Category: News

Bridgeport, NJ – On Wednesday afternoon Bridgeport Speedway announced that they will offer ‘Tow Money’ to both the Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds and the Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman starting this Saturday evening.  Any Big Block modified drivers that fail to make the main event will receive a consolation prize of $75, while the non-qualifiers in the Crate/Sportsman division will bring home $50.

“We realize that is a difficult task to for any race team just to make it to the track week in and week out.  We just wanted to give back to some of the drivers that don’t happen to qualify into the features that particular night,” explained track owner Brian Ramey.  “We’ve had weather on our side as of late, we’ve had tremendous racing, our crowds continue to grow each week, and we feel that Bridgeport Speedway is the place to race at as well as attend here in the Northeast,”  Ramey added.

Saturday, July 16 will ‘First Responder’s Night’ where all First Responders receive FREE admission with ID.  Local township fire engines, ambulances, and police vehicles will be on display behind the grandstand before and during the races.  At intermission the First Responder vehicles will make a parade lap around the 5/8 mile speedway.  The Big Blocks will also be making their fan-favorite visit behind the grandstands before their 25-lap main event.  Joining the mighty Modifieds on Saturday will be the Crate/Sportsman and the Pennco Tech Outlaws Stocks, who will compete in Twin -12 lap feature events.

So, come on out this Saturday night to Bridgeport Speedway where they’ll be plenty of action-packed stock car racing and fun for the entire family (Tug of War, Moon Bounces, Bandit Bus Rides, the Bridgeport Bandit Mascot, and Music under the pavilion).   Pits open at 4:30, Grandstands at 5:30 with the first green flag waving at 7pm.

The number six was the lucky number on Saturday night as Wade Hendrickson picked up the win in the Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modified feature in the C&S Equipment No. 6 and Matt Stangle made it two in a row in the Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman in his family owned No. 6.

The Hilborn Tri State Race Saver Sprints (TSRS) rounded out the Saturday night tripleheader action with Ryan Stillwaggon picking up his first win of the season in the Tanner Brothers Dairy & Market/Thayer Performance 2016 Poker Series for the 305 competitors.

With afternoon storms washing out racing programs throughout the area,the Bridgeport Speedway was the only track in the Tri-State area to offer stock car racing on Saturday night.

There were three lead changes within the first three laps of the Big Block Modified twen
ty-five lap feature as Mike Franz and Richie Pratt led the first two laps before three time track champion, Wade Hendrickson drove into the lead.  Joseph Watson and Jimmy Horton quickly moved into second and third behind Hendrickson.

Hendrickson led Joseph Watson, Horton, Pratt and Rick Laubach through the half way mark.

A late race caution lined up the field single file behind Hendrickson for a two lap shootout.  Hendrickson pulled away from the competition while Laubach was able to use the outside line race ahead of Joseph Watson as they raced down the backstretch.

Hendrickson charged to the finish line trailedby Laubach, Joseph Watson, Horton and Pratt.  Jordan Watson, Tommy Beamer, Ryan Krachun, Scott Ambruster and Ryan Watt rounded out the top ten at the checkered flag.

It was Hendrickson’s 58th career Bridgeport victory, tying him for third on the All Time Feature Winner’s list with Billy Pauch.  Hendrickson had high praise for the Bridgeport Speedway Management team.  “The track was perfect!,” Hendrickson stated.  “They’ve made a hundred and eight degree turn here and have everything going in the right direction.”

It was 2016 DA’s Auto Body Rookie Champion, Chuck Sayres who led the Crate/Sportsman for the first half oftheir twenty lap feature event.  After starting tenth at the green, Matt Stangle raced by Jeramy Doerr to take second on lap eleven.  Stangle raced Sayres for the lead as they headed down the backstretch with Stangle leading the way as the field crossed the stripe for lap twelve.

Stangle led the rest of the way, capturing his third win of the season.  Doerr held off the challenges of Steve Davis for his best finish to date.  Kris Lilick finished fourth with Sayres capturing his first top five in Crate/Sportsman action.

Five different races and five different winners – that’s the record after Ryan Stillwaggon captured the twenty lap victory in the TSRS Sprint Car feature.  With a feature win already to his credit, Christopher Allen, Jr. led the first three laps before mechanical problems sidelined Allen from the competition.  Stillwaggon was the new race leader and held off the late race challenges of Jeff Geiges to capture his first win of the season.  Geiges finished second with Kyle Purks taking third.  Geiges and Purks were the fast timers in the two time hot laps sessions earlier in the night.  Tim Tanner finished fourth with Steph Palmai rounding out the top five.

SPIRIT AUTO CENTER BIG BLOCK MODIFIEDS (25 laps)

1. Wade Hendrickson, 2. Rick Laubach, 3. Joseph Watson, 4. Jimmy Horton, 5. Richie Pratt, Jr., 6. Jordan Watson, 7. Tommy Beamer, 8. Ryan Krachun, 9. Scott Ambruster, 10. Ryan Watt, 11. Ron Roberts, 12. Mike Franz, 13. Jim Britt, 14. Corey Andersen, 15. C.J. Jones, 16. Don Cogdill, III, 17. Duane Howard, 18. Sam Martz, 19. Anthony Moran, 20. Ed Firth

STEWART STAINLESS SUPPLY CRATE/SPORTSMAN (20 laps)

1. Matt Stangle, 2. Jeramy Doerr, 3. Steve Davis, 4. Kris Lilick, 5. Chuck Sayres, Jr., 6. Jeremy Harrington, 7. Brad Roberts, 8. Brandon Grosso, 9. Brian Lilick, 10. Billy Briggs, 11. Marty Resnick, 12. Scott Hulmes, 13. Kevin Belmont, 14. David Crossman, 15. Tom Sherby, 16. Eric Kormann, 17. Roger Manning, 18. Bob Lilick, 19. Pete Serra, 20. Steve Kemery, 21. Jeff Bubori

