SOUTH JERSEY OVERHEAD DOOR BACK AGAIN AS BRIDGEPORT’S 602 SPORTSMAN TITLE SPONSOR

Bridgeport Motorsports Park would like to welcome back Sal DeBruno’s South Jersey Overhead Door Company as the title sponsor for Bridgeport’s 602 Sportsman for the 2020 season. Last year, SJOD embarked in a a new venture with Bridgeport Speedway and its 602 Sportsman division. The experience and exposure was just what the well-known company was looking for, which has led to a return as the title sponsor once again in 2020.

Sal DeBruno’s South Jersey Overhead Door No. 0 cars and Bridgeport Speedway have been synonymous together over the past four decades of racing. The SJOD cars can be seen at the track week in and week out with seasoned-veterans Wayne Weaver and Neal Williams behind the wheel of the legendary ‘0’ cars. Both hired guns gave South Jersey Overhead Door even more exposure by landing in Victory Lane several times throughout the 2019 campaign. Williams drove to a checkered in the Modified division while Wayne Weaver drove to four victories the 602 Sportsman class.
“Bridgeport’s my home and always will be,” DeBruno proudly stated. “I’ve been here throughout all the owners and track transitions spanning nearly 40 years, so this year is no different for me,” offered the extremely likeable car and business owner. “I’m really excited and looking forward to the new track. I think the new owner (Doug Rose) has got a good plan for this place and I’m just happy we have a track to race at and I want to help in any way I can. I might be a Modified guy but I watch all of the 602 Sportsman races too! They are just exciting if you ask me,” Debruno pointed out.

DeBruno built his business much like he built his race team – by starting with the basics and then building from there. 2020 will mark South Jersey Overhead Door’s fifty-ninth year in business. SJOD offers a full line of residential, commercial and industrial overhead doors and motors to fit any budget. If you’re in need a of a repair for your current door or motor, they service all makes and models. They even offer 24hr emergency service for commercial customers. You can visit their full show room that has working overhead doors and motors!

South Jersey Overhead Door carries:
Overhead Sectional Doors, Custom Wood Doors, Steel Flush Commercial Entry Doors, Garage Door Motors, All Brands of Electronic Controls, Residential and Commercial Gate Operators, Telephone Entry Systems, Coiling Service and Fire Doors, Coiling and Side Folding Security Grilles, Coiling Counter Shutters, High Speed Fabric Doors, Insect Barrier Doors, Dock Levelers, Dock Seals and Shelters, Truck Restraints
SJOD is located at 1360 N. Delsea Drive in Vineland, NJ 08362. To talk to a member of SJOD, you can reach them at 856-692-2840. You can also visit them online at www.sjoverheaddoor.com

The South Jersey Overhead Door 602 Sportsman will battle it out for 19 point races along with several other special events during the 2020 racing season. The annual pre-season open practice will take place on Saturday, March 21 a week prior to the “Kingdom of Speed 100” grand-opening weekend on March 28 & 29. Race Teams & Fans are encouraged to follow all the lastest happenings and announcements by visiting the track’s website at www.bpspeedway.com, checking out the track’s Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram or calling the speedway office at 856-467-4408.

WoO, MTT, DIRT, STSS, USAC, & URC HIGHLIGHT 2020 BRIDGEPORT SEASON

Bridgeport Speedway is proud to announce that they have put together an exciting schedule of events for the 2020 season!  “Excited is an understatement,” new track owner Doug Rose exclaimed.  “We’ve come up with such a diverse and attractive schedule for the fans and race teams, I truly can’t wait.  We’ve got the best touring series in the country coming to Bridgeport in 2020 along with the best weekly competition on Saturday nights.  If this schedule doesn’t get the blood pumping, you might want to go see your primary doctor,” Rose added with a chuckle.
 
The 2020 season will kick off with the ‘Kingdom of Speed 100 Weekend’ featuring the 60 Over Special-Doug Hoffman Memorial Race on March 28th and 29th.  Friday night gets things going with an open practice for any participating weekend divisions.  Saturday and Sunday will showcase the Modifieds vying for a 60-lap  $6,000 first-place prize while the 358 ‘spec’ Small Blocks battle it out for $4,000 in their 40-lapper.  The Speedstrs will make their first of 9 appearances in 2020, while 602 Sportsman, Street Stocks, and 305 MASS Sprints round out what is sure to be a must-see opening day weekend!
 
The 2020 point chase gets underway on Saturday, April 10.,  There are 17 scheduled traditional point races for the Spirit Auto Center Modifieds throughout the upcoming season.  The South Jersey Overhead Door 602 Sportsman will crown a champion 19 point races, while the Sunbelt Rental Outlaw Stocks will battle it out over 21 races.  The 2020 Point Champions will be crowned following the final night of points on Saturday, September 12th.
The World of Outlaws make their only 2020 appearance in the Garden State when the likes of Donny Schatz, Brad Sweet, David Gravel Daryn Pittman and the best in the business take on the PA Posse’s Danny Dietrich, Ryan Smith, Lucas Wolfe, Freddie Rahmer and more at the new ‘Kingdom of Speed’ Bridgeport Speedway.  The stars of the Modified division will join the Outlaws in this double header show on Tuesday, May 20th.
The ever-popular Monster Truck Throwdown returns to Bridgeport for two separate two-day events.  With last year’s standing-room only sold out shows, Bridgeport management and MTT decided to give the fans what they want…another weekend of car-crushing excitement!  The unofficial start of summer will kick off at Bridgeport Speedway during Memorial Day Weekend.  Monster Truck Throwdown will make their first appearance of 2020 on Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24.  Then on Saturday and Sunday, September 19th and 20th will see the return of MTT.  Be sure to witness iconic trucks up close such as ‘Avenger’, ‘Crustacean’, ‘Over Bored’, ‘Miss Over Bored’, ‘Lumberjack’ and more.
The return of the ‘South Jersey Shootout’ comes on Wednesday, May 27.  The stars of the STSS-Short Track Super Series will be in full fledge for this mid-week special.  Modified stars from all over the Northeast that include Stewart Friesen, Matt Sheppard, Andy Bachetti, Jordan Watson, Duane Howard, David VanHorn, Billy Pauch Jr., Jimmy Horton, Mike Gular, Danny Bouc, Brandon Grosso, Ryan Krachun, Craig VonDohren, Brett Kressley, and Anthony Perrego will be going head to head with Bridgeport’s own Modified squad.  The 602 STSS Sportsman will be the undercard of this year’s Shootout.
The United States Auto Club (USAC) comes to town for the 2020 Eastern Storm on Wednesday, June 10. The wingless daredevils will be making their third straight appearance at the South Jersey speedway.  Previous winners Kevin Thomas Jr. and Jason McDougal will be out in full force with stars Brady Bacon, Tyler Courtney, CJ Leary, and many more.  Joining USAC will be the mighty Modifieds for this tremendous double header program.
On Sunday, July 5th, the ‘All American 40’ holiday show returns.  Joining the Modifieds, 602 Sportsman, and Street Stocks will be the first appearance of the URC 360 Sprint Cars.  URC returns in November for their traditional two-day show during Wildcard Weekend.  URC has a strong history at Bridgeport Speedway and 2020 should see car counts grow even more with the new layout of the sprint car-friendly facility.
The Super DIRTcar Series will be making their return to Bridgeport for the all-new ‘King of the Big Blocks’ event after a two-year hiatus on Wednesday, July 29.  The well-traveled Big Block circuit has some of the best drivers to offer in the modified ranks.  Mat Williamson is the reigning SDS champion and will lead a brigade of Big Blocks that include Matt Sheppard, Billy Decker, Jimmy Phelps, Peter Brittain, Brett Hearn, Danny Johnson, Ryan Godown, Larry Wight, Mike Mahaney, Tim Fuller, Demetrios Drellos, Jack Lehner, and plenty of others on this special Wednesday evening.  Joining the 900 plus horse power ground pounders will be the stars of the Speedstrs for this must-see double header.
The National USAC Midget Tour will make its first appearance ever at Bridgeport on Thursday, August 6.  When the high-flying midgets come to town, the fans will get to see the likes of Logan Seavey, Zeb Wise, Jerry Coons Jr., Chad Boat, Brady Bacon, Chris Windom, Tyler Courtney and many more.  Accompanying the USAC Midgets will be the Modifieds, where the open wheel fans will get to see weekend warriors Pauch, Watt, Strunk, VonDohren, Godown, Laubach and dozens more.
The USAC Speedstrs will bring their talents East from the Action Track to Bridgeport for 9 appearances throughout the 2020 season.  Just some of the drivers that will be giving the fans pure excitement will be Billy Pauch Jr., Tim Buckwalter, Billy Pauch Sr., Jeff Strunk, Alex Yankowski, Matt Janisch, Briggs Danner, Earl Paules, Alex Bright, Trevor Kobylarz, and TJ Mayberry.  The Speedstrs will be in action during Kingdom of Speed 100 Weekend, April 18, May 2, May 30, July 18, July 29, September 5, Rumble on the River Weekend, and Wildcard Weekend.
 
