Britt Enters Spirit Auto Center Big Block Division As Next Big Contender

 

 

 

After welcoming Delaware’s Jordan Watson as the newest weekly Big Block addition last month, Bridgeport Speedway will have another new Saturday night competitor throughout the 2016 racing season.  Jim Britt recently confirmed that he will indeed be moving up from the Crate/Sportsman division into the weekly wars with the Spirit Auto Center Big Blocks at the 5/8 mile oval.

 

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Although this will be Britt’s first full-season behind the wheel of a powerful 467 cubic inch Big Block, he is by no means a stranger to the racing scene, especially at Bridgeport.  Jim Britt started his racing career at the legendary Flemington Speedway in the Enduro division in 1997, where he raced with drivers like current racing sensations Ryan Godown and Earl Paules Jr. In ’99 Britt made the switch to race more locally at Bridgeport in the Street Stock division for a couple of seasons.   Then in 2002 he bought a sportsman car that he ran at East Windsor a few times before they permanently closed their doors.  Fellow sportsman driver at the time, Richie Pratt was a big help according to Britt.  The following year Britt was able to find victory lane for the first time at Bridgeport Speedway, while also competing at tracks such as Susquehanna and Delaware International.

  Then, in 2006 Jbritt 2 (1)im Britt decided to get out of racing, but occasionally attended races and helped some friends like      modified driver Ron Roberts.  In ’08 Britt did jump behind the wheel once again, as he was offered to drive Roberts’  back up modified on a couple of occasions.  Fast forward five years later to 2013 and Britt caught the racing bug yet  again as he purchased a used Teo-Pro car for a couple of races at the end of the ’13 season.  The following year Jim  bought a brand new Hig-Fab chassis with a Delaware crate engine where he ran sporadically at venues such as  Bridgeport, Penn Can, and New Egypt.

 

Heading into the 2015 season Jim Britt and his team made the decision that they would shoot for the ’15 Crate/Sportsman championship at Bridgeport.  “We bought a motor from Gene Stravinsky and we really wanted that Bridgeport title,” Britt admitted.  Britt’s lofty goal from last year fell one position shy of accomplishment as he finished runner-up in the year-long point chase.  “Although we didn’t win the championship we had a pretty good season and we won six times at Bridgeport.  We also finished second twice at Thunder Mountain and ran well when we went to Penn Can, I-88, Five Mile Point, Grandview, and New Egypt.”  Britt’s ’15 season was also highlighted by his secobritt 1nd place effort in the overall American Racer Cup Sportsman standings (missed title by 1 point), winning the A/R South Region, and second in Bridgeport’s Poker Series.

This season, Jim Britt will have brand new Hig-Fab chassis as part of his Big Block arsenal.  “Jerry’s (Higbie) a great guy that puts out a great product with his cars.  He’s all for the little guy and helps as much as he can no matter what.  We will also have a freshened up CC Performance Engine that I bought from Jamie Mills, a Jimmy Weiss prepared Sportsman motor, and currently are in the process of building an ‘open’ 358 small bock.”  Needless to say, Jim Britt is coming into the new season well-prepared for success.

The 36-year old Broomall, Pennsylvania resident is self-employed as he owns CIL Underground LLC, which is a drilling and utility construction company that operates along the east coast ranging from North Jersey all the way to North Carolina.  Britt’s family is extremely supportive of his racing endeavors as they attend Bridgeport weekly.  “My whole family comes to the track every week.  We bought a skybox for the whole season last year and my kids, wife, and everyone else just love coming there.  That’s another reason besides the good racing at the track.   It’s the ‘family atmosphere’ that makes us choose Bridgeport over everywhere else.  It’s a nice facility and it’s more than just racing, they give the fans a show each and every week.”

Britt was quick to point out some of the sponsors and help that make it all happen for the No. 118 Team.  “Of course there’s CIL, Buckley Cable Construction, Jim’s Lawn Service, Kevin Incorporated, and I can’t forget Terry & Stacie Poole as they stepped up big time this year.  I don’t know if any of what we do would be possible without by brother Kevin.  He houses and maintains the cars at his place which is just a few miles from the track.  He does most of the work on the car during the week, since I’m usually out of state working during the week.  My Dad and the rest of the crew are a big part of this team too.  We also help out some of my friends too with a little sponsorship.  Guys like Steve Davis and Brad Roberts are good guys so we try and help them get to the race track every week too.”

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So what’s in store in 2016 for Mr. Britt?  “Well, we’re gonna run all the Big Block races at Bridgeport (regular point shows and 811 Dig Safely Poker races).  Once we get the small block ready we plan on hitting some of the local Short Track Super Series races and of the Georgetown races they have.  We still have the Sportsman car/motor so I think we’ll try and hit some of the better paying shows in NY and run Deyo’s North Sportsman Series.   After Bridgeport, I think I really like Thunder Mountain the best and plan on running any shows there that don’t conflict with Bridgeport’s races.  Basically we just wanna go out and race a lot this season and have fun.  I’m not looking to set the world on fire but, I obviously want to be competitive.”  If Jim Britt’s first full season at Bridgeport in 2015 in the Crate/Sportsman class was any indication of a ‘rookie year’, then 2016 looks to be a promising one as his journey begins in the Big Block division.

THE BRIDGEPORT 2016 SEASON IS COMING AT YOU!

