‼️ THIS SATURDAY NIGHT THE FUN AND EXCITEMENT RETURNS TO THE HIGH BANKS OF BRIDGEPORT MOTORSPORTS PARK. DON’T MISS THE FIRST EVER STREET STOCK SPECTACULAR & MODIFIEDS ‼️ 🗓 Saturday July 1 🌟 MODIFIEDS – Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz 🌟 SPORTSMAN – Precision Hydraulic and Oil 🌟 STREET STOCKS – Roveda speed II & Andrew Joslin ($1000 to Win, $500 second, & $100 to Start) 🌟 4 CYLINDER STOCK CARS 🌟 ROOKIE SPORTSMAN (Graduation) – DA’s Auto Body 🏎 4:00 Pits 🎟 5:00 Grandstands 🚦 6:15 Cars on track
Bridgeport, NJ – It was an ecstatic and relieved Brian Papiez who pulled into the Champion Victory Lane for his second win of the season in the Precision Hydraulic & Oil 602 Sportsman. It was Professional Design Services night at the speedway and Papiez was able to shed weeks of bad luck and crashes and become the first driver to repeat in the 602 Sportsman.
Kevin Nagy was able to use a late race restart to take the lead and then the win in the Delaware Auto Exchange Mid-Atlantic Sprint Series (MASS) feature event. Nagy became the third different winner in the three MASS events at Bridgeport so far this season.
Mike Hughes won his second win of the season in the Tipico Sportsbook Street Stock feature as he picked up the back-to-back victory. Eddie Barber III raced to his fifth win of the season in the DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookie feature with just one race remaining in the Rookie season. Tim Jones raced to the win in the Tipico Sportsbook 4 Cylinder feature to become the third different driver to win in this division.
Papiez was euphoric in Victory Lane – much like you might expect from a big win or a first time winner. “I needed this one bad,” Papiez exclaimed after issues sidelined Papiez from the Iceless Cash Dash. The No. 37 team discovered water in their fuel and spent the time before the feature to drain the fuel cell. Papiez thanked his crew and car owner. “These guys just don’t give up on me!”
Papiez took the win but several other drivers achieved great results in the twenty-five lap feature event. Ethan Bill raced from his twelfth place starting position to challenge Papiez in the final laps. 2022 Rookie Champion, Thomas Prychka, jumped behind the wheel of the G&T Erectors No. 57z and collected a third place finish – his best effort so far this season. Pete Serra led the feature for the first thirteen laps and finished fourth for his best effort to date. Matt Luzi raced in the top five throughout the twenty-five lap distance, finishing fifth for his best finish of 2023. Justin Newhard followed in sixth for his best finish followed by Travis Hill, Billy Chester, Jim Dallett and David Jenkins to complete the top ten at the checkered.
Hoffman Discount Parts heat races were won by Matt Luzi, Ethan Bill and Brian Rogers. Ethan Bill was also the winner of the Iceless sponsored Cash Dash for the 602 Sportsman.
Eddie Barber III dedicated his fifth Rookie win of the season to Amy Barber who passed away during the 2022 season. Amy was not only important to her family and extended family but to Bridgeport as well as she filled many positions at the track on both Friday and Saturday night events.
Jason Dipretore finished second followed by Ed Owens.
Joe Kay led every lap of the Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz sponsored MASS sprint cars on this Saturday night. There was only one caution in the race which came just four laps from the finish after Eddie Wagner and Rick Stief were collected in an incident in turns one and two. Kay led lap twenty-two but Nagy took the lead after the two drivers traded positions several times. Defending MASS Champion, Budd Schweibinz made it a three car battle for the lead in the final laps, taking over second with just one lap to go.
It was Nagy for the win over Schweibinz, Kay, last week’s winner, Tim Iulg and second generation driver, Kenny Laureno who collected his first top five in MASS competition. Larry McVay finished sixth followed by Dave Brown, Phil Meisner, Cory Cornell and Cory Hunsberger at the checkered.
The F&L Doors sprint heat races were won by Joe Kay and Kevin Nagy.
Mike Hughes raced to back-to-back wins in the Tipico Sportsbook Street Stock feature. For the second time in seven days, Hughes raced to the win over four time feature winner, Tom Wills, Jr. After a hard fought battle, Jeramy Doerr finished third over Lee Allen and TJ Henry.
Lee Allen was the winner of the DTM Kawasaki Street Stock qualifier.
Tim Jones was the winner of the Tipico Sportsbook Four Cylinder feature as Dan Stein, Jr., Lee Allen and Ed Ford battled to determine the runner-up spot. Jones led Stein, Jr, Allen, Ford and Dan Stein, Sr. to the checkered flag.
The Protek Roofing Four Cylinder heat race was won by Dan Stein, Jr.
Racing returns to the High Banks on Saturday night with Modifieds, 602 Sportsman, Street Stocks, the North East Wingless Sprints and it’s graduation night for the DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookies!
