Bridgeport July 31 Poker Race to Honor the late Tom Cimpko with Bonus $$$
Bridgeport, NJ – Earlier this season, noted mechanic Tom Cimpko passed away at the age of 85. The Hillsborough Township, NJ resident was well-known in the world of dirt modified racing by many. Cimpko’s Family wanted to get together at a track that Tom’s presence played a large part at. “My Dad just loved racing, the people involved in the sport, and Bridgeport Speedway was a big part of our lives,” offered Dawn Cimpko-one of Tom’s daughters.
The Cimpko Family has put up THREE hefty bonuses for the 40-lap Poker Series event on July 31! The winner of the $4,000 event will receive a $1,000 bonus – 5th place will receive a $500 bonus and 8th place will receive an $800 bonus on top of their regular earnings. Current Spirit Auto Center Big Block point leader Billy Pauch has also revealed that he and the Liedl Family have gotten together to debut a throw back “L”paint scheme for this special event!
Known by his contemporaries as a man of integrity and vast knowledge, there was no mechanical issue that Tommy would not find a work-around for! A “super fan” of dirt racing, Tommy was a fixture at the iconic Flemington Speedway. He raced many cars over the years, but is prominently remembered as the lead mechanic for
many notable drivers throughout his tenure in the racing world. Drivers such as as Sammy Beavers, Mike Grbac and Billy Pauch are among those who can say Tommy was a major part of their team. He truly inspired every member of the crew to do their best, and his hard work helped those drivers earn much success. Tom also crewed for other notable drivers like Frank Cozze, Fritz Epright, Roger Laureno, Fred Dmuchowski, Billy Osmun, and the McCaughey Family.
His most proud moment had to be when Billy Pauch won 10 in a row at Flemington and the track put a bounty up on ‘The Kid’ for $500, which was a lot back in the 80’s. A few owners that Cimpko worked under include the Liedl Brothers, Ted Arnold, Tony Sesely, Joe Scamardella, and Ricky Grosso.
Racing will begin at 7:15pm on Wednesday, July 31. The Big Block Modifieds will battle in a 40-lapper, the 602 Crate Sportsman will compete in a 20-lap $1,000 to win event, and the Outlaw Stocks will race in a 15-lap $500 to win affair.
We were fortunate enough to get a few quotes from some of the people that Tom influenced over the years:
Wade Hendrickson: When Tom helped on my injection he would tap the butterflies closed with an ice pick…my dad called him Tom Icepick
Roger Laureno: You had to get up early in the morning to try to out work Tommy. A great guy and a true racer. I really enjoyed the time I got to spend with him building and racing the MBC 58 and the Tony Sesely 16.
John McCaughey: Tom was a great man and a helluva racer.
Rick Shive: Tom was all business at the track, kinda reminded me of Gus Frear.
Mark Marotta: Brilliant man
Fred Voorhees: He was a pioneer in the racing world
Randy Morton: Tommy was a great friend of my dad who always said Tom was the best wrench period.
Ted Arnold: One of the nicest and intelligent persons I have ever met. I wish I took in more of his knowledge.
Scott Pool: Great mind when it came to building race cars
Dominick Ragano: Tom was a great guy knew him well over 50 years very smart, always one step ahead of everyone, knew him back when he worked for Gavazzi Tire
A-Rich Stinson, Jr
K-Jon Meyer
Q-Brian Ludwig
J-Lee Allen
10-Gary Klimeczak