On May 30 and June 13 both tracks at the “Kingdom of Speed” will be in action in what is dubbed as a ‘Combo Event’.  Bridgeport and the Spirit 1/4 mile will race on these Saturday programs.  602 Crate Sportsman, MASS Sprints, Street Stocks, Speedstrs, 4 Cylinders, 8 Cylinders, 270 and 600 Micro Sprints, and Slingshots will be part of one or both of these ‘Combo Events’.  
 
Bridgeport Speedway will close out the 2020 season with a pair of big three-day weekend programs…The ‘Rumble on the River’ in September and ‘Wildcard Weekend’ in November.   
The three-day September affair will feature the USAC East Coast Wingless Sprints, Speedstrs, Modifieds, 358 ‘spec’ Small Blocks, Street Stocks, 602 Sportsman plus Underdog 20, 4 Cylinders & 8 Cyinders.  ‘Wildcard Weekend’ will showcase the URC Sprints for two complete shows, Speedstrs, Modifieds, Street Stocks, 602 Sportsman, 4 Cylinders, & 8 Cylinders.  
 
The 602 Sportsman Rookie will return as well in 2020.  “We’ve had quite a few calls in regards to the rookies in 2020.  We need the teams to register and sign up with us over the next few months then we can start adding race dates to the schedule,” general manager Danny Serrano pointed out.
The 4 Cylinder and 8 Cylinders will be making their return to the newly constructed facility as well in 2020.  “We’ve had multiple teams already calling us about racing these two divisions on the new track.  We will be working with neighboring speedways so we can come up with dates that are beneficial for two divisions,” offered Serrano.  Dates for both classes will be announced in the near future.
Those are just the highlights of the action-packed 2020 season at Bridgeport Speedway!  Bridgeport offers something for every race fan.
 
                                                                                     2020 Race Season Schedule:
*4 Cylinder and 8 Cylinder Dates to be added 
Saturday, March 21 – Media Day – Practice for All Divisions (1/4 mile Practice following)

Friday, March 27 – Open Practice for Competing Weekend Divisions

 
Saturday & Sunday March 28/29- 358 Small Blocks, Modifieds, SpeedSTR’s, Street Stocks, MASS Sprints, 602 Sportsman
 
Sunday, April 5 – Modifieds ($3,333 to win), 602 Sportsman, Street Stocks
 
 
Saturday, April 11- Modifieds, 602 Sportsman, Street Stocks (Points Begin)
 
 
Saturday, April 18 –Modifieds, 602 Sportsman, Street Stocks, SpeedSTR’s 
Saturday, April 25-Modifieds, 602 Sportsman, Street Stocks, MASS Sprints 
Saturday, May 2-Modifieds, 602 Sportsman, Street Stocks, SpeedSTR’s 
Saturday, May 9-Modifieds, 602 Sportsman, Street Stocks 
 
 
Saturday, May 16-Modifieds, 602 Sportsman, Street Stocks 
 
 
Tuesday, May 19- World of Outlaws & Modifieds 
 
Saturday, May 23-Monster Truck Throwdown
Sunday, May 24- Monster Truck Throwdown
Wednesday, May 27 South Jersey Shootout – STSS Modifieds & STSS 602 Sportsman 
Saturday, May 30 –MASS Sprints, SpeedStrs, Street Stocks – (1/4 mile 600 & 270 Micros, Slingshots) COMBO SHOW
Saturday, June 6- Modifieds, 602 Sportsman, Street Stocks
 
 
Wednesday, June 10 – USAC Sprints & Modifieds
Saturday, June 13-602 Sportsman, Street Stocks, MASS Sprints, SpeedSTR’s (1/4 mile 600 & 270 Micros, Slingshots) COMBO SHOW
Saturday, June 20- Modifieds, 602 Sportsman, Street Stocks
 
Saturday, June 27-Modifieds, 602 Sportsman, Street Stocks 
Sunday, July 5 – All American 40- URC Sprints, Modifieds, 602 Sportsman, Street Stocks
 
 
Saturday, July 11-Modifieds, 602 Sportsman, Street Stocks 
 
Saturday, July 18- Modifieds, 602 Sportsman, Street Stocks, MASS Sprints 
 
 
Saturday, July 25- Modifieds, 602 Sportsman, Street Stocks 
Wednesday, July 29– Super DIRT Series and SpeedSTR’s  
Saturday, August 1-602 Sportsman, MASS Sprints, Street Stocks  
Thursday, Aug 6 – Bridgeport USAC Midgets and Modifieds  
Sat Aug 8 – OFF
Saturday, August 15-Modifieds, 602 Sportsman, Street Stocks
Saturday, August 22- Modifieds, 602 Sportsman, Street Stocks
 
Saturday, August, 29- Modifieds, 602 Sportsman, Street Stocks  
 
 
Saturday, September 5 -Modifieds, 602 Sportsman, Street Stocks, SpeedSTR’s 
Saturday, September 12- Modifieds, 602 Sportsman, Street Stocks, 
 
 
Saturday, September 19- Monster Truck Throwdown 
Sunday, September 20- Monster Truck Throwdown
 
 
Friday/Saturday/Sunday -September 25, 26, 27- USAC East Coast Sprints, Modifieds, 358 Small Blocks, SpeedSTR’s, MASS Sprints, Street stocks, 602 Sportsman, 602 Underdog 20, 4 Cylinders, 8 Cylinders  
 
 
Friday/Saturday/Sunday – November 6, 7, 8 – URC (two complete shows) Modifieds, SpeedSTR’s, Street Stocks (two shows), 602 Sportsman, 4 Cylinders, 8 Cylinders,

BRIDGEPORT SPEEDWAY CELEBRATES 2019 TRACK CHAMPIONS

Billy Pauch celebrated what was his fourth Bridgeport Speedway Championship and will go down in history as the final Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modified Champion on the 5/8th miles as racing shifts in a new direction at the Bridgeport Speedway in 2020.

 

Pauch collected fourteen top fives during the season and was the feature winner on six different occasions.  

 

Pauch talked about his memory of the first time that he raced at Bridgeport.  He thought they were headed to their regular Friday night track until his father, Roy Pauch turned him in a new direction.  After starting in the rear of his heat, Billy Pauch drove to a qualifying spot and then won the feature.  That was where it all began.

 

Another four time champion, Ryan Watt finished second to Pauch followed by Richie Pratt, Jr., Neal Williams and Matt Stangle.  There were seven different Big Block Modified feature winners during the 2020 season.