1. Brian Papiez, 2. Ethan Bill, 3. Thomas Prychka, 4. Pete Serra, 5. Matt Luzi, 6. Justin Newhard, 7. Travis Hill, 8. Billy Chester, 9. Jim Dallett, 10. David Jenkins, 11. Brian Rogers, 12. Ethan Young, 13. Dan Hulmes, 14. Shane Kassekert, 15. Scott Hulmes, 16. Stephen Yankowski, 17. Ashley Metz, 18. Robert Tete, 19. Ed Owens, 20. Bryan Olsen, 21. Matt Peck, DNS – Brandon Shipley, Howie Finch
MID-ATLANTIC SPRINT SERIES FEATURE (25 LAPS) SPONSORED BY DANNY’S PIZZA PIZZAZZ
1. Kevin Nagy, 2. Buddy Schweibinz, 3. Joe Kay, 4. Tim Iulg, 5. Kenny Laureno, 6. Larry McVay, 7. Dave Brown, 8. Phil Meisner, 9. Cory Cornell, 10. Cory Hunsberger, 11. D.J. Tanner, Jr., 12. Logan Diehl, 13. Jeff Paulson, 14. Shelby Kelly, 15. Dale Eggert, 16. Keith Anderson, 17. Eddie Wagner, 18. Rick Stief, 19. Darren Cox, 20. David Luther
D.A.’S AUTO BODY & REPAIR FEATURE (7 LAPS)
1. Eddie Barber, III, 2. Jason DiPretore, 3. Ed Owens
TIPICO SPORTSBOOK STREET STOCKS (15 LAPS)
1. Mike Hughes, 2. Tom Wills, Jr., 3. Jeramy Doerr, 4. Lee Allen, 5. T.J. Henry, 6. Christopher Allen, Sr., 7. Terry Chaney, 8. Nick Sandone, III
TIPICO SPORTSBOOK FOUR CYLINDERS FEATURE (20 LAPS)
1. Tim Jones, 2. Dan Stein, Jr., 3. Lee Allen, 4. Ed Ford, 5. Dan Stein, Sr., 6. Eric Degler, 7. Joe Garey, Jr., 8. John Parker, DNS – Joe Garey, Sr.
Bridgeport, NJ – Jordan Watson raced to his first win of the season at the Bridgeport Motorsports Park and his first win since joining the Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz No. 51 Racing Team. Watson bettered his performance of a week ago and led the way to the checkered flag in thirty lap Modified feature. TIm Iulg earned his first win in the Delaware Auto Exchange Mid Atlantic Sprint Series (MASS) while Ethan Bill earned his first Precision Hydraulic & Oil 602 Sportsman win of the season. Eddie Barber III raced to his fourth win in the DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookies. Eric Degler was the winner of the Tipico Sportsbook 4 Cylinder for his first ever win in this division.
WB James grabbed the lead on the start and led the Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz Modifieds through the five to go sign. Jordan Watson raced into second on lap twenty-four after a side-by-side battle with Stan Frankenfield for the runner-up spot. Watson immediately closed the gap on the leader. With just four laps to go, Watson was in position to challenge James for the lead, diving to the inside as the leaders headed to turn three. Watson slid low to high to take the race lead with a lapped car positioned between the leader and James in second.
Watson led the final four circuits to collect his first Bridgeport Motorsports Park win of the season and become the eighth different driver to collect a feature win on the High Banks this season. James finished second for his best run of the season – a little disappointed with the loss of the win but still pleased with the night’s performance. Billy Osmun raced in the top five throughout the thirty lap event, taking third in the final laps. Stan Frankenfield had a great outing to finish fourth. His pass between turns three and four to take second was certainly one of the outstanding moves of the race. Joseph Watson raced his way from mid-pack to finish fifth.
Last week’s winner, Duane Howard, finished sixth followed by Mike Franz, Neal Williams, HJ Bunting and Sean Metz who just moved into Modified competition this season.
“I wanted this one bad,” Watson said following his win. “This place has haunted me for a while now.”
F&L Doors Modified heat races were won by James, Neal Williams and Sammy Martz, Jr.
Tim Iulg is no stranger to Bridgeport or sprint cars but on Saturday night, Iulg was able to deliver his first win to Ale Racing. Iulg was the big winner in the Jasper Sprints that were a big part of the 5/8th mile track history. Saturday night’s win opened a new chapter for the second generation driver and car owner, Vance Ale.
Iulg start third but went to the outside of Scott Frack to take the lead on the first lap. Consecutive green flag laps had the leader catching the back of the field on lap seven. By the time the caution waved for the first time on lap nineteen, Iulg was slicing his way through heavy traffic which allowed Frack and defending MASS Champion, Buddy Schweibinz to close in on the leader. The lap twenty restart was a mixed blessing as it closed up the field but gave Iulg a clear track ahead. And Iulg took advantage of the clear track as he raced ahead on the restart and put some distance between himself and the competition.
Iulg took the win with Dave Brown racing into second in the final laps. Frack finished third followed by Schweibinz and DJ Tanner. Andy Best, Kevin Nagy, Eddie Wagner, Bobby DeVault and Josh Bricker completed the top ten in the rundown.
EZ Work Trucks heat races were won by Schweibinz, Brown and John Brennfleck.
Ethan Bill raced to his first win of the season in the Precision Hydraulic & Oil 602 Sportsman feature event, putting him into a tie with Travis Hill in the point standings. There is still plenty of racing left to run but Bill and Hill have been consistent with top five positions so far this season so fans can be assured of a battle in the standings in the months to come.
Brian Rogers led the first eight laps of the feature event. After plenty of bad luck so far this season, it was great for Rogers to be out in front. Bill challenged Rogers on a lap six restart but Rogers battled back. Bill took the lead on lap nine with Rogers, Pete Serra, Travis Hill and Brandon Shipley racing in the top five at halfway.
A bout of yellow fever struck the Sportsman competitors in the final ten laps, certainly trying the patience of race leader, Ethan Bill. At the end of twenty-five laps, it was Bill for the win over Hill, Matt Peck, Stephen Yankowski and Billy Chester. Dave Jenkins, Dan Hulmes, Scott Hulmes, Brian Rogers and Justin Newhard completed the top ten in the running order. After his great start, Rogers was involved in a backstretch incident but was able to restart at the rear of the field and race his way to a top ten finish.
