Category: News

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)

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.

Bridgeport, NJ – Three races remain in the 2019 season at Bridgeport.  This Saturday’s final point show, the 4th Annual ‘King of the Big Blocks’ is set for September 27-28 weekend, and November’s ‘Wild Card Weekend’.

“We tried some different rule packages this year between the 3/8 & the 5/8.  We were hoping to attract some different drivers which we did on the 3/8 but not so much on the 5/8.  So, at this point we’ll be basically going back to our rule package from last year,” explained track owner Brian Ramey.  “I’ve only got a few more races left before Doug(Rose) takes over the reigns and I want to ensure we go out on a good note.”

The following rules will be effective immediately starting this Saturday, September 7

 MODIFIED RULES

• Spec Head Engine on Alcohol or Gas: 2,275lbs. – Standard Bodies
• ‘Open 358 Small Block up to 363 cu. in.’ Alcohol or Gas: 2,400lbs – Standard Bodies
• Big Blocks up to 477 cu. in: 2,500lbs – Standard Bodies
• Big Blocks 478 & over cu. in: 2,600lbs – Standard Bodies
• Small Blocks over 364 cu. in.: 2,550lbs – Standard Bodies

All cars can have spoiler facing traditional way at 50″ maximum.

*Cars must have traditional deck lids.  NO spoilers, fins, wings, etc..

Billy Pauch drove to his sixth victory of the 2019 Bridgeport Speedway season and collected the Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modified title along the way. While the point race heated up in the other divisions, Pauch’s 68th Bridgeport feature win gave Pauch the title with just one more point race left to be run.

Rich Stinson, Jr. made it three in a row in the Sunbelt Rental Outlaw Stocks while Wayne Weaver threw his hat into the ring for the season title with his second win in the South Jersey Overhead Door 602 Crate Sportsman.

Mike Franz and Bob Sarkisian led the starting field to the wave of the green flag with Sarkisian jumping into the early lead. Roger Manning made his way from sixth to second on lap three and began his pursuit of the leader.

Sarkisian led through lap six when Manning took control. One lap later, Wade Hendrickson raced into second with the Rio No. R10. At halfway, Manning led Hendrickson, Brett Ballard, Pauch and Dominick Buffalino.

Pauch made use of the outside as he moved into second on lap seventeen with a pass by Hendrickson. One lap later, he moved to the inside to take the lead from Manning. Hendrickson followed Pauch through as Manning bobbled momentarily and then recovered.

Pauch led the way to the finish over Hendrickson, Manning who had his best finish of the season, Jimmy Horton and Jim Britt. Buffalino exited with mechanical ills just a lap from the finish. Stan Frankenfield, Jr. had another strong outing to finish sixth followed by Richie Pratt, Jr., Sam Martz, David Hunt and Ryan Watt.

Wayne Weaver took the flag to flag victory over Sammy Martz, Jr. in the South Jersey Overhead Door 602 Crate Sportsman feature. Weaver’s win makes him the third driver to have a shot at the 2019 title along with point leader, Eric Kormann and Matt Peck.

Travis Hill finished third followed by Steve Kemery and Peck. Danny Buccafusca finished sixth followed by Jim Gallagher, Tom Sherby, Rich Wegner, Jr. and Eric Kormann.

It was win number six for Rich Stinson, Jr. who also made it three in a row with his win in the Sunbelt Rentals Outlaw Stocks. Justin Knowlen led the first three laps after the green, first leading Brian Ludwig and then Lee Allen. Stinson closed in and took the lead onlap four and then put some distance between himself and the competition.

Current point leader, Tom Wills, Jr. made his way into second on lap five and chased Stinson to the finish. A late race surge by Jeff Dirkes resulted in a third place finish followed by Ludwig and Allen.

The 2019 Champions will be crowned when racing returns to the Bridgeport Speedway on Saturday night with the Big Block Modifieds, 602 Crate Sportsman and Outlaw Stocks with racing getting underway at 7pm.

BRIDGEPORT SPEEDWAY

Saturday, August 31, 2019
SPIRIT AUTO CENTER BIG BLOCK MODIFIEDS (25 laps) –

1. Billy Pauch, Sr., 2. Wade Hendrickson, 3. Roger Manning, 4. Jimmy Horton, 5. Jim Britt, 6. Stan Frankenfield, 7. Richie Pratt, Jr., 8. Sam Martz, 9. David Hunt, 10. Ryan Watt, 11. Brett Ballard, 12. Jeramy Doerr, 13. Ron Roberts, 14. J.R. Burritt, 15. Dominick Buffalino, 16. Neal Williams, 17. Joe Toth, 18. Tommy Beamer, 19. Bob Sarkisian, 20. Mike Franz, 21. Todd Neiheiser, 22. Joe Puzzella, 23. Pete Visconti, DNS – Jack Swain, Matt Stangle
SOUTH JERSEY OVERHEAD DOOR 602 CRATE SPORTSMAN (20 laps) –