HILBORN TSRS 305 SPRINTS (20 laps)

1. Ryan Stillwaggon, 2. Jeff Geiges, 3. Kyle Purks, 4. Tim Tanner, Jr., 5. Stef Palmai, 6. Bob DeVault, Jr., 7. Zack Burd, 8. Brendon Poff, 9. Mike Haggenbottom, 10. Doug Snow, 11. Chris Allen, DNS – Samantha Lieberman

Upcoming event

     Saturday, July 16 – FIRST RESPONDERS NIGHT – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Twin 12s for Outlaw Stocks, racing at 7pm

     Saturday, July 23 – BIKE NIGHT – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Tri State Race Saver Sprints & GS Vintage Cars, racing at 7pm

     Saturday, July 30 – JEEP JAMBOREE – Romp in the Swamp for Dystonia – Sponsored by Spirit Auto Center – Big Blocks, Twin 15s for Crate/Sportsman and Outlaw Stocks, racing at 7pm

     Saturday, August 6 – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks PLUS Powder Puff, racing at 7pm

Former track champion, Duane Howard drove the Atlas Trucking No. 66 to his second Bridgeport Speedway victory in the forty lap 811 Dig Safely 2016 Poker Series.  It was Howard’s second Poker Series win, giving Howard a pair of Aces to lead the Poker competition through four hands.

It was the fourth hand in the 811 Dig Safely Poker Series for the Crate/Sportsman, as well, with young Matt Stangle earning the win and the Ace for his win in the twenty lap feature event.  The Outlaw Stocks are one hand behind the other divisions as TJ Henry picked up his second Poker Series win this season to also hold a pair of Aces through the third hand of the competition.

The Poker Series was introduced to the Bridgeport Speedway by former track champion/promoter, Doug Hoffman when he brought the Big Block Modifieds back to the 5/8 mile speedway during the 2012 season.  The Poker Series was a success and has been continued each season since Hoffman’s introduction.

This season, Colonial Pipeline came on board as the title sponsor of the 2016 Poker Series.  Colonial PIpeline asks that you call 8-1-1 before you dig.  Colonial’s pipelines are buried underground, usually with a minimum of three feet of cover.  Over time, however, erosion and human activities can change that depth.  That’s why is it’s important to always call 811 before you begin any digging project!  Be safe – dial 8-1-1 first!

The Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds saw four different leaders in the feature event with polesitter, Ryan Anderson leading the field for the first eleven laps.  Anderson led the way but not without challenges.  Ryan Watt raced to the outside of Anderson to slide ahead of the leader on lap six but the caution waved for last week’s feature winner, CJ Jones and Watt’s efforts were negated as he was back to second on the restart.

Watt fell back on the restart as Hendrickson moved up to second and Rick Laubach and Howard battled for the third spot.

With eleven laps on the books and another restart, Hendrickson powered by Anderson to take the lead and this time it was Anderson who slid backwards, out of the top five.  Howard raced into second followed by Laubach, Joseph Watson in the Blue Hen No. 30 and Dominick Buffalino.

The names were the same but the order was shuffled as Hendrickson and then Howard took the crossed flags for half way.  Laubach ran third with Buffalino and Joseph Watson trailing.

Two laps later, Sam Martz drew a caution when he slowed on the track.  Hendrickson elected to start from the inside.  The multi-grooved track surface changed throughout the race and now, Howard could use the outside to drive by Hendrickson as the drove into turn three on lap twenty-three.

With Howard out in front, both Laubach and Brett Kressley began to make great strides forward using the fast outside line.  Laubach, who had dropped back to fourth, made his way by Buffalino before taking on Hendrickson for second.  Kressley, who ran outside the top five on a lap twenty-five restart, raced by Buffalino and then Hendrickson to race in third behind Howard and Laubach with ten laps to go.

Watt had a second tire issue and drew a caution, setting up another side by side challenge for the lead.  Howard raced on the outside of Laubach and pulled out in front as the leaders exited turn two on lap thirty-one.  Hendrickson challenged Kressley for third.

Laubach slowed and headed to the pits on lap thirty-four as Hendrickson now ran second to Howard, followed by Kressley, Joseph Watson and Buffalino.

As the laps counted down, Kressley had a tire going down.  With Howard and Hendrickson leading the way, Joseph Watson passed Kressley for third with five to go.  Buffalino and the number one driver on Bridgeport’s Feature Win List, Jimmy Horton raced with Kressley for a spot in the top five.  With two to go, Buffalino took over fourth.  Horton and Kressley took it to the final lap with Horton grabbing the spot as the field raced to the checkered flag.

“My car was so tight early in the race that I thought I had a motor issue,” Howard explained.  But the track came to Howard later in the race and there were no issues with the new Billy the Kid powerplant under the hood of the No. 66.  “We really needed this,” Howard stated.  “It’s been a month or so since we had a win.  We’ve been struggling.”

Howard has won twice in 811 Dig 2016 Poker Series with Buffalino and Sam Martz also collecting one win a piece and an Ace for their Poker hands.

Seventeen year old, Matt Stangle held off the late race challenges of Jeff Bubori to win his second Bridgeport feature of the season and capture his first Poker Series win, collecting an Ace for his efforts in Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman competition..  Bubori had a strong outing, finishing secon d after challenging for the lead.  Brian Papiez, the winner of the last Poker Series event for the Crate/Sportsman, finished third followed by Brandon Grosso and Stephen Kemery.  Grosso, Pete Visconti, Papiez and Stangle all hold Aces for the Poker competition.

TJ Henry picked up his sixth win of the season and second 811 Dig Safely Poker Series win as he raced to the checkered flag ahead of Ron Frees, the winner of the first Poker Series hand for the PennCo Tech Outlaw Stocks.  Henry now holds two Aces and Frees one in the three hands that have been completed for this division.  Tom Wills, Jr. finished third with Brian Ludwig and Scott Dugan following the leaders to the checkered flag.