Hoffman Discount Parts heat races were won by Robert Tete, Pete Serra and Bryan Brobst.
Eddie Barber III was back in winning form as he picked up his fourth win in the DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookies. In this week’s event, Aaron Conover was able to keep Barber within striking distance as he raced to a second place finish. Jason Dipretore finished third.
Eric Degler raced to the win in the Tipico Sportsbook 4 Cylinder feature event for his first win in this division. Tim Jones, Dan Stein, Jr. and Ed Ford raced nose-to-tail to finish second, third and fourth. Joe Garey, Jr. finished fifth.
DANNY’S PIZZA PIZZAZZ MODIFIEDS (30 LAPS):
Jordan Watson, 2. W.B. James, 3. Billy Osmun, III, 4. Stan Frankenfield, Jr., 5. Joseph Watson, 6. Duane Howard, 7. Mike Franz, 8. Neal Williams, 10. H.J. Bunting, 11. David Hunt, 12. Sam Martz, Jr., 13. Jack Swain, 14. Brett Kelly, 15. Tommy Scheetz, 16. Sam Martz, Sr., 17. Cale Ross, 18. Rick Laubach, 19. Blaine Bracelin, 20. Daylton Strohl, DNS – J.R. Fulper, Ron Roberts
Ethan Bill, 2. Travis Hill, 3. Matt Peck, 4. Stephen Yankowski, 5. Billy Chester, 6. David Jenkins, 7. Danny Hulmes, 8. Scott Hulmes, 9. Brian Rogers, 10. Justin Newhard, 11. David Hartman, 12. Robert Tete, 13. Ed Owens, 14. Brandon Shipley, 15. Anthony Sisco, 16. Pete Serra, 17. Bryan Brobst, 18. Ethan Young, 19. Thomas Prychka, 20. Brian Papiez, 21. Dave McElroy, 22. Brandon Watkins, DNS – Aaron Conover, Matt Luzi, Luke Bunting,
DELAWARE AUTO EXCHANGE MID-ATLANTIC SPRINT SERIES FEATURE (25 LAPS)
Tim Iulg, 2. Dave Brown, 3. Scott Frack, 4. Buddy Schweibinz, 5. D.J. Tanner, Jr., 6. Andy Best, 7. Kevin Nagy, 8. Eddie Wagner, 10. Tyler DeVault, 11. Josh Bricker, 12. Jon Brennfleck, 13. Jeff Paulson, 14. Joe Kay, 15. Jared Kreider, 16. Larry McVay, 17. Rick Stief, 18. Cory Cornell, 19. Dale Eggert, 20. Kenny Laureno, 21. Darren Cox, 22. Shelby Kelly, 23. Dirk Rimrott, DNS – Ian Borden, Jason Dunn, Keith Anderson, Justin Nowlen
D.A.’S AUTO BODY & REPAIR FEATURE (7 LAPS)
Eddie Barber, III, 2. Aaron Conover, 3. Jason DiPetore, 4. Ed Owens, 5. Dave McElroy
TIPICO SPORTSBOOK FOUR CYLINDERS FEATURE (15 LAPS)
Eric Degler, 2. Tim Jones, 3. Dan Stein, Jr., 4. Ed Ford, 5. Joe Garey, Jr., 6. John Parker, 7. Mike Stein, Sr., 8. Joe Garey, Sr.
Thank you to everyone that makes the Kingdom of Speed Possible….. VP Fuels Liberty Kenworth Church’s Auto Parts Premio Sausage Precision Hydraulic & Oil Millville Glass & Door Design For Vision Rodota Trucking & Excavating Scrappy’s Auto Service Hyper Racing Izzi Trucking & Rigging Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz Vahlco Wheels Ellery’s Pub & Grill Ice Less llc. Hoffman Discount Parts JPA Masonry Weaknecht Archery Spirit Auto Center Foley Caterpillar Hisko Lowboy Lineman Racing Cenco Oil Bob Hilbert Sportswear Cassidy Painting TW Metals Hessert Chevrolet Triple R Truck Parts John Blewett Scrap & Waste Recycling Pioneer Pole Buildings F&L Doors – FLDoors.com EZ Work Trucks J&S Electrical Melton Industries Pro Tek Roofing Johns Manville Beacon Building Products KOA Camp Grounds Victory Fuel Tipico Sportsbook Champion Brands DTM Kawasaki Amwell Auto Body Williams Napa Prime Design Landscaping
Bridgeport, NJ – Duane Howard raced to victory in the Butch Getz owned No. 15G in the first Rumble on the River event of the season on the High Banks of the Bridgeport Motorsports Park in the Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz Modifieds. Bryan Brobst picked up his first win of the season in the Precision Hydraulic & Oil 602 Sportsman while Mike Hughes raced to his first win of the season in the Tipico Sportsbook Street Stocks. Jennings was the race winner in the North East Wingless Sprints (NEWS)feature while Chris Allen earned his first win in the DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookie in his first ever trip to the Bridgeport Speedplant. Five features and five first time winners in the 2023 season on Triple R Truck Parts night at the Bridgeport Motorsports Park.
Howard is no stranger to success at the Bridgeport Speedway but his wins and track titles came on the 5/8th mile track where Howard ranks in the top five of career feature wins and four track championships. Saturday night’s win was his first on the 4/10th mile surface. “It’s great that Doug (Rose) put up this extra purse for his Saturday night racers,” Howard stated following his win. Rose came up with the Rumble on the River series for Bridgeport for the 2022 season. He wanted a way to reward the drives who supported his Saturday night races by offering several higher paying races throughout the season. Saturday night’s event was the first of three for the 2023 season.