 

Pauch was also the Poker Series Champion for the Big Blocks.  “I don’t play cards,” Pauch admitted, “so I really didn’t understand the whole thing.  I wasn’t going to race that last weekend – it was going to be cold.  And then Doug Rose called and said that I was leading in the Poker Series and Mandee explained all that to me.”  Pauch ended up winning the Poker Series title with a pair of queens, an Ace and a ten.  Jimmy Horton and Wade Hendrickson finished second and third with Richie Pratt, Jr. winning the worst hand award.  Pratt won a playing in card in all but one of the events but the cards didn’t work together for a poker hand.

 

It all came down to the final race of the season but Matt Peck’s sixteen top five finishes earned him his first track title as he was crowned the Champion in the South Jersey Overhead Door 602 Crate Sportsman division.  It was a banner year for Peck who also scored his first heat and feature win in this division.  Peck is a former Rookie Champion at the Bridgeport Speedway.

 

Eric Kormann finished second in points followed by Wayne Weaver, Jim Gallagher, Jr. and Rick Wegner, Jr.

 

Another Rookie graduate, Jim Gallagher, Jr. took home top honors in the Poker Series for the 602 Crate Sportsman with a hand of three queens.  Eric Kormann finished second with Wayne Weaver taking third.  Matt Peck was the recipient of the Worst Poker Series Hand award.  

 

Justin Moench was crowned as the 2019 DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookie Champion over Kathy Buzby and Scott Maher, Jr.

Moench and Maher were the two feature winners in this division.

 

For the second time in the last three seasons, Tom Wills, Jr. led the Sunbelt Rental Outlaw Stocks for his second Championship.  The second generation driver had five wins during the season.  Brian Ludwig finished second in points followed by Rich Stinson, Jr. who had the most feature wins, Lee Allen and Ken Moren.

 

In the 2019 Poker Series for the Outlaws, Rich Stinson was dominant, winning four of the five events to win with a hand of four Aces.  Brian Ludwig’s three Queens beat out Lee Allen’s three Jacks to finish second and third.  

 

Drivers finishing from eleventh to fifteenth in season points were eligible for a drawing offered by Aaron Lambert of Penske Shocks.  A set of four shocks, valued at $1,000 were won by Ron Roberts for the Big Block Modifieds and Pete Serra for the 602 Crate Sportsman.  

 

Spirit Auto Center awarded two drivers for the acts of Sportsmanship.   The Spirit Speedway award went to 270 Micro Sprint owner, John Blanda who was nominated by Steve Coslop.  Coslop nominated Blanda because “he is the first one to come over to my trailer to offer assistance when something goes wrong”  Blanda had also loaned parts to Coslop when needed.

 

The Bridgeport Speedway 2019 Good Sportsmanship Award went to driver, David Hartman, who was nominated by several different individuals.  Late in the season, Hartman turned his car over to Wayne Weaver who was pursuing a possible championship.  Hartman sacrificed his own point finish to give Weaver his ride.

 

The Ace Overhead Door Company 600 Micro Sprints averaged thirty cars during their regular Friday night events.  Eleven different drivers reached Victory Lane but it was Matt Smith who picked up his second title in this division.  Smith finished out the season in the Ryan Greth owned Driven No. 4 after a late season accident took Smith’s No. 33 out of commission.

 

2018 Champion,  Mike Rutherford finished second followed by Gary Bozowski, Jon Keller and Kyle Spence.

 

Mike Rutherford took the honors in the 2019 Poker Series for the 600 Micro Sprints followed  by Tommy Kunsman and Kyle Spence.

 

The Mongoose Chassis sponsored 270 Micro Sprints saw several Rookie Drivers contend in the Rookie division with Shea Wills capturing top honors over RJ Witcraft and Connor Sheffield.

 

Alex Swift drove John Blanda’s No. 15 to the Championship Title in the Mongoose Chassis 270 Micro Sprints where he finished first or second in all but three races this season on the Spirit quarter mile.  Kyle Weiss finished second to Swift followed by John Wagner, Jr., rookie, Shea Wills and Tom Landwher.

 

Both Matt Smith and Alex Swift received extra incentives from Joe Infante and Precision Hydraulics and Oil for using Precision products throughout the 2019 season.

 

Jason Swavely took top honors in the Poker Series for the 270 Micro Sprints with Alex Swift finishing second and Kyle Weiss taking third.

 

For the second consecutive season, Dave McCullough was crowned as the Spirit Speedway Slingshot Champion.  McCullough won for the first time during the 2018 season and then went on to claim his first championship at season end.  

 

Ryan Davey finished second in points with seven wins followed by Dave Morrell, Tomas Mowery and Ashley Therien.  

 

Rookie, Amanda Angstadt took home the top honors in the Championship Energy Action Track USA 2019 Poker Series title for the Slingshots.

 

Lee Allen was crowned as the 2019 Eight Cylinder Enduro Champion.  In the past, this division competed on the Spirit quarter mile but this year, their events were run on the Design for Vision/Sunglass Central 3/8th mile surface.  

 

Most Popular Driver Awards were presented to Lee Allen – Eight Cylinder Enduro, Jonathan John – 270s, Kristy Hicks – 600s, Nick Sandone III – Outlaw Stocks, Wayne Weaver – 602 Crate Sportsman and Ron Roberts – Big Block Modifieds.  These awards were presented by D & D Media, publishers of the official program of the Bridgeport Speedway, the Bridgeport Bullet.

 

Danny Serrano distributed several special recognition awards during Saturday night’s festivities.  Recognized were Ken Andreas for his Skyscraper Trophies, Ron Roberts and Sal DeBruno for the loyal support of the Bridgeport Speedway over the years, Tony Bozowski and Karen Eddinger for the help and support throughout the season, Jeff Dirkes and Lee Allen for their photo finish in Outlaw Stock competition and track owner, Brian Ramey.

 

Saturday night marked the end of an era and the start of a new one as the Bridgeport Speedway under the leadership of Brian Ramey came to a close and the era of Doug and Brittany Rose begins.

 

Ramey opened the night of celebration by thanking those who played a part in his “adventure” at Bridgeport.  “The owners, drivers and race teams, I thank you because if it were not for you, there would be no need for a Bridgeport Speedway.”  The second group that Ramey thanked were the employees of the Bridgeport Speedway.  “I didn’t know anything about racing,” Ramey stated.  “But I learned to like the people and I did enjoy it.”  Ramey had all of the Bridgeport employees stand and then he continued, “If it weren’t for all of you, I would never have stuck it out.”

 

“If you are going to do something, then do it well, ” Ramey added.  “Do it so well that you will be remembered for what you did.”  

 

Doug Rose addressed the crowd as well, stating that the work at the track is going well and is actually, ahead of schedule.  “About three quarter of the track is already shaped in, ” Rose told those in attendance.  He also listed some of the upcoming special shows for 2020 including the World of Outlaws, both the USAC Sprint Cars and Midgets,  a Super DIRT series event as well as a Short Track Super Series race.  

 

There is a lot of excitement surrounding the changes coming to Bridgeport for the 2020 season.  Stay tuned for upcoming developments!

 

 

​STILLWAGGON, WATT AND WEAVER SHARE THE LIMELIGHT IN BRIDGEPORT’S SATURDAY ACTION

​The Bridgeport Speedway presented the second day of the Big Track Classic and their Wildcard Weekend on Saturday. These events were sponsored by Auto Plus and BRB Contractors. The Capitol Renegade United Racing Club (URC) ran the second half of their Big Track Classic program and were joined by a full show of 358 Small Block Modifieds and the remaining thirteen laps of the South Jersey Overhead Door 602 Crate Sportsman feature from September 28th.