 

    It won’t be long before the roar of engines will again be heard at the Bridgeport Speedway!  An action-packed schedule has been set for the quickly-approaching 2016 racing season.  Competitors will have the opportunity to shake down their equipment during three scheduled practice sessions with the first coming on Saturday afternoon, March 19th.  The second practice date is planned for Friday, March 25th, the night before the 60 Over Special/Doug Hoffman Memorial Race on Saturday March 26.  The final ‘pre-season’ practice will be on Saturday evening, April 2nd.  Any and all competitors are welcomed to test and tune on any of the three 5/8 mile practices and as always, grandstand admission is FREE for the fans wanting to see what’s in store for the ’16 season.RSI_4871-XL

 

The first Saturday night racing program, as well as the first night of points will be on April 30th.  The 2016 Track Championships will get under way for the Spirit Big Block Modifieds and Crate/Sportsman.  The Pennco Tech Outlaw Stock’s points will start the following Saturday as they are off the schedule this night with the TSRS 305 sprint cars making their first appearance of the season.  The 2016 point champion divisions will be crowned on the Saturday of Labor Day Weekend, September 3rd (Rain or Shine).

 

An all-new racing weekend has been planned for the fourth weekend in September.  The cutting-edge ‘King of the Big Blocks’ event will be presented on Saturday, September 24th, with a full slate of racing planned for Friday, September 23rd as well.  Specific details are still being worked out for the weekend however, a heavyweight purse of $12,000 to the winner of this inaugural event focusing on powerful Spirit Auto Center Big Block division.  The ‘Little Brothers’ of the Big Blocks will take center stage the night before for a special 358 Small Block program.  The Crate/Sportsman, Pennco Tech Outlaw Stocks, and 305 Sprints will all be a part of this much anticipated weekend.

 

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     The United Racing Club (URC) 360 Sprints will be visiting the spacious 5/8 mile oval on three different occasions.  The first appearance of the year takes place on Sunday, April 10, as the Club joins the Spirit Auto Center Big Blocks, Crate/Sportsman, and Outlaw Stocks for a Sunday matinee.  Then on Tuesday, June 28 the winged warriors share the spotlight with the Super Late Models and 358 Small Blocks during the 2nd annual ‘Three For All’.  The URC season wraps up their season with a big weekend planned on November 4 and 5.  The first-ever ‘Bridgeport URC Big Track Classic’ has been scheduled.   The weekend will feature back to back days of 360 sprint car racing, with many of the other 360 touring series’ drivers looking to support this inaugural event.  The Crate/Sportsman will round out the racing card that weekend with the high-dollar paying ‘Crate/Sportsman Show Down’.

 

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     The South Jersey Shootout is on tap on Sunday April 17th.  The Brett Deyo promoted event will include the Spirit Auto Center Big Blocks, Crate/Sportsman, and Outlaw Stocks.  Last year, Bridgeport’s home track turf was defended as Rick Laubach, was able to fend off a stout field of invading modified drivers.  As part of the South Region of the Short Track Super Series, fans can count on seeing out of state drivers towing in from Delaware, New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts.  The Xcel 600 Modifieds will return on the Spirit Auto Center quarter mile for their first of eight appearances during the 2016 campaign.

 

 

The Kenny Wallace Racing Experience returns to the Bridgeport in 2016 after an extremely successful debut last year.  This time, the ‘KWRE’ has signed on for two dates during the season.  The first coming Saturday, April 23rd and the second on Sunday, October 2nd.  This is a great opportunity for that avid fan to finally get to see how it feels getting behind the wheel of an actual stock car or at least be a passenger that will get to feel that rush.  For more information you please visit www.dirtracewithkenny.com

 

The D.A.’s Auto Body Rookie Class of 2016 featuring the Crate/Sportsman will have 10 races to decide a champion.  The first race will take place on Sunday, April 3rd with the final race and graduation commencing on Saturday, June 24.  All drivers who intend on competing in the rookie division are urged to call the speedway (856-467-4408) to register for the upcoming season.

 

 

For the first time ever it’ll be ‘Pack the House Night’ at the Bridgeport Speedway on Saturday, May 7th.  Admittance will be FREE for all fans this night as the Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks and Rookies compete on the 5/8 mile track.  What will make this evening even more enticing, is the fact that the Spirit Auto Center Speedway will also be in action sharing the spotlight.  With the 1/4 mile usually racing on Friday nights, their weekend racing will instead take place on Saturday night.  The 270 & 600 Micros will be joined by the Servpro 4-Cylinders for this unique event.  Rounding out the program will be the 8 Cylinder Enduro cars that will race for a whopping $1,000 to win!

 

If there’s one race that race fans are going to circle on their calendar it certainly has to be the 2nd Annual ‘Bridgeport Three-For-All’.  Tuesday, June 28 the South Jersey oval will be invaded by some of the most talented drivers in the tristate area.  The extremely popular Super Late Models will return, as a packed house watched Delaware fan-favorite Andrew ‘Rowdy’ Mullins take home the win with a late race pass over regional traveler Glenn Elliott.  SLM drivers representing Delaware International, Georgetown, Hagerstown, Port Royal, and Selinsgrove Speedways Speedway are expected to compete in their one and only appearance of the ’16 season.  The 358 Small Blocks will make their first of three appearances of the season.  Many of the local small block competitors from Grandview, New Egypt, Big Diamond, and Delaware will join some of Bridgeport’s Big Block faithful that have 358 small blocks.  The 360 URC Sprints will round out the three for all for all those fans that love open-cockpit racing.

 

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In 2015, the first-ever Misfits 4 x 4 event took place.  The turnout from both competitors and spectators was so overwhelming, that for the 2016 season, there have been TWO Misfit 4 x 4 shows booked.  To enhance the atmosphere this year, both Spring and Fall shows have been extended to two-day events.  These shows consist of both street-legal and off-road trucks and jeeps running the gamut of a specialized obstacle course built specifically for these rough-terrain vehicles.  The first Misfits 4 x 4 event will be offered on May 21st and 22nd.  The TSRS sprint cars will be a stand-alone division on Saturday night as they strut their stuff to a totally different fan base.  The Sunday event will include a Demolition Derby.  The Misfits 4 x 4 show will return on October 15th & 16th for another two-day event with a Demolition Derby slated for Saturday night.