“That was a race,” Howard exclaimed and how right he was. Five different drivers led during the forty lap feature event more lead changes than that. Stan Frankenfield led the first five laps before Mike Franz took over on a lap six restart as he raced three-wide with Frankenfield and WB James to take the lead. After battling with Franz for several laps, James took the lead on lap ten and as Howard and Jordan Watson battled for second behind the leader. Howard raced in second when James slowed on lap fifteen, bringing out the caution.
On the lap fifteen restart, Jordan Watson raced to the outside of Howard and came to the start/finish line with the lead. Howard then used a lap twenty-four restart to power by Watson on the outside to take the lead for the final time.
“This is the kind of race track we like!”, Howard exclaimed. “My crew thought I was crazy after the heat race when I told them that you could really run the bottom tonight.” Howard proved his point by making his way to the front why running the bottom of the track even though his winning pass came by way of the outside line.
Howard took the win over Jordan Watson and a hard-charging Ryan Krachun who raced his way to third place finisherafter starting 22nd on the starting grid. Davey Sammons raced in a fourth place finish over Jojo Watson. Sammy Martz, Jr. finished sixth after running among the top five for most of the race. Rick Laubach followed in seventh with HJ Bunting, Neal Williams and JR Fulper completing the top ten.
F&L Doors Modified heats were won by Stan Frankenfield, Sammy Martz, Jr. and Billy Osmun.
Bryan Brobst grabbed the lead on the start and led all twenty-five laps of the Precision Hydraulic & Oil 602 Sportsman feature for his first win of the season. Ethan Bill chased Brobst to the finish after trying several times to take the lead. Brian Papiez finished third followed by Jim Dallett and Thomas Prychka. Travis Hill, David Jenkins, Matt Peck, Brandon Shipley and Scott Hulmes completed the top ten at the checkered. Sportsman action was slowed by several caution flags but Brobst prevailed.
Hoffman Discount Parts heat races were won by Matt Luzi, Brobst and David Jenkins.
Christopher Allen raced in the 24 Hours of Daytona in January and decided he’d like to try his hand at dirt track racing. Allen raced in his first DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookie feature and won, driving the No. 34 of Scott Hulmes. Allen inherited the lead when three time Rookie feature winner, Eddie Barber III ran into mechanical issues and pulled off the track. Aaron Conover finished second with Dave McElroy finishing third.
Mike Hughes raced to his first win of the season in the Melton Industries Street Stock feature, becoming the first driver to win over Tom Wills, Jr. Nick Sandone led the first lap before Hughes charged to the front on lap two. Wills finished second followed by Drew Brocklebank, Jeramy Doerr and Gary Klimeczak in the Stinson No. 27.
The Protek Roofing heat race was won by Mike Hughes.
Eric Jennings became the fourth different winner in the Tipico Sportsbook NEWS sprints in their fourth Bridgeport appearance of the season, finishing ahead of the three prior winners – Brian Spencer, Rich Mellor and Brendan Hires. Spencer finished second followed by Rich Mellor and Brendan Hires with Shea Wills finishing fifth in the twenty lap feature.
Brian Spencer and Eric Jennings were the winners of the Victory Fuel heat races.
1. Duane Howard, 2. Jordan Watson, 3. Ryan Krachun, 4. Davey Sammons, 5. Joseph Watson, 6. Sammy Martz, Jr., 7. Rick Laubach, 8. H.J. Bunting, 9. Neal Williams, 10. J. R. Fulper, 11. Mike Franz, 12. Stan Frankenfield, Jr., 13. David Crossman, 14. Jack Swain, 15. Tommy Scheetz. 16. Blaine Bracelin, 17. Sam Martz, Sr., 18. Cale Ross, 19. W. B. James, 20. David Hunt, 21. Brett Kelly, 22. Billy Osmun, III
1. Bryan Brobst, 2. Ethan Bill, 3. Brian Papiez, 4. Jim Dallett, 5. Thomas Prychka, 6. Travis Hill, 7. David Jenkins, 8. Matt Peck, 9. Brandon Shipley, 10. Scott Hulmes. 11 Brandon Watkins, 12. Matt Luzi, 13. Justin Newhard, 14. Aaron Conover, 15. Robert Tete, 16. Pete Serra, 17. Stephen Yankowski, 18. Howie Finch, 19. Billy Chester, 20. Dave McElroy, 21. Brian Rogers, 22. Shane Kassekert, DNS – Bryan Olsen, Dan Hulmes
D.A. AUTO BODY & REPAIR ROOKIES (7 laps):
1. Christopher Allen, 2. Aaron Conover, 3. Dave McElroy, 4. Jason DiPretore, 5. Ed Barber, III
1. Eric Jennings, 2. Rich Mellor, 3. Brian Spencer, 4. Brendan Hires, 5. Shea Wills, 6. Stan Ploski, III, 7. Heidi Hedin, 8. Al Cheney, 9. Dan Malley, 10. Eric Miller, 11. Zach Brown, 12. Joe Byer, DNS – Larry Drake
MELTON INDUSTRIES STREET STOCK FEATURE (15 laps):
1. Mike Hughes, 2. Tom Wills, Jr., 3. Drew Brocklebank, 4. Jeramy Doerr, 5. Gary Klimeczak, 6. Kyle Saylor, 7. Nick Sandone, III, 8. Kevin Heckman, 9. Terry Chaney, 10. Mike Derr
Thank you to everyone that makes the Kingdom of Speed Possible…..