 Tripleheader action returns to the Bridgeport Speedway this Saturday night as the sprint cars from the Hilborn Tri-State Race Saver Sprints join the Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds and Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman.  And for the kids – a Money Scramble!  Racing gets underway at 7pm.

811 DIG SAFELY 2016 POKER SERIES (HAND #4 FOR MODS & C/S, HAND #3 FOR OUTLAWS)

SPIRIT AUTO CENTER BIG BLOCK MODIFIEDS (40 laps): 1. Duane Howard, 2. Wade Hendrickson, 3. Joseph Watson, 4. Dominick Bufffalino, 5. Jimmy Horton, 6. Brett Kressley, 7. Ryan Anderson, 8. Ryan Watt, 9. Richie Pratt, Jr., 10. Jordan Watson, 11. Ryan Krachun, 12. Jim Britt, 13. Ron Roberts, 14. Mike Franz, 15. Rick Laubach, 16. Billy Pauch, Jr., 17. Sam Martz, 18. Brad Robert, 19. Danny Bouc, 20. Scott Ambruster, 21. Craig VonDohren, 22. C.J. Jones, 23. David Hunt, 24. Stan Frankenfield, DNS – Dave Shirk, Tommy Scheetz, Pete Visconti, Jeff Strunk, Tommy Beamer, Billy Pauch, Sr., Bob Sarkisian

STEWART STAINLESS SUPPLY CRATE/SPORTSMAN (20 laps): 1. Matt Stangle, 2. Jeff Bubori, 3. Brian Papiez, 4. Brandon Grosso, 5. Steve Kemery, 6. Steve Davis, 7. David Crossman, 8. Cylde Cox, 9. Bill Briggs, 10. John Micek, 11. Roger Manning, 12. Matt Smith, 13. Adam Cox, 14. Tom Sherby, 15. Tom Holding, 16. John Farissier, 17. Jeremy Harrington, 18. Jeramy Doerr, 19. Scott Hulmes, DNS – Melissa Scarpati, Bob Lilick, Kris Lilick, Eric Kormann

PENNCO TECH OUTLAW STOCKS (15 laps): 1. T.J. Henry, 2. Ron Frees, 3. Tom Wills, Jr., 4. Brian Ludwig, 5. Scott Dugan, 6. Billy Wroble, 7. Jeff Dirkes, 8. Ed Bischoff, 9. Jon Meyer, 10. Terry Griffin, 11. Doug DeBray, 12. Jimmy Avery, 13. Jack Beaumont, 14. Joe Meron, 15. Mark Campagna, 16. Art Avery, 17. John Parker, 18. Spider Ensinger, 19. Gary Klimeczak

Upcoming events

     Saturday, July 9 – Kids Money Scramble – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Tri State Race Saver Sprint Cars, racing at 7pm

     Saturday, July 16 – First Responders Night – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Twin 12s for Outlaw Stocks, racing at 7pm

     Saturday, July 23 – BIKE NIGHT – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Tri State Race Saver Sprints & GS Vintage Cars, racing at 7pm

     Saturday, July 30 – JEEP JAMBOREE – Romp in the Swamp for Dystonia – Sponsored by Spirit Auto Center – Big Blocks, Twin 15s for Crate/Sportsman and Outlaw Stocks, racing at 7pm

CJ Jones came up with a big win as he led Jordan Watson and Ryan Watt to the checkered flag to collect his first ever Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modified victory at the Bridgeport Speedway on Saturday night.  Jeremy Harrington (Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman) and TJ Henry (PennCo Tech Outlaw Stocks) continued their winning ways while Chuck Sayres, Jr. captured his fifth win on his way to the 2016 DA’s Auto Body Rookie Championship on Rookie graduation night.

 Jones, who is a rookie in the Big Block Modified ranks this season, took the lead from Mike Franz on lap six and led the rest of the way to the checkered flag at the end of twenty-five laps.  Watson and Watt, who were running second and third at the time, were closing in on the leader prior to a lap eighteen caution flag.  Watson pulled ahead of Jones as the leaders raced out of turn two on the restart but Jones powered back in front by the time the lap was scored.  Jones than held his leadthrough the final laps, including another restart with just two laps to go.

 Jones took the checkered flag in Sal DeBruno’s Overhead Door No. 0 followed by Watson, Watt, Rick Laubach and David Hunt.

Jones first win came on Monster Truck Crush Cancer Night at the Bridgeport Speedway as the Spirit Auto Center presented the Ramminator and the Dodge Ram Ride Truck to race fans in attendance.  Fans were treated to a Monster Truck Demonstration and were able to ride in the Ride Truck for a mere donation to the Throat Cancer Foundation.  Several drivers also passed through the stands to collect donations that will be presented to the Foundation in memory of Larry Daniels, the beloved Bridgeport Speedway employee and number one racing fan who passed away during the off-season. 

Billy Briggs led the Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman feature for the first two laps before Brad Roberts completed the pass for the lead on lap three.  Harrington powered by Roberts on lap four and drove to his third win of the season.  Harrington became the first back-to-back winner in the division.

Roberts hung with the leader all the way to the checkered flag to finish second.  Kris Lilick finshed third with Stephen Kemery taking fourth.  Jeff Bubori rebounded from an early race incident to finish fifth at the end of twenty laps.

TJ Henry picked up his fifth win of the season in PennCo Tech Outlaw Stock competition.  Joe Meron led the initial lap before Scott Dugan drove into the lead on lap two.  Henry won a three way battle for the lead on lap four as he raced both Dugan and Tom Wills, Jr. for the lead.