 

One of the mainstays at Bridgeport is the popular Poker Series, which will return once again in 2016, while seeing a new title sponsor for the six-race series.  Colonial Pipelinepoker_811 and the 811 Dig Safely program have joined forces once again at Gloucester County oval and have signed on to Bridgeport’s trademark series.  The 60 Over Special/Doug       Hoffman Memorial will be the first hand followed by ‘All in at the Port’ on Wednesday, May 25, Sunday, July 3rd’s ‘High Stakes at the Port’, then the 11th Annual Friends of Mike event on August 16th, and ‘Bonus Hand’ on Saturday, October 1.  The 811 Dig Safely Poker Series will conclude with the Wildcard Weekend to close out the season in mid-November as the best three hands and worst hand in the Big Block, Crate/Sportsman, and Outlaw Stock divisions.

 

The TSRS Sprint Car Series will once again thrill the Bridgeport Speedway fans 12 times throughout the ’16 season.  The 305 sprinters will see 8 nights of Saturday action (4/30, 5/21, 6/4, 6/18, 7/9, 7/23, 8/13, and 8/27) while making 4 appearances (6/24, 8/5, 9/23, 11/11) on Friday evenings.  The TSRS gang will also compete in their own Poker Series as they have the previous two years.  Local favorites Bobby DeVault and Eddie Wagner claimed the first two Poker Series titles.  The 5/21, 6/4, 6/18, 7/9, 7/23, and 8/27 dates wills serve as the six Poker Race events.  The August 13th date should also be noted that this will be an Inter-Regional race drawing cars from the PASS and CSRA 305 Sprint Series.

 

As always, Bridgeport Speedway will host many different ‘theme nights’ throughout the upcoming season.  Some of those nights include ‘Mechanics Night’ (6/11), where those who turn wrenches get to showcase their skills on the 1/4 mile.  ‘First Responder’s Night’ allows Bridgeport to honor all those that serve the community (7/16).  On August 20th the future race car drivers will be spotlighted on ‘Quarter-Midget Night’.  ‘Camera & Autograph Night’ will take place on June 4.  Close to 70 drivers and race cars line the midway behind the grandstands and hand out pictures, candy, and sign autographs before the races start.  August 13th is the annual ‘Scout Night’ where everyone in uniform (Boy, Girl, Cub, Eagle) are admitted FREE.  There are two ‘Powder Puff’ events on the 1/4 mile…the first on August 6th and the second on October 1.  July 30th will be ‘Jeep Jamboree Night’ as all spectators arriving in jeeps will be admitted free and will get to try out the ‘off-road’ course created in the 1/4 mile pit area.  The ‘Kids Money Scramble’ will see a bunch of the young fans go home with some extra $$$ on July 9.  And last but certainly not least, the ever-popular ‘Bike Nights’ return to Bridgeport Speedway.  Four ‘Bike Nights have been penciled into the ’16 schedule (5/14, 6/18, 7/23, & 8/27).  All riders on motorcycles receive FREE admission upon entry.  Like in the past, half a dozen bicycles will be given away at intermission to six lucky youngsters courtesy of the Bridgeport Speedway drivers.

 

The Garden State Vintage Car Club will be making 5 stops at the South Jersey facility in 2016.  Those dates include, April 24June 18July 23, September 3, and November 5.  The Pennco Tech Outlaw Stocks have several nights off when the TSRS Sprints are in town.  However, they will have two nights where they have twin features rather than the traditional single main event.  The Crate/Sportsman are also have a Twin-15’s night planned in July.

 

 

To learn all about the latest news regarding Bridgeport Speedway you can log onto www.bpspeedway.com, visit their Facebook page or follow them on Twitter.  The management team and many of the staff members will be on hand at the Motorsports Expo in Oaks, Pa this coming weekend.  Brand new schedules will be available as well as Bridgeport apparel and all the necessary paperwork for the 2016 season.

 

BRIDGEPORT SPEEDWAY PREPARES FOR MOTORSPORTS

 

 

 

 

 

2016 Pit Licenses and Season Tickets Will Be Available

     Plans are underway to present the Bridgeport Speedway as well as the new Spirit Auto Center Speedway (1/4 mile) when the 31st Motorsports Racecar & Trade Show comes to the Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA on January 22-24, 2016.

     Popular Big Block Feature Winner, Sam Martz will have his Izzy Trucking/Forever Flowers No. 3 on display in the Bridgeport Speedway area.  Ed Barber’s No. 99b 600c Micro Sprint will be wrapped in Spirit Auto Center Speedway logos.

     Fans and competitors alike will find it advantageous to visit the Bridgeport display during the three day show.  Pit licenses, season passes and skyboxes will be available at discounted pre-season prices.  2016 schedules will be available for both tracks.  The staff and track officials will also be on hand to answer any questions that competitors may have as they prepare their equipment for the new season.

     Representatives from Spirit Auto Center of Swedesboro, NJ will also be on hand to help to promote the new Spirit Auto Center Speedway as well as to talk to potential customers about their automobile needs.

     A tricked out Jeep will be on display to promote the Misfits Down & Dirty shows at the Bridgeport Speedway as well as the scheduled Jeep Jamboree as the Logan Township facility continues to broaden its horizons.  There will also be a display on hand for the all new “811 Dig Safely Poker Series” at Bridgeport Speedway.  Representatives from 811 Colonial Pipeline will be on hand to present the new Poker Series and answer any questions anyone may have.

     The 2016 season is scheduled to open on the big 5/8 mile Bridgeport Speedway on March 26 while the new Spirit Auto Center Speedway has their lid-lifter scheduled for Friday, April 8th.

      Hours of operation for the Motorsports Racecar & Trade show are 2-9pm on Friday11am-9pm on Saturday and 11am-4pm on Sunday.

JORDAN WATSON STEERS TOWARDS BRIDGEPORT IN 2016

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               After giving it some thought once the 2015 racing season concluded, the ‘First State’ racer Jordan Watson will be calling Bridgeport Speedway his new home in 2016.  Actually, Watson is no stranger to Bridgeport, as he’s been a track regular before.  However, this will be his first full season behind the wheel of a powerful Big Block touring the 5/8 mile oval.