DANNY’S PIZZA PIZZAZZ MODIFIEDS: 1. Duane Howard, 2. Jordan Watson, 3. Ryan Krachun, 4. Davey Sammons, 5. Joseph Watson, 6. Sam Martz Jr., 7. Rick Laubach, 8. HJ Bunting, 9. Neal Williams, 10. JR Fulper, 11. Mike Franz, 12. Stan Frankenfield, 13. David Crossman, 14. Jack Swain, 15. Tommy Scheetz, 16. Blaine Bracelin, 17. Sam Martz Sr., 18. Cale Ross, 19. WB James, 20. David Hunt, 21. Brett Kelly, 22. Billy Osmun III
PRECISION HYDRAULIC & OIL 602 SPORTSMAN: 1. Bryan Brobst, 2. Ethan Bill, 3. Brian Papiez, 4. Jim Dallett, 5. Thomas Prychka, 6. Travis Hill, 7. David Jenkins, 8. Matt Peck, 9. Brandon Shipley, 10. Scott Hulmes, 11. Brandon Watkins, 12. Matt Luzi, 13. Justin Newhard, 14. Aaron Conover, 15. Robert Tete, 16. Pete Serra, 17. Stephen Yankowski, 18. Howie Finch, 19. Billy Chester, 20. Dave McElroy, 21. Brian Rogers, 22. Shane Kassekert
DNS: Dan Hulmes, Bryan Olsen
STREET STOCKS FEATURE: 1. Mike Hughes, 2. Tom Wills Jr., 3. Drew Brocklebank, 4. Jeramy Doerr, 5. Gary Klemcheck, 6. Kyle Saylor, 7. Nick Sandone III, 8. Kevin Heckman, 9. Terry Chaney, 10. Mike Derr
NEWS SPRINT CAR FEATURE: 1. Eric Jennings, 2. Brian Spencer, 3. Rich Mellor, 4. Brendan Hires, 5. Shea Wills, 6. Stan Ploski, 7. Heidi Hedin, 8. Al Cheney, 9. Dan Malley, 10. Eric Miller, 11. Zack Brown, 12. Joe Byer
DNS: Larry Drake
D.A.’S AUTOBODY ROOKIES: 1. Chris Allen, 2. Aaron Conover, 3. Dave McElroy, 4. Jason Dipretore, 5. Ed Barber III
Bridgeport, NJ – It was all about “Sunshine” at the Bridgeport Motorsports Park for Thursday evening’s event sponsored by Victory Fuels.
First, it was the beautiful weather that blessed the Logan Township speed plant after too many rainy and damp race nights that had to be canceled so far this season.
And then, it was all about “Sunshine” – Tyler Courtney who raced to the wire-to-wire $10,000 win in the Tezo All Star Circuit of Champions thirty lap sprint car main event!
The win was Courtney’s 20th win in All Star competition. “I finished second here last year,” the feature winner stated. “This place is awesome!” It was just Courtney’s second win of the All Star points amidst a lot of top five finishes with a fast race cars. “Those thirds and fifths are good for the end of the year” (points) Courntey stated but it was clear that they don’t measure up to the wins.
It was Courney’s second visit to the High Banks where he finished in the runner-up spot behind race winner, Justin Peck in last year’s event. What a difference a year makes!
Freddie Rahmer earned the pole position start after his victory in the dash where Courtney finished second, putting him on the outside of the front row. The field took the green flag, with Courtney racing on the outside of Rahmer, looking to grab the lead but the attention was quickly diverted from the race for the lead. Several cars got out of shape on the homestretch. Justin Peck, who started eighth, had nowhere to go as cars were across the track in front of him, sending the Buch Motorsports No. 13 into the air for one very wild ride. The good news was that Peck exited the No. 13 a few minutes later, under his own power.
Peck’s car was mangled and wingless but more importantly, the RPM sprint chassis and the safety equipment, did its job. In addition to Peck, Austin Bishop also got upside down after he flew off the track. The cars of Peck, Bishop, JJ Hickle, Tyler Ross and Domenic Melair were eliminated from further competition.
Several cars headed to the work area, including Anthony Macri and the No. 39. After a tire change, Macri returned to restart at the rear of the field.
Peck wisely elected to be checked out at the local hospital where he was released several hours later.
The cars realigned for the complete restart and Courtney raced Rahmer for the lead. Rahmer came right back to challenge but it was Courtney who had the lead as lap one was scored. The first ten laps saw Courtney out in front over Rahmer, New Jersey’s own, Kyle Reinhardt, Hunter Scheurenberg and Zeb Wise who was the night’s fast timer.
The top five remained the same as the leaders reached the back of the field with ten laps scored. Several drivers tried to use the traffic to their advantage but the top five remained unchanged through halfway. A restart on lap nineteen, saw Devon Borden race into fourth with Schuerenberg taking over third and Reinhardt dropping to fifth.
A flat tire saw Rahmer exit the field with 22 laps on the books. The subsequent restart found Macri breaking into the top five after racing his way from the rear of the field.
Reinhardt and Macri made some big moves in the final laps. It was Courtney for the win over Reinhardt, Macri, Scheurenberg and Cory Eliason. Wise finished sixth after running among the top five for most of the race. Brent Marks followed in seventh with Borden, Justin Whitall and Danny Dietrich rounding out the top ten.
The win was Courtney’s 20th in All Star competition. “I finished second here last year,” the feature winner stated. “This place is awesome!”
The thirty lap feature for the Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz Modifieds saw only two cautions -one at the end of lap one and the second caution on the final lap.