Robbie Stillwaggon found redemption in Saturday’s twenty-five lap main event. After leading the first twenty laps of Friday night’s main event, Stillwaggon made contact with a slower car and was unable to complete the race. Saturday was a new day that saw the Stillwaggon brothers share the front row of the starting line-up and Robbie immediately raced the outside line to take the lead on the start.

Stillwaggon’s stiffest competition came from his brother, Ryan when Robbie took the inside on a lap nine restart. “I knew Ryan wanted the outside so I thought I’d give it to him,” Robbie explained, confident that he would be able to regain the race lead. But Ryan had other ideas and the two brothers raced side by side for nearly two laps before Robbie was able to pull out in front. Robbie led Ryan, Josh Weller, JJ Grasso and Austin Bishop at half way.

Robbie returned to the outside for a lap twelve restart that saw Weller take over second but the restart was called back and Ryan Stillwaggon regained his runner-up position.

On lap seventeen, Weller passed Ryan Stillwaggon for second while Robbie Stillwaggon had pulled away from the field. With five to go, both Grasso and Lucas Wolfe had moved by Ryan Stillwaggon to take over third and fourth.

Grasso’s ride was starved for fuel in the race’s final laps, allowing Wolfe to take over third.

Robbie Stillwaggon raced to the victory – his third consecutive year that he won during the Big Track Classic – followed by Weller, Wolfe, Grasso and Ryan Stillwaggon. Ten time URC Champion, Curt Michael finished sixth over Chad Layton, Steve Buckwalter, Troy Betts and Chris Allen, Jr,

With a win and a fourth place finish, JJ Grasso took home the Midge Miller Memorial Trophy for the 2019 Big Track Classic which pays tribute to the former URC driver and official.

The Small Block Modified event saw Richie Pratt dominate the twenty-five lap race as he led through lap twenty-three. It looked like it would be a Pratt night at Bridgeport as Pratt’s daughter, Jayde sang the National Anthem to open the night of racing while her dad circled the track with the Stars and Stripes mounted the rear of the Danny’s Pizza Pizzazzs No. 51.

Pratt led Jeff Strunk, Ryan Watt, Davey Sammons and Travis Hill in the Pat Michael No. 51m as five laps were completed. Watt challenged Strunk for second on lap six and the two drivers made contact but both were able to continue without a caution.

With ten laps on the books, Craig VonDohren replaced Hill in the top five. The top five remained unchanged through lap fifteen but Watt made his way by Strunk to take second just one lap later. The leaders raced into lapped traffic on lap seventeen.

Pratt had pulled away to a sizable lead but Watt was cutting into that lead to challenge Pratt with five to go. Pratt was able to roll the outside off the corner to continue to hold his lead until two laps to go when Watt made his move to take the lead.

Watt led the final two laps to take his third small block modified win on the 5/8th mile track. Pratt finished second followed by Sammons, VonDohren and Hill. Strunk finished sixth ahead of Matt Stangle, Rick Wegner, Jr., Ron Roberts and Frank Cozze who rebounded from an early race incident to finish in the top ten.

Davey Sammons and Dillon Steuer were the fast timers in Friday night’s time hot lap sessions, earning both drivers a spot in the redraw for the small block modified feature.

Wayne Weaver left the track on Saturday, September 28th as the race leader in the South Jersey Overhead Door 602 Crate Sportsman feature. For six weeks, Weaver held the race lead until the final thirteen laps of the race could be run as part of Saturday night’s program.

Weaver picked up right where he left off – leading the way all the way to the checkered flag without a challenge. Jesse Hill raced home in second followed by Jim Gallagher, Jr., Tom Sherby and Matt Peck. Eric Kormann crossed the finish line in sixth followed by Steve Davis, Howie Finch, John Micek and Chris Jenkins.

Two nights of racing complete with only the final race on the 5/8th left to be run on Sunday,.

BRIDGEPORT SPEEDWAY

Saturday, November 9, 2019

UNITED RACING CLUB SPRINTS (25 laps) –

1. Robbie Stillwaggon, 2. Josh Weller, 3. Lucas Wolfe, 4. J.J. Grasso, 5. Ryan Stillwaggon, 6. Curt Michael, 7. Chad Layton, 8. Steve Buckwalter, 9. Troy Betts, 10. Chris Allen, Jr., 11. Larry McVay, 12. Ed Aiken, 13. Dallas Schott, 14. Jason Cherry, 15. Mark Sasso, 16. Austin Bishop, 17. Zack Burd, 18. Ryan Smith, 19. Mark VanVorst, 20. Adam Carberry, 21. Tyler Ross.

SMALL BLOCK MODIFIEDS (25 laps) –

1. Ryan Watt, 2. Richie Pratt, Jr., 3. Davey Sammons, 4. Craig VonDohren, 5. Travis Hill, 6. Jeff Strunk, 7. Matt Stangle, 8. Rich Wegner, Jr., 9. Ron Roberts, 10. Frank Cozze, 11. Rich Rutski, 12. Bob Lilick, 13. Ryan Lilick, 14. Kyle Lilick, 15. Dominick Buffalino, 16. Bob Sarkisian, 17. Louden Reimert, 18. Dillon Steuer, 19. Ryan Higgs, 20. Bill Briggs, 21. Roger Manning, 22. Eric Kormann, 23. Steve Davis, 24. Steve Young, DNS – Dean Conk, Roger Gaskill, Howie Finch, Neal Williams, Jim Gallagher, Jr.,

(COMPLETION OF FEATURE POSTPONED FROM 9/28/2019 – 7 LAPS COMPLETE) SOUTH JERSEY OVERHEAD DOOR 602 CRATE SPORTSMAN (20 laps) –

1. Wayne Weaver, 2. Jesse Hill, 3. Jim Gallagher, Jr., 4. Tom Sherby, 5. Matt Peck, 6. Eric Kormann, 7. Steve Davis, 8. Howie Finch, 9. John Micek, 10. Chris Jenkins, 11. Ernie Miles, III, 12. Scott Maher, Jr., 13. Pete Serra, 14. Scott Hulmes. 15. Joseph Brown, 16. Brandon Edgar, 17. Trent VanVorst.

LAUBACH, WEAVER AND STINSON WRITE THE FINAL CHAPTER IN BRIDGEPORT’S 5/8 MILE

 

 

The Bridgeport Speedway ran its final race of the 2019 season and the final race on the 5/8th mile speedway to conclude the Wild Card Weekend sponsored by K&A Excavating.  Pre-race ceremonies paid tribute to Shirley Laubach, the mother of Rick Laubach, and Ken Golden, Sr. – both of whom has passed away in recent weeks.  Track owner, Brian Ramey thanked the fans and the competitors for their support over the years and recognized the efforts of his management team that included Keith Hoffman, Danny Serrano and Dave Adams as well as Ramey’s son and daughter, Kolby and Hali.  It was his last act as the owner of the Bridgeport Speedway as he turned the reins over to Bridgeport’s new owners, Brittany and Doug Rose.  While it was the final day for the 5/8th mile surface, Rose will bring a fresh approach to the Bridgeport Speedway with his plans to construct a half mile speedway in time for the 2020 season.

Craig VonDohren and Jeff Strunk were the fast timers in Saturday night’s Big Block timed hot laps.  Both drivers earned a redraw spot for Sunday’s main event.  VonDohren drew the outside pole followed by Strunk who drew the pole.  The front row of the starting line-up saw the pair of ten time Grandview Champions line up side by side.

Strunk jumped out to an early lead with the Hynemann No. 126 with Dominck Buffalino taking over second on the start.   Ryan Watt drew a caution on lap three as he slowed with a flat tire.  VonDohren regained the runner-up spot on the restart as Laubach raced Buffalino for fourth.

By lap five, Strunk led VonDohern and Laubach as the three lead cars began to pull away from the field.  When VonDohren slid up the track on lap nine, Laubach was there to move into second.  Strunk led Laubach, VonDohren, Buffalino and Billy Pauch through lap ten.