1. Wayne Weaver, 2. Sammy Martz, Jr., 3. Travis Hill, 4. Steve Kemery, 5. Matt Peck, 6. Danny Buccafusca, 7. Jim Gallagher, Jr., 8. Tom Sherby, 9. Rich Wegner, Jr., 10. Eric Kormann, 11. Bobby Bracall, 12. Brett Belmont, 13. Tom Moore, Jr., 14. Tommy Errico, Jr., 15. Scott Maher, Jr., 16. Jim Cheesman, 17. Tom Holding, 18. Billy Chester, 19. Eric Mattson, 20. Pete Serra, 21. Jonathan Swift, 22. Scott Hulmes, DNS – Ernie Miles, Jr., Andrew Belmont
SUNBELT RENTALS OUTLAW STOCKS (15 laps) –

1. Rich Stinson, Jr., 2. Tom Wills, Jr., 3. Jeff Dirkes, 4. Brian Ludwig, 5. Lee Allen, 6. Justin Nowlen, 7. Ken Moren, 8. Andrew Joslin, 9. Nick Sandone, III, 10. John Parker, 11. Mike Hughes, 12. Seven Land, 13. Kevin Conaway, 14. Paul Donahue, DNS – Michael Creamer

Upcoming events

Satuday, September 7 – Final Points Night – Big Block Modifieds, 602 Crate Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks, racing at 7pm

Saturday & Sunday September 14th and 15th – Monster Truck Throwdown

Friday, September 27 – Small Block Modifieds, Outlaw Stocks and open practice for all divisions for Saturday events, 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 6:30pm

Polesitter, Mike Franz led the field through the first three circuits until Tommy Beamer drove the Don & Patti Thornton No. 31 into the lead on lap four.

Beamer drove away from the field, leaving the competition in his dust.  Ryan Watt was the man on the move as he used whatever lane he needed to march through the field, passing multiple cars on some laps.

Green flag racing through lap twenty enabled Beamer to lengthen his lead,   As the field approached the five to go sign, Beamer struggled with several lapped cars, allowing Watt to close the gap.  Beamer’s lead was erased when the caution waved for the slowing car of Franz.

It was during the caution that smoke could be seen from the left rear of Beamer’s No. 31.  A brokenshock was rubbing the left rear tire, causing the smoke.

Beamer led the way through lap twenty-one as Watt closed in with Matt Stangle on his bumper.  Watt took the lead on lap twenty-two as Stangle followed Watt to take second.  Stangle pressured Watt until he spun off of turn two with three laps to go.

The restart saw Billy Pauch in third after a late race charge.  Pauch passed Beamer for second on the restart and set his sights on Watt but Watt was not to be denied as he raced to his third Bridgeport checkered of the season.  Pauch finished second followed by Beamer who hung on to third.  Stan Frankenfield Jr. had a strong showing to finish forth with Neal Williams rounding out the top five.  Jim Britt finished sixth followed by Wade Hendrickson, Dominick Buffalino, Richie Pratt, Jr. and Dave Shirk.

Tommy Errico had the Xrated car in tune as he raced to his first win of the season in the South Jersey Overhead Door 602 Crate Sportsman feature event.  Errico waited for a challenge but one never came as the young driver focused on hitting his marks.  Travis Hill finished seccond  followed by Eric Kormann, Rich Wegner Jr. and Matt Peck.  Bobby Bracall finished sixth followed by Tom Sherby, Wayne Weaver who raced David Hartman’s No. 53 after his No. 0 suffered mechanical problems during qualifying;  Ernie Miles IIi finished ninth with rookie, Scott Maher rounding out the top ten.

It was the last race of the season in the Garden State for the Delaware Auto Exchange Mid Atlantic Sprint Series.

Jeff Geiges led from the green to the checkered to capture his second win on Bridgeport’s 5/8th mile.  Geiges was two for two on the Bridgeport track this season.  Andy Best raced the Delaware Auto Exchange No. 2 to a runner-up finish but it was third place finisher, Rickey DiEva who captured the New Jersey State Championship for his efforts.  DiEva earned his first sprint car victory at Bridgeport earlier this season.  Rick Stief and Eddie Wagner rounded out the top five while defending champion, Tim Tanner finished sixth.  Scott Frack, Jon Haegele, Tom Carberry and Jason Dunn completed the top ten at the finish.

Racing action returns to the Bridgeport Speedway next Saturday night with a tripelheader show on Saturday for Back to School Night sponsored  by Arbor Material Handling,  The Big Block Modifieds, 602 Crate Sportsman and Outlaw Stocks will all be in action for the final two point races of the season.  Racing gets underway at 7pm.

Wade Hendrickson has always considered the Bridgeport Speedway 5/8th mile his home track.  Since his first feature win there in May of 1999, Hendrickson has done some of his best racing on the Logan Township surface.

On Thursday night, Hendrickson earned his 60th Bridgeport feature win in the Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds, moving him one win closer to third place , Billy Pauch, on the All Time Feature Winner’s list.  “I learned to race here,” Hendrickson told the crowd of fans, “It’s been a special place in my heart.  I had to win one last one here,” Hendrickson said, referencing the changes coming to the Bridgeport Speedway next season.