It was the first win of the season for Ross who has suffered through a variety of issues early in the season. “Finally,” was Ross’ reaction. “These are the nights that you look forward to!” Ross had high praise for the track crew as well. “The track felt like the old Bridgeport tonight!”
Cale Ross drew the pole – or the sitting duck position as many drivers see starting from the pole. It leaves them vulnerable because they don’t know where the competition is running.
Ross led every lap and had the Amwell Auto Body No. 29 of Ryan Krachun to keep him company during those thirty laps. Krachun dogged the leader in the second half of the race, challenging for the lead with five to go but Ross was able to counter the challenge and maintain the lead.
Behind the leaders was a three car battle for third with Billy Osmun, Jeff Strunk and Matt Stangle. That battle went right down to the final lap. Stangle had taken fourth from Strunk just before the last lap caution for Mike Franz. Then on the one lap, single file restart, Stangle took over third from Osmun.
Ross led the way to the checkered for the $4,000 win over Krachun, Stangle, Osmun and Strunk. Duane Howard finished sixth followed by Mike Gular, Rick Laubach, Joseph Watson and Jordan Watson.
ALL-STAR CIRCUIT OF CHAMPIONS: 1. Tyler Courtney, 2. Kyle Reinhardt, 3. Anthony Macri, 4. Hunter Schuerenberg, 5. Cory Eliason, 6. Zeb Wise, 7. Brent Marks, 8. Devon Borden, 9. Justin Whittall, 10. Danny Dietrich, 11. Kyle Spence, 12. Tim Shaffer, 13. Chris Windom, 14. Sam Hafertepe Jr., 15. Scotty Thiel, 16. Connor Morrell, 17. Jon Brennfleck, 18. Freddie Rahmer, 19. Dave Brown, 20. Justin Peck, 21. JJ Hickle, 22. Tyler Ross, 23. Austin Bishop, 24. Domenic Melair
DANNY’S PIZZA PIZZAZZ MODIFIEDS: 1. Cale Ross, 2. Ryan Krachun, 3. Matt Stangle, 4. Billy Osmun III, 5. Jeff Strunk. 6. Duane Howard, 7. Mike Gular, 8. Rick Laubach, 9. Joseph Watson, 10. Jordan Watson, 11. HJ Bunting, 12. Anthony Tramontana, 13. Dillon Steuer, 14. JR Fuller, 15. Kevin Vaclavieck, 16. Mike Franz, 17. Tim Millman, 18. David Crossman, 19. Blaine Bracelin, 20. Stan Frankenfield, 21. Dalton Strohl, 22. Billy Pauch Jr.
Thank you to everyone that makes the Kingdom of Speed Possible…..
Bridgeport, NJ – There was no shortage of congratulations and hand shakes as Matt Stangle raced for the win in the Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz Modified feature event on Saturday night at the Bridgeport Motorsports Park.
Stangle did a lot of winning on the former 5/8th mile track during his years in Crate Sportsman competition. His Saturday night victory marked his second on the High Banks. He has been close too many times to count.
Saturday’s night events also marked a win of another kind – a win for the track versus Mother Nature as the five division show was completed before the weather moved into the Logan Township area.
Third generation driver, Billy Osmun took the lead on the original start and raced the No. 81 ahead of the field for the first twelve laps. Single car cautions kept the field tight during the early part of the race but Osmun had everything well in hand. A lap twelve restart, saw Stangle line up along side of Osmun and then race into the lead as the pair raced out of turn two. Stangle then distanced himself from the competition.
Stangle led Osmun, Neal Williams, Duane Howard and Sammy Martz, Jr. at halfway.
Stangle set a torrid pace on a fast track – just off the pace of the track record set by Darren Smith during the Super DIRTcar event. Smith set the mark at 15.477 seconds. Stangle was turning laps of 15.524 during the thirty lap Modified feature event.
There was plenty of side-by-side racing throughout the field until a multi-car homestretch incident eliminated the cars of Sam Martz, Frank Cozze, Blaine Bracelin, Carson Wright, David Crossman and Sean Metz. Wright went for a wild ride but all drivers escaped injury.
Stangle raced to the checkered flag for the win with Osmun finishing second. Duane Howard put the Butch Getz No. 15G in third, racing from deep in the feature line-up. Jordan Watson finished fourth in the Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz No. 51 while HJ Bunting put the Blue Hen No. 30 in fifth on the final lap as he edged out Rick Laubach on the way to the checkered flag. Laubach finished sixth followed by Cale Ross, Jim Britt, Joseph Watson and JR Fulper.
F&L Doors heat races were won by Stan Frankenfield, Osmun and David Hunt.
After a late race flat deprived Matt Peck of a victory a few weeks ago, Peck raced to the win in the Precision Hydraulic & Oil 602 Sportsman.
Dave Jenkins led the race until a lap six caution saw Jenkins head pitside with mechanical issues. It was Brian Papiez who led the field back to the green as Howie Finch and Peck battled for second. Peck moved into second on a lap ten restart, leaving the battle for third to Finch and Travis Hill.
Peck had the lead as the field headed to the line on lap fifteen and Papiez headed to the pits for a tire change.
Peck raced to the win over Finch, Hill, Ethan Bill and Stephen Yankowski. 2022 Rookie Champion, Thomas Prychka finished sixth followed by Papiez who raced his way back to a seventh place finish. Billy Chester, Dan Hulmes and Pete Serra completed the top ten at the finish.
The Hoffman Discount Parts heat races were won by David Jenkins, Eric Matson and Howie Finch.