The running order remained unchanged through lap fifteen as Strunk began to pull away from the field.  Mike Maresca moved into the top five on lap nineteen.  The upstate New York driver made a stopover in Bridgeport as his team headed home to upstate New York following a third place finish in Charlotte the night before.  It was only Maresca’s second time at Bridgeport but he continued to run well.

As starter, Ken Golden, Jr. waited with the crossed flags, Laubach made his move to the outside, taking the lead from Strunk.  Laubach led Strunk, Von Dohren, Maresca and Brandon Grosso through the halfway mark.

Laubach used the outside line for a lap twenty-one restart that saw Maresca move into third as Watt challenged Grosso for a top five position.

With just over ten laps to go, Strunk began to close the lap on the race leader until the No. 126 began to show some smoke.  Laubach again pulled away from the field.  VonDohren pull off the track just before the five to go mark.

Laubach led the way to the checkered flag over Strunk, Maresca, Watt and Pauch.  Brandon Gross, Davey Sammons, Dillon Steuer, Tommy Beamer and Mike Franz finished sixth through tenth for the final race on the 5/8th mile track.

Pauch’s fifth place finish gave him his second title of the season as Pauch collected the 2019 Poker Series crown for the Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds.

Wayne Weaver picked up where he left off the night before as he captured his fourth South Jersey Overhead Door 602 Crate Sportsman feature event of the season.

Steve Davis led the first two laps of the twenty lap feature event before Weaver took command on lap three.  Weaver raced to the checkered flag without a challenge, picking up the win over Davis, Jim Gallagher, Jr., James Hill and Eric Kormann.  Tom Sherby, John Micek, Chris Jenkins, Jesse Hill and Howie Finch completed the top ten at the finish.

Jim Gallagher’s third place finish earned the young driver the 2019 Poker Series Championship for the South Jersey Overhead Door 602 Crate Sportsman.

Rich Stinson, Jr. raced to his eighth victory of the season in the Sunbelt Rentals Outlaw Stocks.  Stinson didn’t make it easy on the competition when he drew the pole for the fifteen lap main event.

Stinson’s biggest challenge came in the form of 2019 Champion, Tom Wills, Jr. who spun while challenging Stinson for the lead on lap nine.

Stinson raced to the checkered flag in front of Vern McLaughlin, Brian Ludwig, Darren Cox and Jeff Dirkes.

The win gave Stinson his fourth Ace and the 2019 Poker Series title for the Outlaw Stocks.

BRIDGEPORT SPEEDWAY

Sunday, November 10, 2019

 

SPIRIT AUTO CENTER BIG BLOCK MODIFIEDS (40 laps) –

1. Rick Laubach, 2. Jeff Strunk, 3. Michael Maresca, 4. Ryan Watt, 5. Billy Pauch, Sr., 6. Brandon Grosso, 7. Davey Sammons, 8. Dillon Steuer, 9. Tommy Beamer, 10. Mike Franz, 11. Craig VonDohren, 12. Matt Stangle, 13. Stan Frankenfield, 14. Wade Hendrickson, 16. Billy Lasko, 17. Jimmy Horton, 18. Travis Hill, 19. Ron Roberts, 20. Neal Williams, 21. Jim Britt, 22. Brad Roberts, 23. Rick Wegner, 24. Richie Pratt, Jr., DNQ – Josh Delea, David Crossman, Jeramy Doerr

 

SOUTH JERSEY OVERHEAD DOOR 602 CRATE SPORTSMAN (20 laps) –

1. Wayne Weaver, 2. Steve Davis, 3. Jim Gallagher, Jr., 4. James Hill (1), 5. Eric Kormann, 6. Tom Sherby, 7. John Micek, 8. Chris Jenkins, 9. Jesse Hill, 10. Howie Finch, 11. Ryan Higgs, 12. Michael White, 13. Tom Moore, 14. Ernie Miles, III, 15. Bobby Bracall, 16. Jonathan Swift, 17. Adam White, 18. Howard Huepfel, 19. Jon Meyer, 20. Mike Brannigan, 21. Rich Wegner, Jr., 22. Matt Peck, 23. Ernie Miles, Jr., 24. Roger Gaskill, DNQ – Scott Hulmes, Scott Maher, Jr., Anthony Sisco, Walt McIntyre, Pete Serra

 

SUNBELT RENTALS OUTLAW STOCKS (15 laps) –

1. Rich Stinson, Jr., 2. Vern McLaughlin, 3. Brian Ludwig, 4. Darren Cox, 5. Jeff Dirkes, 6. Lee Allen, 7. Andrew Joslin, 8. Justin Nowlen, 9. Roy Maurer, 10. John Parker, 11. Jack Beaumont, 12. Tom Wills, Jr., 13. Jeramy Doerr, 14. Mike Creamer, 15. Bill Liedtka, 16. Pat Conaway, 17. Nick Sandone, III, 18. Ken Moren, 19. Mike Hughes, 20. Paul Donahue

​GRASSO RACES TO VICTORY IN FIRST NIGHT OF BRIDGEPORT’S BIG TRACK CLASSIC

JJ Grasso raced to victory in the first night of competition in Bridgeport’s Big Track Classic sponsored by BRB Contractors of King of Prussia, PA.  Friday night racing was just the first of three days of Bridgeport’s Wild Card Weekend which will mark the end of the 2019 season and the final races on Bridgeport’s 5/8th mile speedway.

Grasso picked up the win in the twenty-five lap feature for the Capitol Renegade United Racing Club sprint cars that ran non-stop and took just over seven minutes to complete.   The race was run without any cautions but not without incident as three competitors were involved in three separate incidents during the main event.

Robbie Stillwaggon powered into the lead from his outside front row starting spot and ran away from the competition.  Ryan Stillwaggon quickly moved into second, ahead of Steve Buckwalter.  Grasso raced into third just before the dynamic of the race changed.

It was Ryan Stillwaggon who first ran into trouble with a lapped car, sending the younger brother of the race leader off the racing surface with eighteen laps on the books after running second for most of the race.  That moved Grasso up to second but Grasso ran over the back wheel of Larry McVay less than two laps later.  McVay was attempting to pull off of the track when Grasso ran over his rear wheel.  Grasso’s Eldreth Trucking No. 25 did a wheelie with all four wheel off the ground before it landed on all fours on the race track.  It was a hard landing that had Grasso headed toward the wall.  “I thought I was finished,” Grasso explained.  “I was ready to pull off but then I saw Stillwaggon in trouble and I just put the pedal back down and took off.”  Robbie Stillwaggon then made contact with the car of Jason Cherry, sidelining the race leader with less than five laps to go.

Grasso raced to victory over Steve Buckwalter in the Lilick No. 7, Tyler Ross, ten time URC Champion, Curt Michael and current URC point leader, Chad Layton.  Josh Weller, Lucas Wolfe, Ryan Smith, Adam Carberry and four time Bridgeport Big Block Champion, Ryan Watt rounded out the top ten.

The South Jersey Overhead Door 602 Crate Sportsman competed in the Underdog 20 – a twenty lap feature event that featured non-winners from the 2019 season.

Polesitter, Andy Walko led the first ten laps, holding off the challenges of Howie Finch through the first half of the race.  After racing in third, Bobby Bracall headed to the pits with mechanical issues after the halfway mark.

Misfortune struck for Walko when Billy Chester spun in front of the leaders on lap eleven.  Walko almost made it by but just caught Chester’s No. 41 and that sent his No. 27 spinning in turn one.  Finch was able to avoid the mishap and inherit the lead.