               Watson was quick to point out that he’s looking forward to racing weekly at the South Jersey facility.  “We talked it over with my family and everyone and we just feel Bridgeport is where we need to be this year.  We came up last summer and had a blast.  We struggled at first but then we were able to visit victory lane (Bridgeport’s historical 1,000th Big Block feature) which made it all jordan 2worth it.”

               Watson has had plenty of success in his home state of Delaware where he’s recorded three Crate championships at Delaware International Speedway along with a 2014 Big Block track title as well as the ’13 Sportsman American Racer Cup.   Last year Watson conquered the Beach Blast at Georgetown and he closed his season out with a victory at the Delaware State Championships.  Jordan also owns a Crate Sportsman championship at Bridgeport along with a couple of prestigious victories coming in the Bill Hill Memorial and Friends of Mike races.

               “I’m honestly looking forward to running with the drivers that race at Bridgeport.  There’s some stiff competition and when you win there you’ve done something.  Guys like Jamie (Mills), Rick (Laubach), Watt, Pratt.  Their all tough there and a lot more.  I just feel Bridgeport is real racey.  There’s multiple grooves and you can move around and search for your line.  It’s definitely a place where I feel I can sharpen my skills this season.”

               Surprisingly, one of Jordan’s main reasons for making the switch didn’t pertain to the actual track or racing on it, although he expressed his fondness to the racing surface.  “What really excites me when I come to Bridgeport is all the things they do on the fan’s side over there.  I mean these kids are our next generation of fans   or drivers and Bridgeport keeps them excited and entertained.  A lot of these tracks need to do that kind of stuff like they do because it matters more than people think.  My wife, Alison and some friends came to a race this year there and had a blast there.  Listening to the band, seeing the cars up close, and watching the kids do all kinds of activities.  I’m glad I’m going to be part of that great atmosphere they’ve got going on up there.”

               Even thoujordan 1gh running up front at Bridgeport and hopefully a track championship will be Watson’s main focus, he does have a busy schedule planned this 2016      campaign.  “I’m going to run the whole South Region of the Short Track Super Series along with all of Georgetown’s races.  Some specials at Delmar and maybe even a  couple of races in New York.  Currently, we’re in the process of building an open-small block for some of these shows too.  I’d say we have close to 45 races penciled in  already this season.”

               Jordan’s very thankful for the people that are backing his racing efforts.  The 27-year old, State of Delaware equipment operator from Milford, De driver will be driving a ’13 and a ’15 Bicknell chassis in 2016 powered by a Larry Lombardo engine.  One will be owned by Glenn and Donna Watson while the other comes out of well-known Delaware owner Will Brown’s stable.  Some of the sponsors that make it all happen include Remax Twin Counties, Regan Watson Auction, Will Brown Truck Repair, Courtland Manor Nursing Homes, Miller Metal Fabrication, Delmarva RV, Swain’s Excavation, and Perfect Finish Powder Coating.  “Like I said, I have a lot of people that help me and we enjoy going to the races as a family.  That’s why Bridgeport is a perfect fit for me and my team this coming season.  I can’t wait ‘till March 26!”

WELCOME TO THE NEW SPIRIT AUTO CENTER SPEEDWAY

                     
                              

       The Bridgeport Speedway Reintroduces the Quarter Mile!

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   Following the announcement at the Bridgeport Speedway Awards Banquet in December, plans are moving forward for the Spirit Auto Center Speedway for the 2016 season.

     Spirit Auto Center of Swedesboro, NJ has shown their support for the Bridgeport Speedway since the start of the 2013 season.  As announced in December, Spirit has now decided to join forces with the Bridgeport Speedway to promote the quarter mile track and as a result, give it it’s own identity.  A new website, newsletter and Facebook page will be put into place with other social media outlets to follow.

     Bridgeport Speedway Marketing Manager, Kolby Ramey has been working on this project throughout the course of this past season.  Ramey felt that it was necessary to separate the identity of the two tracks in order to create a new marketing platform for the quarter mile track.   “We have seen an issue with the promotional efforts of the 1/4 mile track since I fully took Marketing over a year ago,” Ramey explains.  “We just weren’t sure what we were going to do to make it better.  We approached Spirit Auto Center whom we already had a relationship with and offered them the sponsorship package to re-brand the track.  They were excited about the opportunity to get their company out to more potential customers and we were excited to have an all new platform for the 1/4 mile track.”

     Sebastian Carpenter of Spirit Auto Center stated, “We’re excited about what we can bring to the table for Bridgeport.”  Spirit Auto Center has been a sponsor of the Bridgeport Speedway for several seasons, supporting the Big Block Modified division for the last two seasons.

     The Spirit Auto Center Speedway will continue to offer 270cc Micro Sprints, Wingless 600 Micro Sprints, 4 and 8 Cylinder Enduros on Friday nights with other divisions like Slingshots, 600 Xcel Modifieds, Open Modifieds being added for special events throughout the season.  The popular Poker Series will return in 2016.

     The Spirit Auto Center Speedway will open its gates on March 19 and April 2 for practice sessions with the first green flag of the season set to wave on Friday, April 8 when the Slingshots and 4 Cylinder Enduro cars will join the 270cc and 600cc Micro Sprints.    The first Poker Series event of the season is set to go on May 14.

     The Spirit Auto Center Speedway will be represented at the upcoming Motorsports Racecar & Trade Show event on January 22-24 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA.