Eddie Barber III made it two in a row in the DA’s Auto Body Rookie feature event. Jason Dipretore stayed within striking distance to finish second followed by Dylan Montieth in third.
For the third time this season, Tom Wills, Jr. raced to the win in the Melton Industry Street Stocks, using a three wide move between Nick Sandone and Jeramy Doerr to take the lead. Doerr raced in Wills tracks to finish second followed by Mike Hughes, Gary Klimeczak in the Stinson No. 27 and Drew Brocklebank.
Nick Sandone III and Spider Ensinger were the winners of the ProTek Roofing heat races.
The Tipico Sportbook North East Wingless Sprints were won by Brenden Hires. Rich Mellor took the lead from the outside pole and led through lap fifteen. Hires raced into second early and then trailed Mellor until the five to go mark. Hires raced by Mellor to take the lead on lap sixteen and then survived a last lap, last corner slide job to pick up the win. Trailing Hires to the flag were Mellor, Shea Wills, Brian Spencer and Larry Drake.
Shea Wills was the winner of the Victory Fuels heat race.
Action returns to the High Banks on Thursday evening with the All Star Circuit of Champions and the Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz Modifieds for a great double header show. Pits open at 3pm, grandstands at 5pm and racing at 6:15pm. Then on Saturday, May 25th it’s the Mid Atlantic Sprint Series along with 602 Sportsman, Street Stocks, Rookies and Vintage.
1. Matt Stangle, 2. Billy Osmun, III, 3. Duane Howard, 4. Jordan Watson, 5. H.J. Bunting, 6. Rick Laubach, 7. Cale Ross, 8. Jim Britt, 9. Joseph Watson, 10. J.R. Fulper, 11. Sammy Martz, Jr., 12. Neal Williams, 13. David Crossman, 14. Carson Wright, 15. Frank Cozze, 16. Sam Martz, Sr., 17. Blaine Bracelin, 18. Sean Metz, 19. Mike Franz, 20. W.B. James, 21. Stan Frankenfield, Jr., 22. David Hunt
1. Matt Peck, 2. Howie Finch, 3. Travis Hill, 4. Ethan Bill, 5. Stephen Yankowski, 6. Thomas Prychka, 7. Brian Papiez, 8. Billy Chester, 9. Dan Hulmes, 10. Pete Serra, 11. Justin Newhard, 12. Chris Martinez, 13. Brian Rogers, 14. Shane Kassekert, 15. David Hartman, 16. Robert Tete, 17. Scott Hulmes, 18. Erik Mattson, 19. David Miloczar, 20. David Jenkins, 21. Bryan Brobst, 22. Jim Dallett, 23. Ethan Young, 24. Brandon Shipley, DNS – Ed Owens
D.A. AUTO BODY & REPAIR ROOKIES (8 laps):
1. Ed Barber, III, 2. Jason Dipretre, 3. Dylan Monteith, 4. Ed Owens
1. Brendan Hires, 2. Rich Mellor, 3. Shea Wills, 4. Brian Spencer, 5. Larry Drake, 6. Joe Byer, 7. Stan Ploski, III, 8. Al Cheney
MELTON INDUSTRY STREET STOCK FEATURE (15 laps):
1. Tom Wills, Jr., 2. Jeramy Doerr, 3. Mike Hughes, 4. Gary Klimeczak, 5. Drew Brocklebank, 6. Nick Sandone, III, 7. Terry Chaney, 8. Spyder Ensinger, 10. Kevin Heckman, DNS – Lee Allen, Christopher Allen, Sr.
‼️ IT’s RACE DAY AT BRIDGEPORT SPEEDWAY. COME ON OUT FOR A GREAT NIGHT OF RACING AND FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT ‼️ 🗓 Saturday May 20 🌟 MODIFIEDS – Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz Millville 🌟 SPORTSMAN – Precision Hydraulic and Oil 🌟 WINGLESS SPRINT CARS (Northeast Wingless Sprint Cars) 🌟 STREET STOCKS 🌟 VINTAGE SERIES 🌟 ROOKIE SPORTSMAN – DA’s Auto Body 🏎 4:00 Pits 🎟 5:00 grandstands 🚦 6:00 Cars on track 🗓 Thursday May 25 🌟 410 Sprint Cars – All Star Circuit of Champions 🌟 MODIFIEDS – @Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz 🏎 3:00 Pits 🎟 5:00 grandstands 🚦 6:15 Cars on track
‼️ WE RETURN THIS SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE KINGDOM OF SPEED Bridgeport Speedway ‼️ 🗓 Saturday May 20 🌟 MODIFIEDS – Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz Millville 🌟 SPRINT CARS – NORTH EAST WINGLESS SPRINTS 🌟 SPORTSMAN – Precision Hydraulic and Oil 🌟 STREET STOCKS 🌟 VINTAGE MODIFIEDS 🌟 ROOKIE SPORTSMAN – DA’s Auto Body 🏎 4:00 Pits 🎟 5:00 grandstands 🚦 6:00 Cars on track
Bridgeport, NJ – Blue Hen Racing has been a part of Modified racing in the Northeast for many years. Car owner, Eugene Mills and son, Jamie Mills have won many races together over the years with Jamie behind the wheel and then later twisting the wrenches. On Saturday night, HJ Bunting put the Mills and Blue Hen Racing back into Bridgeport’s Champion Victory Lane for the first time since the 2021 season.
James Hill earned his first ever Bridgeport win in the Precision Hydraulic & Oil 602 Sportsman feature, holding off the late race challenges of Eric Kormann in the final laps. Tom Wills, Jr. went two for two, earning his second win of the season in the Melton Industries Street Stock feature, grabbing the lead in the final corners of the race. Rich Mellor was the race winner in the North East Wingless Sprints (NEWS) while Eddie Barber III raced to the win in the first DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookie competition of the season.