Henry led the remaining laps for the win with Wills, Jr., Brian Ludwig, Dugan and Steve Land trailing the leader across the finish line.

Chuck Sayres, Jr. returned to Victory Lane on the final night of the 2016 DA’s Auto Body Rookie season and clinched the Rookie Championship.  Sayres took the lead from Shannon Marshall on lap one and drove unchallenged for the remaining laps to gain his fifth win of the season.  Tom Sherby battled with Marshall for several laps to finish second.  Marshall finished third followed by Ro ger Manning and Tom Terry.

The Bridgeport Speedway will be idle this Saturday, July 2nd in preparation for the High Stakes at the Port the next day, Sunday, July 3rd.  High Stakes at the Port is the fourth hand of the 811 Dig Safely 2016 Poker Series for the Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman and Outlaw Stocks.  Racing gets underway at 7:15.  Monday, July 4th has been designated as the rain date should one be needed.

SPIRIT AUTO CENTER BIG BLOCK MODIFIEDS (25 laps): 1. C.J. Jones, 2. Jordan Watson, 3. Ryan Watt, 4. Rick Laubach, 5. David Hunt, 6. Ryan Anderson, 7. Ron Roberts, 8. Wade Hendrickson, 9. Scott Ambruster, 10. Jim Britt, 11. Richie Pratt, Jr., 12. Corey Andersen, 13. Joseph Watson, 14. Tommy Beamer, 15. Dave Shirk, 16. Anthony Moran, 17. Matthew Peck, 18. Sam Martz, 19. Bob Sarkisian, 20. Duane Howard, 21. Mike Franz, 22. Ed Firth, DNS – Jesse Hill

D.A. AUTO BODY& REPAIR ROOKIES (10 laps): 1. Chuck Sayres, Jr., 2. Tom Sherby, 3. Shannon Marshall, 4. Roger Manning, 5. Tom Terry

STEWART STAINLESS SUPPLY CRATE/SPORTSMAN (20 laps): 1. Jeremy Harrington, 2. Brad Roberts, 3. Kris Lilick, 4. Steve Kemery, 5. Jeff Bubori, 6. Ernie Miles, III, 7. Matt Stangle, 8. Jeramy Doerr, 9. David Crossman, 10. Billy Briggs, 11. Chuck Sayres, 12. Jeff Duprez, 13. Kevin Belmont, 14. Roger Manning, 15. Melissa Scarpati, 16. Steve Davis, 17. Marty Resnick, 18. Tom Sherby, 19. Tom Holding, 20. Eric Kormann, 21. J.R. Burritt, DNS – Bob Lilick

PENNCO TECH OUTLAW STOCKS (15 laps): 1. T.J. Henry, 2. Tom Wills, Jr., 3. Brian Ludwig, 4. Scott Dugan, 5. Steven Land, 6. Joe Meron, 7. Doug DeBray, 8. Art Avery, 9. Mark Campagna, 10. John Parker, 11. Jack Beaumont, 12. Terry Griffin, 13. Jeff Dirkes

Upcoming event

      Sunday, July 3 – HIGH STAKES AT THE PORT – 811 DIG SAFELY POKER SERIES HAND #4 – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks, racing at 7:15 (Monday rain date if needed)

     Saturday, July 9 – Kids Money Scramble – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Tri State Race Saver Sprint Cars, racing at 7pm

     Saturday, July 16 – First Responders Night – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Twin 12s for Outlaw Stocks, racing at 7pm

     Saturday, July 23 – BIKE NIGHT – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Tri State Race Saver Sprints & GS Vintage Cars, racing at 7pm

      Saturday, July 30 – JEEP JAMBOREE – Romp in the Swamp for Dystonia – Sponsored by Spirit Auto Center – Big Blocks, Twin 15s for Crate/Sportsman and Outlaw Stocks, racing at 7pm

Fresh off an astounding ‘Pack the House’ night, Bridgeport Speedway will once again be ‘crushing’ the competition this coming weekend.  The first Monster Truck appearance in many, many years will be taking place at the South Jersey racing complex this Friday and Saturday.  In an effort to fight cancer and create cancer awareness, specifically throat cancer, the Hall Bros. and their Monster Trucks along with Spirit Auto Center will be making a rare appearance at the Bridgeport and Spirit Auto Center Speedways on June 24 & 25.

‘We’ve been looking forward to this weekend for a long time.  Actually, we were rained out last year when these guys were coming to the track, so we’re excited to have them back,” explained General Manager Danny Serrano.  The Hall Bros. will be towing into town with their famous ‘Rammunition’ and ‘Raminator’ Monster Trucks.  Both trucks are 2016 Ram 1500’s, 10 foot high, weigh over 10,000 lbs, create over 2,000 horsepower, and have 565 cu. in. supercharged hemi engines!  Mike Baus of Spirit Auto Center is also pumped up about sponsoring the weekend at Gloucester County facility.  “Bridgeport (5/8 mile) and now the Friday night program at Spirit Auto Center Speedway (1/4 mile) are such great marketing partners of ours, and the fact that we can bring in the Hall Bros. and their awesome car crushing Monster Trucks is just going to be a great deal for everyone,” expressed Baus.  The ‘Raminator’ is an 8-seat ride-along Monster Truck that will be present both Friday and Saturday this weekend.  Meanwhile, ‘Rammuntion’ will be making an appearance on Saturday evening to crush several cars for the great Bridgeport Speedway fans.

As cars will be crushed on Saturday, the Bridgeport and Spirit Auto Center Families’ main goal is to not only thrill all the fans in attendance, but to raise awareness of throat cancer.  Long-time race fan and one of Bridgeport’s own, Larry Daniels, succumbed to throat cancer this past winter.  Larry was a fixture at Bridgeport as well as to the racing community.  ‘Larry knew something was wrong but he was either too afraid to go to the doctor or wasn’t properly educated about the early signs of cancer,’ Serrano added.  ‘I know Larry would be proud of us if we can help others by creating awareness of this horrible disease.”  Bridgeport Speedway will be doing a helmet pass for donations going to the Throat Cancer Foundation at www.throatcancerfoundation.org in Larry Daniels name.  Bridgeport will also be taking donations for the ride truck on Saturday night to go towards the throat cancer foundation.

