, 4. Jordan Watson, 5. Rick Laubach, 6. Ricky DiEva, 7. Tommy Beamer, 8. Sam Martz, 9. Jimmy Horton, 10. Dave Shirk, 11. Ron Roberts, 12. Bob Sarkisian, 13. Richie Pratt, Jr., 14. Mike Franz, 15. C.J. Jones, 16. Ernie Miles, III, 17. Joseph Watson, 18. Jim Britt, 19. Stan Frankenfield, 20. Roger Manning, 21. Anthony Moran, DNS – Matt Stangle

HILBORN TSRS 305 SPRINTS (20 laps): 1. Dave Brown, 2. Mike Haggenbottom, 3. Eddie Wagner, 4. Tim Tanner, Jr., 5. Joe Kay, 6. Rick Stief, 7. Brendon Poff, 8. Logan Diehl, 9. Samantha Lieberman, 10. Zach Burd, 11. Bryant Davis, 12. Erika Palmai, 13. Douglas Snow

PENNCO TECH OUTLAW STOCKS (15 laps): 1. T.J. Henry, 2. Brian Ludwig, 3. Tom Wills, Jr., 4. Pete Ellis, 5. Scott Dugan, 6. Mike Creamer, 7. Art Avery

Upcoming event

     Tuesday, August 16 – Three for All – Super Late Models, URC Sprint Cars and 358 Small Block Modifieds, racing at 7:30 (rain date Wednesday, August 17 if needed)

     Saturday, August 20 – 1/4 Midget Night sponsored by Joy Auto Parts – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Twin 12s for Outlaw Stocks, racing at 7pm

     Saturday, August 27 – BIKE NIGHT – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman and TSRS Sprint Cars, racing at 7pm

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

On August 16th, the Bridgeport Speedway will present the second Three for All event on the 5/8th mile speedway – a tripleheader show featuring the Super Late Models, United Racing Club (URC) Sprint Cars and 358 Small Block Modifieds with each division competing in qualifying events and a twenty-five lap feature events.  It’s a race fan’s dream  – guaranteed to offer something for everyone’s taste in dirt track racing!

The Three for All will be sponsored by BRB Contractors of King of Prussia, PA.  BRB Contractors is a family owned and operated business, specializing in demolition, excavation, paving, hauling and site work.  Bob Lilick and his four sons – Bobby, Brian, Justin and Kris – are competitors at the Bridgeport Speedway.  Kris Lilick has won twice this season in the Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman Division and is currently second in the point standings with brother, Bobby in third.  The Lilicks and BRB Contractors have been in business for sixteen years.

The inaugural Three for All event saw young Andrew Mullins make full use of a late race caution to erase Glenn Elliot’s advantage as he raced into the lead of Super Late Models as the field headed to the white flag.   Curt Michael picked up the win in the URC feature event, earning his fourth win of the 2015 season followed by Robbie Stillwaggon and Josh Weller.  Neal Williams earned his first ever Modifed feature win at Bridgeport with a flag to flag victory in the Small Block Modified feature, holding off the challenges of Jimmy Blewett and Ryan Watt.

Glenn Elliot’s second place finish didn’t dampen his enthusiasm for this event.  “This is an awesome place,” Elliot exclaimed following the 2015 event.  “I would love to come here.”  Elliot will have his chance when the gates swing open on the 2016 event.

Echoing Glenn Elliot’s enthusiasm is Ricky Elliot – a former regular competitor in Bridgeport’s Big Block Modified Division.  Elliot racked up ten feature wins on the Bridgeport 5/8 mile track during the 2004 season, losing the title by single digit points as he and eventual champion, Duane Howard battled to the final checkered flag for the 2004 title.  Elliot made the move into Late Models during the following season.  In spite of his success in the Modifieds, Elliot is still looking for his first Super Late Model victory on the Bridgeport clay.

“I thought I was smarter than everyone else,” Elliot said of his strategy in last year’s event.  With all of his success and Bridgeport experience, Elliot chose a tire compound that was too hard.  He finished fourth.  “These cars are about a second and a half faster than the Modifieds (Big Blocks).  They are more aero dynamic and a little lighter,” Elliot explained the factors that contributed to his miscalculation.  “I’m really looking forward to this event,” Elliot stated.  Elliot has been active with the Bridgeport management team, recruiting drivers for the 2016 event.

“Bridgeport has always been one of my favorite tracks,” Elliot related.  “The faster you go, the better I like it!”

The inaugural Three for All event was also a red letter race for Neal Williams who picked up his first ever Modified win at the Bridgeport Speedway.   Williams is a former Crate/Sportsman Champion at the Bridgeport Speedway with multiple feature wins in that division.  It was Williams who gave New Jersey car owner, Sal DeBruno his first Bridgeport Championship while racing in the Crate/Sportsman Division.

DeBruno has fielded cars for many years.  The list of drivers who have competed in the Overhead Door of Southern New Jersey No. 0 is like a “Who’s Who” in racing.  That list includes drivers like Doug Hoffman, Ricky Elliot, Wade Hendrickson and Richie Pratt to name a few.  Williams returned to Bridgeport this season in a second DeBruno owned Big Block Modified No. 0nw, joining rookie, CJ Jones who has won twice in the Overhead Door No. 0 so far this season.

Small Block Modified competition on the 5/8 mile track will find an interesting mix of Bridgeport regulars  as well as invaders.  Bridgeport Big Block Modified feature winners like Ryan Watt, Rick Laubach, Wade Hendrickson

Curt Michael would like nothing better than to pick up his winning ways when URC returns to the Bridgeport Speedway.  Michael had high praise for the track preparation in last year’s event.

The nine time URC Champion from Oceanview, DE has 55 career URC wins and would welcome another Bridgeport victory to increase that total.

Davie Franek picked up a Bridgeport win back in April when URC opened their 2016 season on the 5/8 mile track.  Franek has set the benchmark among URC competitors so far this season as he leads the points and has four wins.  Robbie Stillwaggon, Curt Michael, Josh Weller and Troy Betts round out the top five in points with Weller being the only other driver to capture a URC victory to date.

If you are a racing fan then the Bridgeport Speedway’s Three for All has something for you!  Super Late Models, Small Block Modifieds and Sprint Cars all on the same racing program!

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

Upcoming event

     Saturday, August 13 – SCOUT NIGHT –  Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & TSRS Sprint Cars, racing at 7pm

     Tuesday, August 16 – Three for All – Super Late Models, URC Sprint Cars and 358 Small Block Modifieds, racing at 7:30 (rain date Wednesday, August 17 if needed)

     Saturday, August 20 – 1/4 Midget Night sponsored by Joy Auto Parts – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Twin 12s for Outlaw Stocks, racing at 7pm

     Saturday, August 27 – BIKE NIGHT – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman and TSRS Sprint Cars, racing at 7pm