   

 

BRIDGEPORT SPEEDWAY’S ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET RETURNS TO BRIDGEPORT FIRE HALL

 

 

 

 

 

Bridgeport, NJ (November 26, 2015) – Bridgeport Speedway’s much anticipated annual awards banquet is set for next Saturday, December 5. For the fourth consecutive year, the festivities will take place at the Bridgeport Fire Hall located at 4 Steelman Road, which is located just a few miles from the speedway. Many of the speedway staff will be on hand along with numerous drivers, teams, and fans to celebrate yet another successful racing campaign this past season. An estimated 350 attendees have already signed up for the year-ending gala.

Jamie Mills, the 2015 Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modified champion for the second time in his career, will be the top honoree of the evening along with the entire top 10 in the final point standings. Pat Wall will be celebrating his ’15 Stewart Stainless Supply Inc. Crate/Sportsman championship with his fellow top 10 racing competitors as well. Tom Wills Sr. will be closing the final chapter in his racing career as he caps of the 2015 season with the Pennco Tech Outlaw Stock Car championship (top 10 will be recognized).  The D.A.’s Auto Body Championship will be celebrated by the top three rookies including champion Stephen Kemery.

Lee Nardelli will represent the top 10 in the Friday night 600 micro sprint division after his dominating 2015 season. Tyler Reinhardt will be standing atop the podium for the third straight year come banquet time as he will lead the top 10 in the 270 micro sprint class. Chris Sammons earned his first championship in the Servpro Four-Cylinder division as the top four in points will be honored come next Saturday. Young Andrew Kreis will see all eyes on him, as he conquered the first ever OMS Racing/Speedway’s All Star Bagel Stop Slingshot point championship. A whopping top 20 will be recognized next Saturday evening regarding the slingshots. Chris Allen Sr. Was the top dog in the Gasko & Son Farm & Greenhouses 8-Cylinder Enduro Series in 2015 (top 4 recognized).

The top three/four finishers in the Poker Series for Big Block Modifieds (Neal Williams), Crate/Sportsman (Brett Kressley), John Blewett Inc. Outlaw Stocks (Tom Wills Jr.), 600 Micros (James Morris), 270 Micros (Jacob Hendershot), Four-Cylinders (Chris Sammons), Jeffrey Hogue/Action Track USA Slingshots (Andrew Kreis), and Bethman Auto Center/Bruce’s Speed Shop/Thayer Performance TSRS 305 sprint cars (Eddie Wagner) will all be recognized and honored on Dec. 5. Several specialty awards will be distributed among the different racing classes as well.

On Saturday, December 5, the doors to the Bridgeport Fire Hall will swing open at 6:00 p.m.  A delicious buffet dinner will be available soon after. The awards ceremony will followdinner and will be led by track announcers Jeff Ahlum and Bill Sasser. The night will conclude with entertainment and dancing provided by Dee Jay Erick Santana who many knowfrom his performances at the 31st Lap during Eastern States Weekend. All drivers, crew members, car owners and fans are encouraged to attend this event. Banquet tickets are $60 per person and they include dinner, beer, and entertainment. The ticket order form for this year’s awards banquet is available at www.bpspeedway.com under the link ‘forms’. Thelast day to order tickets with proper payment will be Dec 1. If you have any questions about the banquet please call Danny Serrano at 609-433-4487.

WATT CLOSES OUT BRIDGEPORT SEASON WITH BIG WIN

WATT CLOSES OUT BRIDGEPORT SEASON WITH BIG WIN

                                      Williams, Kressley and Wills, Jr. Collect Poker Series Titles

     Ryan Watt picked up his fourth win of the season with his win in the Gone but Not Forgotten Big Block Modified Feature event to close out the 2015 season at the Bridgeport Speedway.  Bobby Lileck picked up his first win of the season in the Stewart Stainless Crate Sportsman feature event while Jeramy Doerr earned his eighth win of the season in the John Blewett III Poker Series finale for the Outlaw Stocks.
     The Wildcard Weekend wrapped up the competition in the 2015 Poker Series with Neal Williams clinching the Poker Series Championship title for the Big Block Modifieds with three Queens for his three third place finishes.  Brett Kressley’s four Aces (wins) clinched the title for Kressley even before he dropped out of the Crate/Sportsman feature with mechanical issues.  Tom Wills, Jr. had three of a kind to win the Poker Series Championship for the Outlaw Stocks.
      Doug Manmiller paced the field to the start of the forty lap Big Block Modified main event and led for the first eight circuits before Watt raced to the front on lap nine.  Manmiller stayed with Watt for several laps before Neal Williams moved to the outside to takeover the runner-up spot as Manmiller exited with mechanical problems.  Williams kept the pressure on Watt.  Tyler Dippel made it a three way race for the lead as he made his way by Williams to take over second on lap twenty-one.  
     Dippel and Williams kept the pressure on as Dippel pulled even with Watt on several occasions but each time,  Watt was able to pull ahead of the young challenger.
     Watt raced to the checkered flag followed by Dippel with his best Bridgeport finish to date after making just three starts on the 5/8 mile track.  Williams finished third.  Billy Pauch won the battle for fourth with Jimmy Horton finishing fifth.
     Bobby Lilick led from the green to the checkered to capture his first Stewart Stainless Crate Sportsman feature event of the season.  Brett Kressley, who won five times at Bridgeport this season, made his way into second behind Lilick before he was sidelined from the event.  Jim Britt trailed Lilick at the finish line with Kevin Sockriter, Steve Searock and Frank Dorry rounding out the top five. 
     TJ Henry was well on his way to picking up his second win of the weekend in the John Blewett III Poker Series event for the Outlaw Stocks when he developed problems with his No. 57 with just two laps to go.  Jeramy Doerr went on to pick up his eighth win of the season.  Ken Watson and Ed Bischoff crossed the finish line in second and third but were disqualified when they failed post-race tech.  Jack Beaumont finished second followed by Jeff Dirkes, Mike Creamer and Jillian Long who was competing in only her second race on the Bridgeport 5/8 mile track. 
       