John Micek challenged Finch on several occasions during the final laps but Finch was able to maintain the lead as he raced to his first ever Bridgeport victory.  Micek finished second followed by Chris Jenkins, Pete Serra and Roger Gaskill.  Tom Princiotta finished sixth followed by Scott Maher, Jr., John Meyer, John Cranston and Justin Lilick.

Tom Wills, Jr. raced to his fifth win of the season in the Sunbelt Rentals Outlaw Stocks.  The win gave Wills an Ace for the 2019 Poker Series that is currently led by Rich Stinson, Jr. who has three Aces to his credit.

A hard charging Jeff Dirkes finished second to Wills after making some nice moves to make his way through the top five.  Rich Stinson, Jr. finished third followed by Lee Allen and Vern McLaughlin.  Brian Ludwig, Andrew Joslin, Gary Klimeczak, Paul Donahue, and Darren Cox completed the top ten in the running order at the checkered flag.

Night One of the Big Track Classic (25 laps)

1.  JJ Grasso, 2. Steve Buckwalter, 3. Tyler Ross, 4. Curt Michael, 5. Chad Layton, 6. Josh Weller, 7. Lucas Wolfe, 8. Ryan Smith, 9. Adam Carberry, 10. Ryan Watt, 11. Troy Betts, 12. Austin Bishop, 13. Chris Allen, Jr., 14. Ed Aiken. 15. Jeff Geiges, 16. Jason Cherry, 17. Robbie Stillwaggon, 18. Ryan Stillwaggon, 19. Larry McVay, 20. Ryan Quackenbush, 21. Mark Sasso, 22. Mark VanVorst

Underdog 20 for the South Jersey Overhead Door 602 Crate Sportsman non-winners (20 laps)

1.  Howie Finch, 2. John Micek, 3. Chris Jenkins, 4. Pete Serra, 5. Roger Gaskill, 6. Tom Princiotta, 7. Scott Maher, Jr. 8.  Jon Meyer, 9. John Cranston, 10. Justin Lilick, 11. Jimmy Dallett, 12. Rich Wegner, Jr., 13. Ted Reynolds, 14. Joseph Brown, 15. Eric Mattson, 16., Andy Walko, 17. Bobby Bracall, 18. Billy Chester, 19. Scott Hulmes, 20. Tom Moore, 21. Dave Damiano

Susnbelt Rentals Outlaw Stocks (4th hand of 2019 Poker Series – 15 laps)

1. Tom Wills, Jr., 2. Jeff Dirkes, 3. Rich Stinson, Jr. 4. Lee Allen, 5. Vern McLaughlin, 6. Brian Ludwig, 7. Andrew Joslin, 8. Gary Klimeczak, 9. Paul Donahue, 10. Darren Cox, 11. John Parker, 12. Kevin Conaway, 13. Nick Sandone, III, 14. Justin Nowlen, 15. Jeramy Doerr 

BIG WEEKEND PLANNED FOR 2019 BRIDGEPORT FINALE

The Bridgeport Speedway will wave the checkered flag on the 2019 season with a three day weekend of racing scheduled. This weekend of racing will mark the final events to be run on Bridgeport’s 5/8th mile speedway as the speed plant transitions from the Ramey family’s operation into the hands of Bridgeport’s new owners, Doug and Brittany Rose.  Rose has plans to replace the 5/8th mile track with a new half mile facility for the 2020 season.

 

When scheduling the 2019 season, Bridgeport management decided to combine two big racing events into one – by combining the United Racing Club’s Big Track Classic with Bridgeport’s Wild Card Weekend.  Fans will be able to see five divisions of racing throughout the weekend that will include Sprint Cars, Big Block Modifieds, Small Block Modifieds, 602 Crate Sportsman as well as Outlaw Stocks in Bridgeport’s final weekend of racing.

The winged sprint cars of Capitol Renegade United Racing Club will begin their event on Friday evening, sponsored by BRB Contractors.  Friday night’s events will include a full show of qualifying and a twenty-five lap feature for URC.  Any non-winners in the South Jersey Overhead Door 602 Crate Sportsman division will be eligible to compete in the Underdog 20, a twenty lap feature event only.  The Sunbelt Rentals Outlaw Stocks will be the third division on Friday night’s program as they compete in qualifying events and a feature event which will serve as the fourth hand of the 2019 Poker Series for this division.   Pit gates will open at 3 pm and grandstand gates at 6pm.  Racing will get underway at 7:30 on Friday.

BRB Contractors will sponsor Friday night’s events.  Bob Lilick is the owner/operator of BRB Contractors and has been involved in auto racing for many years, fielding multiple cars in different divisions of racing for his sons.  BRB Contractors is an industrial, commercial and residential demolition, excavation and paving company and has been in business for over seventeen years.  Contact BRB Contractors for all of our construction needs by calling (610) 275-0768.

The Small Block Modifieds will share the stage with URC for Saturday’s events sponsored by Auto Plus of  Bensalem, Penndel, and Oxford Valley

 There will also be open practice sessions for competitors who will take part in Sunday’s Big Block Modified, 602 Crate Sportsman and Outlaw Stock events in the fifth and final hand of the 2019 Poker Series.                             .

At the end of Saturday’s events, the URC competitor with the best results for the two days of competition will receive the coveted Midge Miller Memorial Trophy.  This uniquue award has once again been created by Cold Hard Art and will be pursued by every driver who competes in this event.

 

URC’s 2019 champion will also be determined this weekend as Josh Weller seeks to defend his title against a hard charging Chad Layton and Ritter Racing.

 

Pit gates will open at 1pm on Saturday with the grandstand opening one hour later.  Racing will get underway at 5pm.

 

Auto Plus Auto Parts is U.S. based with over 3500 Team Members and more than 270 locations throughout the country.  Since 2010. Auto Plus has made a considerable investment in growth through acquisition and technology.  Auto Plus Auto Parts maintains one of the most extensive catalogs of name brand and trade trusted parts throughout the industry.

 

Sunday’s events will feature the final hand of the 2019 Poker Series for the Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds, the South Jersey Overhead Door 602 Crate Sportsman and the Sunbelt Rentals Outlaw Stocks.  Sunday’s events are sponsored by K&A Excavating Company, Inc.  The Big Block Modifieds will compete in a forty lap feature event – Gone But Not Forgotten – as Doug Hoffman is remembered for his contributions as both a competitor and a promoter of the Bridgeport Speedway.  

 

Pit gates will open at noon on Sunday followed by the grandstand gates at 2pm.  Racing will get underway at 4pm. 

  K&A Excavating is a company who has built their reputation on their commitment to providing quality service – a commitment that has earned 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.  Only 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.

Adult admission will be $20 on Friday night and $25 for Saturday and Sunday’s admission.  Student pricing will be $10 on each of the three days for children 10-15 years of age.  Children 9 years old and younger will be admitted free on all three days.  Adults can save money by purchasing a three day pass for $60 that will also include a copy of a special commemorative Bridgeport Bullet program and 5/8th Finale Sticker.

A special autograph session is planned for Sunday, featuring the stars of the Bridgeport Speedway, past and present.

Make sure you are a part of the final days of the Bridgeport Speedway’s final days of 5/8th mile action!

Friday, November 8 – Big Track Classic – URC Sprint Cars, 602 Crate Sportsman Underdog 20 and Outlaw Stocks, racing at 7:30 pm

Saturday, November 9 – Wildcard Weekend – 358 Small Block Modifieds, URC Sprints plus open practice, racing at 5 pm

Sunday, November 10  – Final Hand of the 2019 Poker Series, Big Block Modifieds, 602 Crate Sportsman and Outlaw Stocks, racing at 4 pm

WATT DEFENDS TITLE AND IS STILL BRIDGEPORT’S KING OF THE BIG BLOCKS

For the third consecutive year, Ryan Watt was crowned as the King of the Big Blocks at the Bridgeport Speedway.  Billy Pauch picked up the win in the inaugural event but it has been Watt’s title ever since.  The 2019 event, sponsored by Spirit Auto Center, will mark the final King of the Big Block event on the 5/8th mile track as plans continue for a whole new format for the 2020 season.