The Blue Hen No. 30 team was fast right out of the trailer with Bunting clocking the fastest time during warm-ups for the Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz Modifieds. In the thirty lap Modified feature, it was Stan Frankenfield Jr. who led the way for the first four laps with Bunting charging from his fifth place start to take the lead on lap five. Green flag racing from lap six until lap twenty-three allowed Bunting to pull away to a nine second lead – a lead that was erased with just eight laps to go. And who was racing in second? Jojo Watson who won the season opener and had raced his way through the field from his nineteenth-place start!
Several late race cautions kept the field tight but Bunting was able to maintain the lead on each restart. Bunting raced to the win over Watson, David Hunt, Jordan Watson and Duane Howard who raced to a top five finish after a late race tire change. Sam Martz finished sixth followed by Richie Pratt, Jr., Stan Frankenfield, Cale Ross and Carson Wright.
F&L Doors Modified heats were won by Bunting, Billy Osmun and David Hunt.
David Jenkins was the early race leader in the Precision Hydraulic & Oil 602 Sportsman. Matt Peck raced into the lead on lap six after starting in eleventh. James Hill moved into second while Bryan Brobst, Stephen Yankowski and Howie Finch battled for third.
Peck had speed but ran out of luck on lap twenty-two when a body rub caused a tire to go down on the No. 39. Hill led the way on the restart and held off a hard charging Eric Kormann and Travis Hill to earn his first Bridgeport victory.
Korman finished second followed by Travis Hill who rebounded from a trip to the pits for a tire change earlier in the event. Brobst finished fourth at the checkered with Ethan Bill racing into fifth in the final laps. Yankowski finished sixth after racing within the top five for most of the race. Pete Serra finished seventh followed by Thomas Prychka, Scott Hulmes and Shane Kassekert.
Hoffman Discount Parts heats were won by Korman, Jenkins and Travis Hill with Harold Huepful picking up the win in the consolation.
Eddie Barber III grabbed the lead on the start and led the eight lap distance to capture the first DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookie feature.
Tom Wills, Jr. gave himself a birthday present when he raced by leader Jeramy Doerr on the final lap and the last corner to win his second Melton Industries Street Stock feature. Doerr led fourteen of the fifteen lap feature but it was Wills for the win over Doerr, Mike Hughes who made his first start of the season, Lee Allen and Drew Brocklebank.
Protek Roofing heat races were won by Spider Ensinger and Jeramy Doerr.
After leading most of the race the last time the NEWS sprints visited Bridgeport, Rich Mellor made sure to seal the deal this time as he captured the win in Victory Fuel twenty lap feature event. Shea Wills had another strong outing to finish second over Mike Thompson. Brian Spencer took fourth in the final laps with Eric Jennings finishing fifth.
Shea Wills was the winner of the Victory Fuel heat race for the wingeless sprints.
Saturday night racing continues next week with the Mid Atlantic Sprint Series joining the Modifieds, 602 Sportsman, Street Stocks and Rookies.
1. H. J. Bunting, 2. Joseph Watson, 3. David Hunt, 4. Jordan Watson, 5. Duane Howard, 6. Sam Martz, Sr., 7. Richie Pratt, Jr., 8. Stan Frankenfield, 9. Cale Ross, 10. Carson Wright, 11. Blaine Bracelin, 12. Sam Martz, Jr., 13. Rick Laubach, 14. Neal Williams, 15. J. R. Fulper, 16. Cole Stangle, 17. Mike Franz, 18. David Crossman, 19. Sean Metz, 20. Billy Osmun, 21. W. B. James, 22. Bruce Gell, DNS – Jim Britt, Dalyton Strohl
1. James Hill, 2. Erik Kormann, 3. Travis Hill, 4. Brian Brobst, 5. Ethan Bill, 6. Stephen Yankowski, 7. Pete Serra, 8. Thomas Prychka, 9. Scott Hulmes, 10. Shane Kassekert, 11. Howard Huepful, 12. Matt Peck, 13. Justin Newhard, 14. Dan Hulmes, 15. Ed Owens, 16. Ed Olsen, 17. Brian Rogers, 18. Erik Mattson, 19. Howie Finch, 20. Billy Chester, 21. David Hartman, 22. David Jenkins, 23. Robert Tete, 24. Matt Luzi, 25. Ethan Young, 26. Brian Papiez, DNQ – Ashley Metz, Dave Damiano, Briana Olsen
D.A. AUTO BODY & REPAIR ROOKIES (8 laps):
1. Ed Barber, III, 2. Ed Owens, 3. Jason Dipretre, DNS – Briana Olsen
NORTHEAST WINGLESS SPRNT FEATURE (20 laps):
1. Rich Mellor, 2. Shea Wills, 3. Mike Thompson, 4. Brian Spencer, 5. Eric Jennings, 6. Larry Drake, 7. Stan Ploski, III, 8. Al Cheney, 9. Eric Miller, DNS – Heidi Hedin
BRIDGEPORT MOTORSPORTS PARK STREET STOCK FEATURE (15 laps):
1. Tom Wills, Jr., 2. Jeramy Doerr, 3. Mike Hughes, 4. Lee Allen, 5. Drew Brocklebank, 6. Rich Stinson, Sr., 7. T. J. Henry, 8. Kevin Hockman, 9. Tracey Appley, 10. Terry Chaney, DNS – Spider Ensigner, Nick Sandone, III, Christopher Allen, Sr.