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN SPIRIT AUTO CENTERS BIG BLOCK MODIFIED FEATURE (40 LAPS)
1. Ryan Watt, 2. Tyler Dippel, 3. Neal Williams, 4. Billy Pauch, 5. Jimmy Horton, 6. Wade Hendrickson, 7. Ryan Anderson, 8. Jamie Mills, 9. Ryan Grim, 10. Billy VanInweggen, 11. Ryan Krachun, 12. Lou Cicconi, 13. Clay Butler, 14. Bucky Kell, 15. Jesse Hill, 16. Mike Franz, 17. Jerry Higbie, Jr., 18. Richie Pratt, Jr. 19. Dominick Buffalino, 20. Rick Laubach, 21. Bob Sarkisian, 22. Ian Humphreys, 23. Doug Manmiller, 24. Scott Ambruster, 25. Ron Roberts, 26. Eric Kormann
STEWART STAINLESS CRATE/SPORTSMAN FEATURE (25 LAPS)
1. Bob Lilick, 2. Jim Britt, 3. Kevin Sockriter, 4. Steve Searock, 5. Frank Dorry, 6. John Micek, 7. Dave Damiano, 8. Clyde Cox, 9. Frank Holmes, 10. Mike Butler, 11. Matt Stangle, 12. Brett Ballard, 13. Brandon Watkins, 14. Jason Bitner, 15. Jason Neidlinger, 16. Dylan Betts, 17. Joe Nappi, 18. Chuck Potts, 19. Steve Young, 20. Steve Kemery, 21. Joe Reid, 22. CJ Jones, 23. Ryan Lilick, 24. Brett Kressley, 25. Ryan Simmons, 26. Pete Visconti, 27. Brad Roberts
JOHN BLEWETT III POKER SERIES FOR OUTLAW STOCKS (20 LAPS)
1. Jeramy Doerr, 2. Jack Beaumont, 3. Jeff Dirkes, 4. Mike Creamer, 5. Jillian Long, 6. Tom Wills, Sr., 7. Pete Ellis, Jr., 8. Tom Wills, Jr., 9. Jimmy Avery, 10. Sean Smith, 11. TJ Henry, 12. Todd Ahner, 13. George Ramos, 14. Joe Meron,   DQ – Ken Watson, Ed Bischoff
DNS – Fred Tomarchio, Rick Broschard, Steve Land

  PAUCH CHARGES TO BRIDGEPORT SMALL BLOCK MODIFIED WIN

                                    

      Billy Pauch charged to the feature win in the 358 Small Block Modified feature event in the Bridgeport Speedway’s Wild Card Weekend.  It was Pauch’s sixteenth career win in Bridgeport Speedway small block modified competition – a track where he sits third on the Big Block Modified All Time Feature Winners List with fifty-eight victories.  “I thought Wade (Hendrickson) had it won,” Pauch commented.  “I don’t know what happened to him.  With a couple of laps to go , I thought the hell with it – we came here to win!”

     TJ Henry earned his second win of the season in the John Blewett III PennCo Poker Series Outlaw Stock Feature event while 2015 Champion, Mike Haggenbottom put an exclamation point on his championship season with the win in the twenty lap Tri State Race Savers Sprint Car feature. 

  

     At the wave of the green flag, it was polesitter, Wade Hendrickson who jumped into the lead in the thirty lap small block modified feature event.   Hendrickson dominated the first nineteen laps of the race before Craig VonDohren used lapped traffic to make the pass for the lead on lap twenty.  With VonDohren out in front, Hendrickson ran second for four laps before mechanical woes sidelined his C&S Equipment No. 6. 

     

     VonDohren led Pauch, Rick Laubach, Ryan Krachun and Ryan Watt with five laps to go.  Pauch made a run on the leader on a lap twenty-six restart but VonDohren prevailed.  The field was realigned for a single file restart with just two laps to go when Watt drew the caution in turn four.  On the restart, Pauch made another run to the inside, pulling even with VonDohren.  As the leaders raced through turns one and two, Pauch used a slide job to propel his K&A Excavating No. 1 into the lead and then pulled away as they raced out of turn two.  The caution waved again with just one lap to go but Pauch prevailed to take the $3,000 payday followed by VonDohren, Laubach, Krachun and Richie Pratt, Jr. 

     2014 Outlaw Champion, Ron Frees looked to be on his way to his second win in the John Blewett II Poker Series for Outlaw Stock feature event when his plans went up in smoke on lap thirteen.  TJ Henry took over the lead and went on to claim the victory over second place finisher, Rick Broschard.  2015 Champion, Tom Wills, Sr. finished third with Mike Creamer and Tom Wills, Jr. completing the top five at the finish line.

     Mike Haggenbottom closed the 2015 Tri State Race Saver Sprint Car season with a flag to flag win in the 20 lap TSRS feature event.  Adam Carberry and rookie, Eddie Strada, kept the pressure on the leader all the way to the checkered flag to finish second and third.  Rick Stief and Karl Freyer rounded out the top five at the checkered flag.    

    

WILDCARD WEEKEND – 358 MODIFIED FEATURE (30 LAPS)
1. Billy Pauch, 2. Craig VonDohren, 3. Rick Laubach, 4. Ryan Krachun, 5. Richie Pratt, Jr., 6. Brett Kressley, 7. Lou Ciconi, 8. Frank Cozze, 9. Ryan Grim, 10. Ron Roberts, 11. Craig Whitmoyer, 12. Bob Sarkisian, 13. Ryan Watt, 14. Mike White, 15. Pete Visconti, 16. Shawn Wood, 17. Neal Williams, 18. Wade Hendrickson, 19. Jerry Higbie, 20. Scott Ambruster, 21. Rusty Smith, 22. Dominick Buffalino, 23. Brad Roberts, 24. Jim Britt