Hendrickson’s daughter, Brooke, drew the pole for her dad and his Pat Michael owned No. 51m.  Hendrickson is not known for having any luck when it comes to drawing for position.

Hendrickson led every lap of the NAPA Auto Parts sponsored event.  Danny Bouc, driving Hendrickson’s former ride – the Craig and Lesley Pondish owned C&S Equipment No. 6 – who offered Hendrickson’s biggest challenge as he raced from his thirteenth place starting position to challenge for the win.  Bouc picked off the competition in the top five, one by one, until he got to Hendrickson.  A caution with two laps to go gave Bouc his final shot on the single file restart.  Hendrickson used his experience on the restart, slowing down the field, knowing that he would have the jump on the challenger’s small block engine.  And he was right.

Hendrickson took the win over Bouc who was all smiles after the race.  The second place finish marked Bouc’s best attempt at Bridgeport this season and he was well pleased with his car’s performance.

Billy Pauch finished third in a throwback paint scheme of the L car on a night that he Cimpko family paid tribute to the late Tom Cimpko who played an important role in Pauch’s career.

Dominick Buffalino finished fourth in the Horton No. 76, edging out Jimmy Horton at the start/finish line.  Richie Pratt, Jr. finished sixth followed by Neal Williams, Jim Britt, Rick Laubach and Roger Manning.

The Cimko Family added an additional $1,000 to the winner’s purse plus and additional $500 for fifth (Horton) and $800 for eighth place (Britt).

The win was worth $5,000 for Hendrickson in addition to an Ace for this 2019 Poker Series hand.  The three Poker Series events have been won by three different drivers – Pauch, Horton and now, Hendrickson.

Travis Hill drove the Cogdill No. 98H to victory for the second time this season in the South Jersey Overhead Door 602 Crate Sportsman feature.

Hill led every lap of the twenty lap main event to claim victory over Tom Sherby Jr.  Wayne Weaver finished third followed by Matt Peck and Eric Kormann.  James Hill, Jim Gallagher, Jr., Bobby Bracall, Ernie Miles III and Rick Wegner.

Rich Stinson, Jr. raced to his second consecutive win and fifth of the season in the Sunbelt Rental Outlaw Stock feature event.

Brian Ludwig led the way for the first two times around the track before Stinson raced into the lead after starting third at the green.

It was all Stinson for the remainder of the race as Tom Wills, Jr. picked off positions one by one from his eighth place start.  Wills was racing for third at half way.

Stinson took the win with a healthy lead over Wills who edged out Ludwig at the finish line for second.  Lee Allen finished fourth with Jeff Dirkes rounding out the top five.

The next race at the Bridgeport Speedway will be Scout Night on Saturday, August 24th when racing returns to the 5/8th mile track.

Upcoming events

Saturday, August 24 – Scout Night – Big Block Modifieds, 602 Crate Sportsman and MASS 305 Sprint Cars, racing at 7pm

Saturday, August 31 – Back to School Night by Arbor Material Handling – Big Block Modifieds, 602 Crate Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks,, racing at 7pm

Satuday, September 7 – Final Points Night – Big Block Modifieds, 602 Crate Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks, racing at 7pm

The field realigned for a complete restart  with Bob Sarkisian and Mike Franz dueling for the lead.  Franz won the spot and led the first two laps.  Tommy Beamer raced in second and inherited the lead for a lap three restart when Franz headed to the pits with mechanical issues.

Pratt was able to close in on the leader and he raced side by side with Williams with just five laps to go but it was Williams who raced to the win.  Pratt finished second followed by Pauch, Stangle and Wade Hendrickson who rebounded from the lap one incident to grab a top five finish.  Jimmy Horton finished sixth followed by Dominick Buffalino, Beamer, David Hunt and Brett Ballard.

Upcoming events

Wednesday, July 31 – Rumble on the River – Poker Series – Big Block Modifieds, 602 Crate Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks, racing at 7:30pm

Saturday, August 24 – Scout Night – Big Block Modifieds, 602 Crate Sportsman and MASS 305 Sprint Cars, racing at 7pm

Saturday, August 31 – Back to School Night by Arbor Material Handling – Big Block Modifieds, 602 Crate Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks,, racing at 7pm

Satuday, September 7 – Final Points Night – Big Block Modifieds, 602 Crate Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks, racing at 7pm

Attention all modified and 602 crate teams: The adjusted window rule for bodies has been retracted

Due to a miscommunication between sanctioning bodies, we have retracted the window panel rule modification

The rule remains as it was originally. Any questions re the body rules can be fielded by John McCaughey at this weeks’ drivers meeting as it will be strictly enforced at the 7/31 Poker race and beyond

Under the ‘Body Requirements in the ‘Big Block Modifieds’, Section F, line 5 ; and the ‘602 Crate Sportsman’ Section G, line 4 Rulebooks

Window panels can have a 4” maximum BOW (not squared off) without going above the roof line of the car.

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