 

Four qualifying heats were used to determine the starting line-up for the fifty lap King of the Big Block main event.  The top three of each heat earned redraw positions along with Craig VonDohren and Wade Hendrickson who were the fast timers in Friday night’s time hot lap sessions.  Billy Pauch drew the pole and would lead the field to the start.

Brett Kressley lined up along side of Pauch as they led the way to the wave of Kenny Golden’s green flag.  Twenty-six cars started the race for the title and there was plenty of three wide racing as drivers jockeyed for position in the early going.

 

Kressley came away with the lead followed by Pauch, Watt and Craig VonDohren.  Watt closed in on Pauch and took over second as the two drivers raced to complete lap two.  Kressley had pulled away from the field but once in second, Watt began to cut in to Kressley’s lead before the caution waved on lap eight when Stan Frankenfield came to a stop on the track.

 

Watt lined up to the outside of Kressley on the restart but several caution flags negated any efforts to challenge for the lead.  Kressley led Watt, VonDohren, Pauch and Hendrickson through lap ten.  

 

Kressley was the race leader through lap thirteen when Watt completed the pass for the lead.  VonDohren took over second on lap fifteen with Kressley, Pauch and Hendrickson trailing the leaders.

 

Hendrickson took over fourth on lap seventeen.  Rick Laubach, Billy Pauch Jr. who had advanced from his seventeenth place start, and Brandon Grosso raced for position just behind the top five as Watt led the way through lap twenty.  

 

During a caution just before halfway, VonDohren headed pit side with a tire issue, moving Kressley alongside of Watt on the restart.  Watt elected the outside on the restart and pulled ahead of Kressley as they raced through turns one and two.

Watt took the crossed flags over Kressley, Pauch, Sr., Pauch, Jr. and Hendrickson but one lap later, Pauch Jr. drive from seventeenth ended with a shredded left rear tire.  Jeff Strunk advanced several positions on the resulting restart to run fourth.

 

The running order remained unchanged until the field had ten laps remaining.  Hendrickson fell off the pace with mechanical issues after running in the top five throughout the race.  Laubach moved into the top five.  

 

Just before the five to go sign, Danny Bouc moved the C&S Equipment No. 6 into fourth.  All eyes were on the Biever No. 14s as VonDohren raced from the rear of the field to sixth.  VonDohren picked off positions to move up to third when the caution waved with three to go.

 

That called for a three lap shootout as Watt, Pauch, VonDohren, Bouc and Laubach lined up nose to tail for the green.

 

Watt raced to the checkered flag for his fifrh Bridgeport win of the season and his third King of the Big Block victory while Pauch and VonDohren raced for second.  VonDohren took the spot at the line, taking second followed by Pauch, Bouc and Laubach.  Strunk finished sixth with Tommy Beamer, who started the event as a provisional in twenty-fifth spot, finishing seventh.  Jimmy Horton, Brandon Grosso and Dillon Steuer rounding out the top ten.

 

The South Jersey Overhead Door 602 Crate Sportsman feature was red flagged with seven laps scored.

The race was first stopped for a violent racing accident that saw Sammy Martz, Jr. fly into the homestretch wall backward just before the turn one pit gate.  Martz exited the wreck but was then transported to the hospital where he was released on Sunday,  While the safety crew attended to Martz, the sky began to light up with lightning and several lights in turn two went out.  Then the rain came and the track was forced to cancel the remaining laps of the feature event.

This race will be continued during the Wild Card weekend in November.  Wayne Weaver was the raced leader followed by Jesse Hill, Jim Gallagher, Jr., Tom Sherby and 2019 Track Champion, Matt Peck.

BRIDGEPORT SPEEDWAY

Saturday, September 28, 2019

KING OF THE BIG BLOCKS

Sponsored by Spirit Auto Center

SPIRIT AUTO CENTER BIG BLOCK MODIFIEDS (50 laps) –

1. Ryan Watt, 2. Craig VonDohren, 3. Billy Pauch, Sr., 4. Danny Bouc, 5. Rick Laubach, 6. Jeff Strunk, 7. Tommy Beamer, 8. Jimmy Horton, 9. Brandon Grosso, 10. Dillon Steuer, 11. Brett Kressley, 12. Richie Pratt, Jr., 13. Dominick Buffalino, 14. Davey Sammons, 15. Sam Martz, Sr., 16. Wade Hendrickson, 17. Roger Manning, 18. Jim Britt, 19. Billy Pauch, Jr., 20. Duane Howard, 21. Ron Roberts, 22. Stan Frankenfield, 23. Travis Hill, 24. Cale Ross, 25. Matt Stangle, 26. Ryan Krachun, DNQ – Alan Barker, Pete Visconti, Dave Shirk, Don Cogdill, III, Bob Sarkisian, Mike Franz, Josh Delea, Bucky Kell.

 

 

Upcoming events

Friday, November 8 – Big Track Classic – URC Sprint Cars, 602 Crate Sportsman Underdog 20 and Stocks, racing at 7:30 pm

Saturday, November 9 – Wildcard Weekend – 358 Small Block Modifieds, URC Sprints plus open practice, racing at 5 pm

Sunday, November 10  – Final Hand of the 2019 Poker Series, Big Block Modifieds, 602 Crate Sportsman and Outlaw Stocks, racing at 4 pm

LAUBACH AND STINSON OPEN BRIDGEPORT’S KING OF THE BIG BLOCK WEEKEND WITH VICTORIES

The Bridgeport Speedway opened its fourth annual King of the Big Block weekend with racing action on ‘Friday night sponsored by Joy Auto Parts for the Small Block Modifieds and the Sunbelt Rental Outlaw Stocks. There were also two timed hot lap sessions for the Spirit Auto Center Big Blocks and South Jersey Overhead Door 602 Crate Sportsman where the competitor with the fastest lap in each group would be awarded a redraw position for Saturday night action.

Thirty-six Small Block Modfieds competed for starting positions in Friday night’s twenty-five lap main event.  Four qualifying heats were run where five drivers qualified but only three went to the redraw.

Rick Laubach came up with the pole.  Laubach and Neal Williams made up the first row and led the field to the wave of the green flag.  The caution waved quickly when Matt Stangle was unable to get his Ace Materials No. 6.  Stangle headed to the pits and on the next attempt, several cars were involved in an incident on the home stretch that saw Craig VonDohren head to the pits with enough damage to Dick Biever’s No. 14s to eliminate him from the competition.  The third time was the charm as Laubach led the way over Ryan Godown, Neal Williams, Ryan Krachun and Brett Kressley.

Billy Pauch, Jr. raced into fifth before lap five to trail Laubach, Godown, Williams and Krachun,  While Pauch was on the move, Modified Rookie, Louden Reimert was making a lot of moves as he advanced with the Fleurer No. 16 as he raced up to seventh after starting in the seventh row.

With the top ten remaining unchanged through the halfway mark, Cale Ross, Reimert, ‘Ron Roberts, Jeff Strunk and Kressley had a race of their own as each driver tried to  improve their position in the top ten.

Godown headed pitside with mechanical issues with the Searock No. 26 with seventeen laps complete.  It was also at this juncture that race leader began to deal with lapped traffic but nothing seemed to slow Laubach and Ryan Kerr’s No. 1K.

With five to go, Laubach had a healthy lead over Williams, Krachun, Pauch Jr. and Cale Ross.  Krachun and Pauch were battling for position in the closing laps.  Williams slowed on the track as the white flag waved, ending his bid for a runner-up finish.