JOHN BLEWETT III POKER SERIES FOR OUTLAW STOCKS (20 LAPS)
1. TJ Henry, 2. Rick Broschard, 3. Tom Wills, Sr., 4. Mike Creamer, 5. Tom Wills, Jr., 6. Jimmy Avery, 7. Ed Bischoff, 8. Jillian Long, 9. Todd Ahner, 10. Spider Ensinger, 11. George Ramos, III, 12. Jeramy Doerr, 13. Nate Hill, 14. Ron Frees, 15. Kenny Watson, 16. Jack Beaumont, 17. Jeff Dirkes, 18. Joe Meron, 19. Pete Ellis, Jr.  DNS – Vern McLaughlin, Darren Cox

HILBORN TRI STATE RACE SAVER SPRINT CAR FEATURE – (20 LAPS)
1. Mike Haggenbottom, 2. Adam Carberry, 3. Eddie Strada, 4. Rick Stief, 5. Karl Freyer, 6. Sam Lieberman, 7. David Bonner, 8. Ryan Stillwagon, 9. Keith Anderson, 10. Randy Wilbert, 11. Pat U’Selis

Wildcard Weekend at Bridgeport Speedway

Bridgeport, NJ (November 3, 2015) – Even though the 2015 racing season is quickly coming to an end, in less than two short weeks, Bridgeport Speedway will be hosting their annual year-ending Wild Card Weekend.  An action-packed two-day racing program is planned for the final events of the 2015 racing season at the South Jersey oval. Three different Poker Series titles will be claimed once the final checkers fall on Saturday night.  Friday, November 13 – 358 The Small Block Modifieds headline Friday’s three-division program as they will battle in a 30-lap feature paying $3000 to the victor, $500 for tenth and $225 to start the main event.  Some of the drivers who plan on starting their weekend off by claiming a Friday night victory include Rick Laubach, Ryan Watt, Richie Pratt, Wade Hendrickson, Mike Iles, Ryan Godown, Jerry Higbie, Neal Williams, Jimmy Horton, Craig VonDohren, H.J. Bunting, and many many more.

The Outlaw Stocks will compete in Hand #5 of the John Blewett Inc. 2015 Poker Series paying $500 to the victor.   The The Hilborn-TSRS 305 Sprint Cars will round out the first night of action with a 20-lap main event.  At the conclusion of theFriday’s events, there will be a an “after-race” party under the pavilion behind the main grandstand. All drivers and fans are encouraged to stop and visit under the pavilion once the races have been completed. There will be live entertainment, as well as complimentary food and beverages available. Attendees are also welcome to bring their own food and beverages.

*There will be two separate practice sessions for the Big Blocks as well as the Crate/Sportsman on Friday evening. The fastest driver of the night in either session will receive an automatic redraw spot for Saturday’s races (one for the Modifieds and two for the Crate/Sportsman-one for the fastest 602 crate and one for the fastest 358 open sportsman). The fast timers must pass a quick tech inspection (weight, gear, chip, wheels, tires, ect.) in order to receive the automatic redraw incentive.

The Big Block Modifieds take center stage on Saturday with the ‘Gone But Not Forgotten’ race. This 40-lap Poker Series finale will pay homage to Doug Hoffman, the late promoter and all-time great driver.  The top finisher of this extra distance event will receive $4000, $500 will go to the tenth place finisher, while $300 will be given take the green. The top thirteen place finishers in each Poker Series race will be awarded a playing card starting with an Ace going to the victor and ending with a Deuce going to the thirteenth place finisher. Entering the final event Jesse Hill leads the way with three ‘Dueces’. Rick Laubach sits in second with a pair of Aces while Duane Howard holds onto third place with a pair of Kings.  Neal Williams, Jamie Mills, Ryan Anderson, Ryan Watt and Ryan Godown are still mathematically alive to better their hands.

Also on Saturday, the sixth hand of the Crate/Sportsman Poker Series will be contested with $1000 going to the winner of the 25-lap affair and $100 to start. With four Aces Brett Kressley has it all but locked up for the first place prize.  However, Mike Lyons, Jim Britt, CJ Jones, and Pat Wall would all like to improve their Poker Hands.

The annual Friends of Mike Outlaw Stock feature which is also Hand #6 will see $600 go to the winner. After four races, Ron Frees leads the way a pair of Kings.  Looking to finish with three of a kind are Tom Wills Jr. and Jimmy Avery which would knock Frees from having the best hand in 2015. Saturday’s four-division race card will be completed by an exhibition race by the Garden State Vintage Stock Car Club.

Plenty of other incentives are available for competitors throughout the Wild Card Weekend. Non-qualifiers in the Small Block Modified, Outlaw Stock, Crate/Sportsman, and Big Blocks will receive tow money through lap sponsorship. Lap sponsorships start at $20 and interested parties can contact Danny Serrano at 609-433-4487 for further information.

On Friday, November 13, the pit area opens at 4 p.m. with the grandstand gates opening at 5:30 p.m. Hot laps get underway at 6:45 p.m. with racing starting at 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, November 14, competitors can begin to enter the pits at noon with grandstands opening at 1:30 p.m. Warm-ups will start at 3:15 p.m.and the first green flag waves at 4:00 p.m. Adult (16 and older) admission will be $25 with a two day grandstand wrist band available for $45. Students (12-15) will be admitted for $10 per day. Kids 11 and under are free. Pit admission is $35 per day. In case of inclement weather on either Friday or Saturday,Sunday, November 15 has been reserved as a rain date.

Bridgeport Speedway provides a safe and secure family atmosphere, free parking, giveaways, and fan participation games. Free moon bounces  and bandit bus rides will be available all throughout the weekend.  As a premier racing complex, Bridgeport Speedway is a banked 5/8th mile dirt oval, featuring a dirt 1/4 mile oval embedded in the center, and is located in Southern New Jersey — just minutes from Pennsylvania and Delaware at exit 14 off of I-295.