The Big Block Modifieds will return to action this week.  Who will get to the checkered flag first?  Ryan Watt, Rick Laubach and Sam Martz are the most recent winners with 2015 Champion Jamie Mills the only driver to date to be a repeat winner in the Modified division.  Mills is still recovering from injuries sustained in late May with his Blue Hen No. 30 currently driven by his nephew, Joseph Watson.   Jeremy Harrington became the first to repeat in Crate/Sportsman action after Matt Stangle andBrian Papiez gained their first ever Bridgeport wins in recent events.   TJ Henry has been racking up the wins in the Outlaw Stocks but Tom Wills, Jr., Brian Ludwig, Scott Dugan and a host of others are looking to get to the checkered flag first.   Tom Sherby has two consecutive wins in the Rookie division, stopping Chuck Sayre’s win streak at four.  And it’s graduation night for the 2016 class of DA’s Auto Body Rookies!  The 2016 Rookie Champion will be crowned on Saturday night!

Lots of action coming your way with racing getting started at 7pm.  Come out early and enjoy the concessions and musical entertainment.  Or take a ride on the Bandit Bus to get a look behind the scenes.  Check out the Bridgeport Bullet – the official program of the Bridgeport Speedway – for stories and pictures of all of the latest action plus driver rosters, point standings, line-up and so much more!

Remember – the Bridgeport Speedway is the only place to see Big Block Modified Racing in the Garden State!

There’s plenty to do for all at the Bridgeport Speedway!

Upcoming event

     Saturday, June 25 – Spirit Auto Center’s Monster Truck Crush Cancer Night – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks and Rookie Graduation, racing at 7pm

     Sunday, July 3 – HIGH STAKES AT THE PORT – 811 DIG SAFELY POKER SERIES HAND #4 – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks, racing at 7:15

     Saturday, July 9 – Kids Money Scramble – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Tri State Race Saver Sprint Cars, racing at 7pm

     Saturday, July 16 – First Responders Night – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Twin 12s for Outlaw Stocks, racing at 7pm

     Saturday, July 23 – BIKE NIGHT – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Tri State Race Saver Sprints & GS Vintage Cars, racing at 7pm

     “If you build it, they will come” – everyone remembers that line from the movie Field of Dreams.  The Bridgeport & Spirit Auto Centers Speedways opened the gates and they came!  With numbers surpassing anyone’s expectations, they came – young and old, entire families – they came to the Logan Township race track, many to see their first ever stock car race!

     And they saw nine divisions of race cars with racing action taking place on both the 5/8 mile and quarter mile tracks!

     The Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman staged their starting line-up behind the grandstands, giving everyone a very up close and personal view of the field of twenty-four stock cars.

     Scott Hulmes and Billy Briggs led the field to the green flag with Briggs taking the lead from the start.  Last week’s feature winner, Matt Stangle made contact with the fourth turn, bringing out the first and only caution of the twenty lap main event.

     Briggs led the way on the restart as David Crossman took over second.  Jeremy Harrington was on the move, challenging Crossman for second on laps four and five and securing the runner-up spot as Briggs led the way on lap five.  Dave Damiano took over third on lap six as he raced Crossman out of turn two.  Briggs, Harrington and Damiano ran nose to tail on lap seven before Harrington made his move to take the lead. 

     At half way, Harrington led Damiano, Briggs, Bobby Lilick and Crossman. 

     On lap twelve, Steve Davis broke into the top five and then took over fourth on the next lap.  Tommy Beamer, driving Jeramy  Doerr’s No. 3D, took over fifth on lap fourteen.

     Harrington led the way to the checkered flag with Damiano, Bobby Lilick, Davis and Beamer trailing the leader.

     Harrington gave the fans another thrill as he celebrated his second win of the season in Helio Castroneves style by climbing the fence at the start/finish line just as the Indy car driver is known to do.

     Tom Sherby was the winner of the DA’s Auto Body Rookie feature as he picked up back to back wins over four time feature winner, Chuck Sayres, Jr.  Shannon Marshall and Tom Terry followed the leaders across the finish line. 

     Felton, DE driver, TJ Henry drove to his fourth win of the 2016 season after taking the lead from Scott Dugan on lap three of the PennCo Tech Outlaw Stock feature. 

     Henry drove to the checkered flag ahead of Jeramy Doerr, Brian Ludwig, Dugan and Tom Wills, Jr. who raced from the rear of the field after an early race incident.

     After leading all but the final two laps of a race earlier in the season, Christopher Allen, Jr. earned a flag to flag victory in the Tanner Brothers Dairy/Thayer Performance Poker Series Tri State Race Savers Sprint Car twenty lap feature.  Mark Bitner raced to finish second ahead of Logan Diehl, Rick Stief and Jeff Geiges.  Both Allen and Diehl made later appearances in action on the quarter mile track.  Allen picked up an “Ace” for his Poker Series hand in the second race of the 2016 series. 

     Racing moved to the quarter mile speedway as Travis Hill drove to the win in the 600 Wingless Micro Sprint feature.  Hill has competed in both the Crate/Sportsman and Modified ranks, has been doing double duty this season, racing in both Friday and Saturday night action.

     After starting third on the grid, Hill moved into the lead on the first lap and led all of the way to the checkered.  Jim Tippin finished second with Jon Keller, Greg Stevens and Austin Quick rounding out the top five. 