Laubach took the checkered flag, adding a Small Block Modified victory to his Big Block win earlier this season.  Krachun won the battle with Pauch, Jr. who finished third in the Packenham No. 18.  Ross finished fourth as Jeff Strunk took fifth after racing with Reimert on the final lap.  Reimert finished six ahead of Duane Howard, Wade Hendrickson, Davey Sammons and Ron Roberts.

For the seventh time this season, Rich Stinson picked up the win in the Sunbelt Rental Outlaw Stock feature event.  This race was a 2019 Poker Series race for the Outlaw Stocks.  His win gave Stinson his third Ace which is going to be a tough had to beat.

Stinson led every one of the fifteen laps after starting on the pole.  He was chased for most of the fifteen laps by Tom Wills,Sr. to returned to driving after nearly a four year absence.  Wills, Sr. was behind the wheel of the Joslin No. 6.  Wills, Jr. raced into third with just five laps to go and then spent the remaining laps challenging his father for second.

Stinson led the field to the checkered with Wills, Jr. getting by Wills, Sr on the final lap to take second.  Brian Ludwig finished fourth with Lee Allen rounding out the top five.

Bridgeport Speedway. Friday, September 27, 2019 sponsored By Joy Auto Parts

Small Block Modified Feature (25 laps)  1. Rick Laubach, 2. Ryan Krachun, 3. Billy Pauch, Jr., 4. Cale Ross, 5. Jeff Strunk, 6. Louden Reimert, 7. Duane Howard, 8. Wade Hendrickson, 9. Davey Sammons, 10. Ron Roberts, 11. Brandon Grosso, 12. Ryan Watt, 13. Neal Williams,, 14. JR Fulper, 15. Billy Osmun, 16. Kevin Vaclavicek, 17. Wayne Weaver, 18. Jared Umbenhauer, 19. Ryan Godown, 20. Brett Kressley, 21. Bob Sarkisian, 22. Brad Roberts, 23. Craig VonDohren, 24. Matt Stangle,  DNQ – Roger Manning, Richie Pratt, Jr., Craig Whitmoyer, Dominick Buffalino, Kyle Lilick, Rich Wegner, Jr., Billy Briggs, Jeramy Doerr, Billy Chester, Pat Wall and Ray Swinehart

Sunbelt Rentals Outlaw Stock Feature (15 laps)

1. Rich Stinson, 2. Tom Wills, Jr. 3. Tom Wills, Sr., 4. Brian Ludwig, 5. Lee Allen, 6. Jeff Dirkes, 7. Mike Hughes, 8. Todd Dige, 9. Nick Sandone, 10. John Parker, 11. Justin Nowlen, 12. Ken Moren, 13. Paul Donahue 14. Kevin Conaway, 15. Dennis Seeley, 16. Mike Creamer, 16. Darren Cox, DNS – David Kramer

Upcoming events

Friday, November 8 – Big Track Classic – URC Sprint Cars, 602 Crate Sportsman Underdog 20 and Stocks, racing at 7:30 pm

Saturday, November 9 – Wildcard Weekend – 358 Small Block Modifieds, URC Sprints plus open practice, racing at 5 pm

Sunday, November 10  – Final Hand of the 2019 Poker Series, Big Block Modifieds, 602 Crate Sportsman and Outlaw Stocks, racing at 4 pm

KING OF THE BIG BLOCKS TO BE DETERMINED AT THE BRIDGEPORT SPEEDWAY


The fourth annual running of the King of the Big Blocks comes to the Bridgeport Speedway this Friday and Saturday. This year’s event is sponsored by Spirit Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram in nearby Swedesboro, NJ and Joy Auto Parts out of Green Brook Township. 

The Baus Family of Spirit Auto Center has been helping customers to great vehicles at prices for more than twenty-eight years.  Located just five miles from the Bridgeport Speedway, you will find a family atmosphere, knowledgeable sales people and reliable parts and service.  Several models will be on display during the race weekend.  “Spirit Dan” will be on hand to answer any questions and to show off the vehicles on hand.  Joy Auto Parts was founded in 1972 and has been providing customers and their community with auto parts and automotive advice since.  

With the Bridgeport Speedway being the only track in the Garden State who headlines Big Block Modifieds, 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 at this time of the year.  And so the King of the Big Blocks was born in fall of the 2016 season,.  

The two day event will feature the Small Block Modifieds and Sunbelt Rentals Outlaw Stocks on Friday night with racing getting underway at 7 pm.  Practice sessions will also be offered for the Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds and the South Jersey Overhead Door 602 Crate Sportsman throughout Friday night’s program as these competitors prepare for Saturday’s competition.

Saturday will see the Big Block Modifieds and 602 Crate Sportsman in competition.  In addition to the King of the Big Block title being on the line both divisions will also be competing for cards for their 2019 Poker Series hands.

Frank Cozze was the winner of the Small Block Modified portion of the first King of the Big Blocks back in 2016.  Who could forget the battle royale between the two veterans – Cozze and Billy Pauch – with Cozze picking up the win.  Pauch went on to capture the inaugural King of the Big Block events the next day, adding another title to his storied career.

In 2017, it was Jeff Strunk who drove the famed Glen and Bonita Hynemann owned No, 126 to victory in Friday night’s main event.  Bridgeport Track Champion, Ryan Watt picked up the win in the King of the Big Blocks the next day adding another big check to his garage wall.

Last year’s Friday night events were cancelled but when Saturday came around, it was Watt again who picked up the win and defended his King of the Big Block title.

The past winners will be in competition this weekend also with Bridgeport regulars Richie Pratt, Jr., Neal Williams, Matt Stangle, Tommy Beamer, Jim Britt, Dominick Buffalino and Brett Ballard to mention a few.  The invaders will be competing against the Bridgeport regulars including Billy Pauch, Jr., Craig VonDohren, Brett Kressley, Jeff Strunk and Sam Martz,  With a $10,000 payday for the winneer, this event always attracts drivers from throughout the area as well as many fans who have marked this event on their calendars at the beginning of the season.

Pit gates will open at 4 pm on Friday.  Grandstands open at 6 pm.  General admission is $25, Students (10-15) are $10 with children nine and under for free.  On Saturday, the pit gates will open at 2 pm with the grandstands opening at 4 pm.  General admission is $30 on Saturday, Students (10-15) for $10 and children 9 and under are free.  Or, a General Admission Fan Pass can be purchased for both days for $45.

Come early and enjoy all that the Bridgeport Speedway has to offer.  Live music!  A Bounce House and a wooden Monster truck for the kids to play on.  Great food from the Bridgeport concession stands.  Take a ride on the Bandit Bus with the Bridgeport mascot to view the action behind the scenes in the pit area.  Take home a t-shirt or sweatshirt as a souvenir from the Bridgeport Speedway   And don’t forget to pick up your copy of the Bridgeport Bullet – the official program of the Bridgeport Speedway – so you will be able to follow the night’s action!
We are Bridgeport – the only track in New Jersey to offer Big Block Modifieds;  we are committed to maintaining a safe, fun, family atmosphere, creating life-lasting memories of excitement.

Upcoming events

Friday, September 27 – Small Block Modifieds, Outlaw Stocks and open practice for Saturday competitors, racing at 7:30pm

Saturday, September 28 – Poker Series Hand #4 – King of the Big Blocks – Big Block Modifieds and 602 Crate Sportsman, racing at 6:30 pm

Friday, November 8 – Big Track Classic – URC Sprint Cars, 602 Crate Sportsman Underdog 20 and Stocks, racing at 7:30 pm

Saturday, November 9 – Wildcard Weekend – 358 Small Block Modifieds, URC Sprints plus open practice, racing at 5 pm

Sunday, November 10  – Final Hand of the 2019 Poker Series, Big Block Modifieds, 602 Crate Sportsman and Outlaw Stocks, racing at 4 pm

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