IT’S ACES FOR LAUBACH, JONES AND FREES IN BRIDGEPORT POKER SERIES ACTION

 

     Rick Laubach, CJ Jones and Ron Frees capitalized on an opportunity when they picked up Aces as the result of their feature wins in the Bridgeport Speedway’s Bonus Hand for the 2015 Poker Series.

 

For 2012 Bridgeport Champion, Rick Laubach the win in the thirty lap Spirit Auto Centers Big Block Modified event was his sixth win of the 2015 season on the 5/8 mile track but this win came behind the wheel of Glenn Hyneman’s No. 126.  It was Laubach’s first outing in Hyneman’s Big Block Modified.  “This was a driver’s track tonight,” Laubach stated after his win.  “I just want to thank Glenn and Bonita Hyneman for this opportunity to run their car.”

 

By virtue of the luck of the draw, Rocco Infante and Laubach led the field to the green flag.  Laubach quickly jumped into the lead but Infante wasn’t giving up as he gave chase, keeping his JR1 in the tracks of Laubach and the No. 126.  Mike Iles put the Active Environmental No. 711 into second following a lap seven restart for the disabled car of Ryan Krachun.

 

Laubach began to pull away from the field but the caution waved again with twelve complete when a chain reaction incident sent Richie Pratt, Jr. to the pits with the Overhead Door No. 0.  Laubach chose the inside on the restart and Iles raced side by side with the leader when the race went back to green flag racing.  As the field exited turn four on lap thirteen, Iles was the new race leader.

 

With ten to go, Iles led Laubach, Infante, Jordan Watson and Neal Williams but Laubach was closing fast.  Laubach powered by Iles on lap twenty-one to regain the lead as Williams moved up to third.  With just five laps to go, Ryan Watt drove into the top five with a pass by Watson.  Watt had driven from 24th to fifth, powering his small block into the top five after engine problems sidelined his big block entry.

 

Laubach drove to the checkered without further challenge as Iles led Williams across the line for second and third.  2015 Modified Champion, Jamie Mills finished fourth with Watt rounding out the top five.

 

Steve Searock led the first two laps of the Steward Stainless Crate/Sportsman main event before young Brandon Grosso took the lead on lap three.  Gross led the way for three circuits before CJ Jones took the lead on lap six.  It was all Jones to the checkered flag as Jones drove to his Ace at the checkered flag.  Grosso had another strong outing to finish second followed by 2015 Champion, Pat Wall, Dave Damiano and Frank Dorry.

 

Ron Frees returned to competition on dirt after competing on the asphalt for much of the 2015 season and quickly found his way into Bridgeport’s Victory Lane in the PennCo Tech Outlaw Stock feature event.  Jeramy Doerr finished second with pressure from TJ Henry at the finish.  Jeff Dirkes finished fourth with Tom Wills, Jr. rounding out the top five.

 

Kristina Pratt (Modified), Courtney Picken (Crate/Sportsman) and Shanan Lea (Outlaw Stocks) picked up wins in the Powder Puff feature events on the quarter mile track.

 

 

 

 

Spirit Auto Centers Big Block Modified Feature (30 laps)

 

  1. Rick Laubach, 2. Mike Iles, 3. Neal Williams, 4. Jamie Mills, 5. Ryan Watt, 6. Jordan Watson, 7. Doug Manmiller, 8. Eric Kormann, 9. Jimmy Horton, 10. Ryan Godown, 11. Wade Hendrickon, 12. Dominick Buffalino, 13. Ian Humphreys, 14. Bob Sarkisian, 15. Howard O’Neal, 16. Ronnie Roberts, 17. Dale Hawkins, 18. Mark Bitner, 19. Scott Ambruster, 20. Rocco Infante, 21. Ryan Anderson, 22. Sam Martz, 23. Richie Pratt, Jr., 24. Mike Franz

 

Steward Stainless Crate/Sportsman Feature (20 laps)

 

  1. CJ Jones, 2. Brandon Grasso, 3. Pat Wall, 4. Dave Damiano, 5. Frank Dorry, 6. Bob Lilick, 7. John Micek, 8. Brad Roberts, 9. Mike Lyons, 10. Brian Lilick, 11. Clyde Cox, 12. Kyle Lilick, 13. Kevin Sockriter, 14. Chuck Potts, 15. Steve Searock, 16. Steve Loorak, 17. Dave Banko, 18. David Crossman, 19. Steve Kemery, 20. David Jenkins, 21. Will Dupree, 22. Connor King, 23. Pete Visconti, 24. Chuckles Stone, 25. Brian Lilick

 

PennCo Tech Outlaw Stock Feature (15 laps)

 

  1. Ron Frees, 2. Jeramy Doerr, 3. TJ Henry, 4. Jeff Dirkes, 5. Tom Wills, Jr., 6. Darren Cox, 7. Tom Wills, Sr., 8. Mike Creamer, 9. Joe Meron, 10.  Jack Beaumont, 11. Jimmy Avery, 12. Pete Ellis, Jr., 13. Spider Ensinger, 14. Steve Land, 15. Sean Smith,, 16. James Rader, 17. Matthew Peck, 18.  Kenny Watson, 19. Fred Tomarchio

 

 

Powder Puff – Outlaw Stocks

  1. Shanan Lea, 2. Beth Beaumont, 3. Kristy Hicks, 4. Autumn Gobrick

 

Powder Puff – Crate/Sportsman

  1. Courtney Picken, 2. Renee Crossman, 3. Maryann Ecret

 

Powder Puff – Modifieds

  1. Kristina Pratt, 2. Shirley MacNair, ,3. Olivia Ingersol, 4. Fay Lancaster, 5. Alina Lockhoff

 

 

Upcoming Events

Friday, November 13, 2015 – WILD CARD WEEKEND, 358 Small Block Modifieds, TSRS 305 Sprints, Outlaw Stocks plus Practice for Saturday, Racing at 7pm

Saturday, November 14, 2015 – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks & Garden State Vintage Cars. Racing at 4pm

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