     Robbie Watson was the winner of the 270 Winged Micro Sprint feature over Ryan Wozunk, Logan Diehl, Tyler Reinhardt and Alex Swift.  Ryan Heim led the first lap with Wozunk leading laps two and three before Watson took the lead. 

     After a heated battle among brothers, Lou Partite picked up the win in the twenty lap Speedway All Star Bagel Slingshot feature.  Joe Toth finished second followed by Dave McCullough, Dave Morrell and David Bell.  

     John Webster was the winner of the Serv Pro Four Cylinder Enduros over Chris Sammons and Justin Dunn.  Lee Allen picked up the win and the $1000 prize in the Eight Cylinder Enduros followed by Chris Allen, Jr. and Tom Wolf at the finish. 

     Friday night action returns this week to the Spirit Auto Center Speedway with the Monster Truck Exhibition.  The TSRS Sprint Cars will compete on the 5/8 mile track while the 270 & 600 Micro Sprints and 4 Cylinder Enduros will compete on the quarter mile.  Racing gets underway at  8pm.

     It’s Spirit Auto Center Monster Truck Crush Cancer Night at the Bridgeport Speedway on Saturday night as the Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks and Rookies compete.  It’s also graduation night for the DA’s Auto Body Rookies!  Racing starts at 7pm. 

STEWART STAINLESS SUPPLY CRATE SPORTSMAN (20 laps): 1. Jeremy Harrington, 2. Dave Damiano, 3. Bob Lilick, 4. Steve Davis, 5. Tommy Beamer, 6. Kris Lilick, 7. Steve Kemery, 8. Eric Kormann, 9. Brad Roberts, 10. David Crossman, 11. Connor King, 12. Tom Tanner, 13. Nick Nicotra, 14. Ernie Miles, III, 15. Chuck Sayres, Jr., 16. Frank Holmes, 17. Tom Princiotta, 18. J.R. Burritt, 19. Tom Sherby, 20. Tom Holding, 21. Billy Briggs, 22. Matt Stangle, 23. Scott Hulmes, 24. Pete Visconti, 25. Jeff Sargent, DNS – Pete Serra

D.A.’S AUTO BODY & REPAIR ROOKIES (6 laps): 1. Tom Sherby, 2. Chuck Sayres, Jr., 3. Shannon Marshall, 4. Tom Terry

PENNCO TECH OUTLAW STOCKS (15 laps): 1. T.J. Henry, 2. Jeramy Doerr, 3. Brian Ludwig, 4. Scott Dugan, 5. Tom Wills, Jr., 6. Ken Watson, 7. Jeff Dirkes, 8. Joe Meron, 9. Tom Wills, Sr., 10. Terry Griffith, 11. Jack Beaumont, 12. Ryan Freshneck, 13. Billy Wroble, 14. Gary Klimeczak, 15. Fred Tomarchio, 16. Spider Ensinger, 17. Ken Moren, 18. Roy Combs

HILBORN TSRS 305 SPRINTS (20 laps): 1. Chris Allen, 2. Mark Bitner, 3. Logan Diehl, 4. Rick Stief, 5. Jeff Geiges, 6. Kevin Nagy, 7. Brendon Poff, 8. Tim Tanner, Jr., 9. Stef Palmai, 10. Mike Haggenbottom, 11. Eddie Wagner, 12. Dave Brown, 13. Bob DeVault, Jr., 14. Kyle Purks, 15. Bryant Davis, 16. Randy Wilbert, 17. Samantha Lieberman, 18. David Bonner, 19. Zack Byrd, 20. Jason Rochelle, 21. Joe Lord, 22. Ryan Stillwaggon, 23. Mike Kostic

WINGLESS 600CC MICRO SPRINTS (20 laps): 1. Travis Hill, 2. Jim Tippin, 3. Jon Keller, 4. Greg Stevens, 5. Austin Quick, 6. Matt Smith, 7. Luke Thomas, 8. Ernie Miles, Jr., 9. Nick Havens, 10. Ed Barber, III, 11. Mike Fillbrunn, 12. Chad Connor, 13. Charles Coburn, 14. Jermain Godshall, 15. Steve Bacall

270CC MICRO SPRINTS (20 laps): 1. Robbie Watson, 2. Ryan Wozunk, 3. Logan Diehl, 4. Tyler Reinhardt, 5. Alex Swift, 6. Ryan Heim, 7. Sammi Schenick, 8. Billy Murphy, 9. Steve Coslop, 10. Gary Waegel, 11. John Blanda, 12. Billy Gray, 13. Luke Fogg, 14. Scott Hulmes, 15. Brandon Pavel, 16. Kyle Weiss, 17. Colin Bustard, 18. Rich Keller, 19. Tyler Grau, 20. John Wagner, Jr.

SPEEDWAY ALL-STAR BAGELS SLINGSHOTS (20 laps): 1. Lou Partite, 2. Joe Toth, 3. Dave McCullough, 4. Dave Morrell, 5. David Bell, 6. Steve Schenker, 7. Richard Partite

SERVPRO FOUR CYLINDER ENDUROS (20 laps): 1. John Webster, 2. Chris Sammons, 3. Justin Dunn, 4. Keith McKinley, 5. Scott Dunn, 6. Art Knapp, 7. Cody Mount

EIGHT CYLINDER ENDUROS (20 laps): 1. Lee Allen, 2. Chris Allen, Jr., 3. Tom Wolf, 4. Derek Jones, 5. Chris Allen, Sr., 6. Paul Hartwig, 7. Brandon Guyer, 8. Vinny Troia, 9. Travis Guyer, 10. Jerry Ellingsworth, 11. Gary Landis

Upcoming event

     Saturday, June 25 – Spirit Auto Center’s Monster Truck Crush Cancer Night – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks and Rookie Graduation, racing at 7pm

     Sunday, July 3 – HIGH STAKES AT THE PORT – 811 DIG SAFELY POKER SERIES HAND #4 – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks, racing at 7:15

     Saturday, July 9 – Kids Money Scramble – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Tri State Race Saver Sprint Cars, racing at 7pm

     Saturday, July 16 – First Responders Night – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Twin 12s for Outlaw Stocks, racing at 7pm

     Saturday, July 23 – BIKE NIGHT – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Tri State Race Saver Sprints & GS Vintage Cars, racing at 7pm

     Whitehouse, NJ driver, Sam Martz is the only driver to have competed in every one of the eleven Friends of Mike events.   As a matter of fact, Race Director, Danny Serrano recognized Martz for his support during last year’s event.

     This year, Martz created his own “award” when he drove to the win in the 45 lap Friends of Mike race that also served as the third hand of the 811 Dig Safely 2016 Poker Series.  In addition to the $5,000 check, Martz earned an “Ace” for his Poker Series win, joining Dominick Buffalino and Duane Howard who have been winners this season in previous 811 Dig Safely Poker Series events.

 Martz, who is currently second in  the Bridgeport Speedway point standings to 20
13 Bridgeport Champion, Ryan Watt, had it all go his way.  Martz had his son, Sammy draw for his starting position in the main event and Sammy came through by drawing the pole for his dad.

     Martz and Craig VonDohren led the starting field to the green flag with Martz grabbing the lead as the leaders came off of turn two on the first lap.  2012 Bridgeport Champion, Rick Laubach moved into second on a lap two restart.  Laqubach actually edged ahead of Martz on a lap eight restart but the caution flag waved before another lap could be scored and Laubach’s efforts were negated.  Martz went back out in front when the race restarted and never looked back. 

     Tenth place starter, Dominick Buffalino took over third on lap eight and after starting seventeenth in the field, Ryan Watt raced into fourth on the same lap.   Eleventh place starter, Duane Howard broke into the top five one lap later. 

     Buffalino raced by Laubach for second on lap eleven.  

     After five cautions during the early laps, the remainder of the race went caution free, allowing Martz to stretch his lead before he caught up to the back of the field at the race’s mid-point.  Racing through lapped traffic allowed Buffalino, Laubach, Ryan Watt and Duane Howard to chase down the leader but Martz was able to keep a car length or two ahead of his challengers most of the way to the checkered flag. 

     On one occasion, Buffalino actually came within striking distance.  “I never saw anyone but I could hear motors behind me,” Martz stated.  “But I didn’t know who it was.” 

     Martz led the way to the checkered flag and the win over the star studded field followed by Buffalino, Laubach, Watt and Howard.  VonDohren, the winner of the last two Friends of Mike races, Stewart Friesen, Brett Kressley, Jesse Hill and Richie Pratt, Jr. rounded out the top ten.

     Martz held the trophy high with pride.  “I’m tired of the invaders coming here and winning,”  but Martz put a stop to that.

     Brian Papiez has always wanted to win a race at the Bridgeport Speedway and Papiez did just that when he

drove into the lead of the twenty lap Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman feature, taking the lead from polesitter, Adam Cox with on lap five.

      Papiez led the rest of the way to the checkered, taking the win of Eric Kormann who was able to clo
se the gap on the leader but not able to challenge for the lead.  Kris Lilick finished third with Jeremy Harrington taking fourth over last week’s first time feature winner, Matt Stangle.  David Crossman, Stephen Kemery, Clyde Cox, Adam Cox and Bill Briggs completed the top ten in the running order at the finish line.

      Action returns to the Bridgeport and Spirit Auto Center Quarter Mile this Saturday with Bridgeport’s first Pack the House Night.  Grandstand admission is FREE!  Fans will get to see the Crate/Sportsman, Rookies, Outlaw Stocks and Sprint Cars of Tri-State Race Savers on the 5/8th mile track in addition to 270cc and 600cc Micro Sprint, 4 & 8 Cylinder Enduros and Slingshots on the quarter mile.  All for FREE!!  Racing gets underway at 6pm. 

HAND #3 OF THE 811 DIG SAFELY 2016 POKER SERIES – FRIENDS OF MIKE RESULTS

Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds (45 laps) – 1. Sam Martz, 2. Dominick Buffalino, 3. Rick Laubach, 4. Ryan Watt, 5. Duane Howard, 6. Craig VonDohren, 7. Stewart Friesen, 8. Brett Kressley, 9. Jesse Hill, 10. Richie Pratt, Jr.

11. Jordan Watson, 12. Ryan Anderson, 13. Jim Britt, 14. Ron Roberts, 15. Stan Frankenfield, Jr., 16. Ryan Krachun, 17. CJ Jones, 18. Frank Cozze, 19. Ricky DiEva, 20. Jimmy Horton, 21. Steve Davis, 22. Kyle Borror, 23. Scott Ambruster, 24. Joseph Watson, 25. Jeff Strunk, 26. Ryan Godown, 27. Mike Iles, DNQ – Matt Peck, Ryan Grim, Brad Roberts, Mike Franz, Bob Sarkisian, Neal Williams

Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman (20 laps) 1. Brian Papiez, 2. Eric Kormann, 3. Kris Lilick, 4. Jeremy Harrington, 5. Matt Stangle, 6. David Crossman, 7. Steve Kemery, 8. Clyde Cox, 9. Adam Cox, 10. Bill Briggs, 11. Tom Princiotta, 12. Frank Holmes, 13. Scott Hulmes, 14. Jason Bittner, 15. Melissa, Scarpati, 16. Jeramy Doerr, 17. Kevin Belmont, DNS – Pete Visconti, Brandon Grosso, Bob Lilick

Upcoming events

      Saturday June 18 –  PACK THE HOUSE – FREE GRANDSTAND ADMISSION – Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks, Rookies and TSRS Sprint Cars on 5/8th mile with 270cc, 600cc, 4 & 8 Cylinder Enduros and Slingshots on the Spirit Auto Center quarter mile – racing at 6pm

     Saturday, June 25 – Spirit Auto Center’s Monster Truck Crush Cancer Night – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks and Rookie Graduation, racing at 7pm

     Sunday, July 3 – HIGH STAKES AT THE PORT – 811 DIG SAFELY POKER SERIES HAND #4 – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks, racing at 7:15

Bridgeport, NJ – The Bridgeport Speedway was proud to announce today that they have teamed up with Penske Racing Shocks for the 2016 racing season.  The Penske name is synonymous with all forms of racing, especially in the world of dirt modified racing.

‘Penske Shocks is proud to partner with Bridgeport Speedway in 2016.  Both Big Block Modifieds and Crate/Sportsman are a corner stone of our business. We are proud to offer a free set of shocks to be given away at this year’s year-end banquet in both divisions,” offered Penske representative Aaron Lambert.

Drivers who finish 11^th through 15^th in the final point standings will be entered in a blind drawing, once the points have been tabulated.  “The driver who wins the drawing will win a complete set of shocks for their vehicle.  We feel this is a great way to “lend a hand” to the end racers who need it,” added Lambert.

Bridgeport GM Danny Serrano is elated to have Penske on board for 2016.  “Our goal was to try and give back something to the weekly racer that just missed out on their yearly goal of making the top 10 in points.  We pitched the idea to Penske, and they were all for it.  Bridgeport and Penske both know that every bit helps when it comes to competing at the race track, and I think this is an awesome deal for the racers,” said Serrano.

Penske Racing Shock’s entire business is racing.  By supplying customers with high quality dampers quickly, PRS can assist them in meeting their needs without compromises.  PRS is a custom damper manufacturer and every single Penske Racing Shock is billet machined and hand built.  There are no assembly lines, no stamped out pieces, no off-shore manufacturing.  The personalized attention provided to every product sold provides the finest reliability, consistency, and performance. Additionally, by working with top teams in professional motorsport, PRS continuously learns and develops new technologies that ultimately trickle down their entire product line.  PRS constantly investigates ways to improve their products and service to their customers. When you buy a Penske Racing Shock, you are buying custom built product for your specific application with certifiable quality. PRS is proud to be an American company who understands the full disciplines of racing.  Unmatched customer support combined with the best products and innovation allows PRS to enjoy a loyal customer base in all levels of professional motorsport and beyond.

For more information regarding Penske Racing Shocks you can visit their website at www.penskeshocks.com or call 610-375-6180 or stop in as they are conveniently in the northeast in Reading, Pa.

June will be a very busy month at the Bridgeport Speedway!

It’s already underway with the Camera & Autograph event held at the Speedway last weekend!  Ryan Watt took home his first Bridgeport win of the season in the Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds as did Kris Lilick in the Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman division.  Eddie Wagner earned his first win of the season and an Ace for his Tanner Brothers Dairy/Thayer Performance Poker Series hand for the Tri-State Race Saver Sprints and TJ Henry and Chuck Sayres, Jr. continued their winning ways in the PennCo Tech Outlaw Stocks and DA’s Auto Body Rookies.

This weekend, Bridgeport will host it’s first Bike Night of the season.  Anyone riding their motorcycle to the races on Saturday night will be admitted free and their  wheels will be displayed behind the grandstand.  Several lucky boys and girls will go home with brand new bicycles!  The Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks and Rookies will all compete as part of Saturday night’s racing program which will get underway at 7pm.  Due to the rescheduling of the Spirit Auto Center Speedway’s Poker Series Hand #2, the Mechanics Race, originally scheduled for Saturday night will be moved to another date to be announced.

Bridgeport will host the annual Friends of Mike (FOM) event on Wednesday, June 15^th with racing action getting underway at 7:15.  Stewart Friesen has recorded back to back wins in FOM, picking up the win last year when leader, Craig VonDohren suffered mechanical difficulties just two laps from the finish.  Friesen beat Ryan Watt to the finish line to capture the win.  FOM was originally created by friends of race fan, Mike Rogie, to encourage their friend as he batled cancer.  Rogie passed away on the very day that the first Friends of Mike was held.

This year’s event has added meaning for the Bridgeport Speedway as they honor track employees Larry Daniels and Fred Ritchings who both passed away during the off-season.  Both men were very dedicated to the Bridgeport Speedway and spent countless hours working around the track, helping in any way that they could.  They, too, would be Friends of Mike.

On Saturday, June 18^th , the Bridgeport Speedway will host their first ever Pack the House night with FREE GRANDSTAND ADMISSION for all race fans!  It will be a night full of racing – something for everyone including the Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks, Rookies and TSRS Sprint Cars on the 5/8 mile speedway in addition to the 270 and 600 Micro Sprints, Slingshots and 4 & 8 Cylinder Enduro cars on the Spirit Auto Center quarter mile.  Racing gets underway at 6pm for this special show.Packthehouse_June

Saturday, June 25^th will conclude the June action with the Spirit Auto Center’s Monster Truck Crush Cancer Night featuring Monster Trucks, Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks and the graduation of the 2016 DA’s Auto Body Rookie Class.  Racing gets underway at 7pm.

Come out early and enjoy the musical entertainment along with tasty offerings of the Bridgeport concessions stands.  Shop for a new racing t-shirt or another souvenir from the Bridgeport Speedway.  Pick up the Bridgeport Bullet – the official program of the Bridgeport Speedway – and check out the recent action.  Or take a ride with the Bridgeport Bandit on the Bandit Bus and get an up close look at the behind the scenes action in the pit area before the action gets underway on the track.

Bridgeport is the only track in the state of New Jersey to offer Big Block Modifieds; we are committed to maintaining a safe, fun, family atmosphere, creating life-lasting memories of excitement.