Category: News

PAPIEZ, HUGHES, ALLEN AND DEGLER RACE TO BRIDGEPORT WINS

For just the third time in the 2024 season, the Bridgeport Motorsports Park completed a Saturday night show with Mother Nature’s cooperation.  The new clay on the race surface produced some great racing in five different divisions.

Brian Papiez raced to his first win of the season in the IceLess LLC 602 Sportsman.  Chris Allen, Jr. raced to the win in the Victory Fuel Wingless Sprints.  Mike Hughes turned his 2024 season around with his first win of 2024 in the Blue Hen Speed & Performance Street Stocks.  Scott Degler picked up the win in the Blue Hen Speed & Performance 4 Cylinders while Michael Beckett pushed his win total to three in the DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookie feature.

Polesitter, Rob Tete grabbed the lead at the start of the twenty-five lap 602 Sportsman feature event.  Tete led the way through the first fourteen laps while Papiez made his way through the top five.  Papiez caught the leader on lap fourteen and took the lead with ten laps to go.  Two caution flags regrouped the field with seventeen laps completed.  The field was four wide for second on the restart before the caution waved for a single car incident just one lap later.

Ethan Bill and Steven Kemery executed a pair of great restarts to move into second and third behind Papiez.  On lap nineteen, Tete had a tire go down on his No. 30, causing him to spin in turn four.  Several other cars were collected in the incident that eliminated Matt Peck from the competition.

Papiez led the way to the checkered over Ethan Bill, Steve Kemery, Travis Hill and Billy Chester who had his best outing to date after racing in the top five throughout the twenty-five lap feature.  Howie Finch finished sixth followed by Thomas Prychka, Howard Huepfle, Michael Beckett and Trent Willy.

Papiez had high praise for the track’s new surface and the work put in by the track crew.  The feature winner dedicated his win to Art Lentini who paid a role in Papiez’ career.

The Victory Fuel Wingless Sprints competed in a twenty lap feature event that saw Chris Allen, Jr. take the lead from Jonathan Swanson late in the race.  Swanson took the lead on the start racing ahead of Larry Drake and Allen who raced in third on lap three.  Allen moved by Drake to take second on lap five.

Swanson held the advantage until lapped traffic forced the leader to change his line.  With just four laps to go, Allen raced into the lead.  Defending Champion, Brian Spencer raced into second.

Allen took the win over Spencer, Swanson, Rich Mellor and Larry Drake.  First year competitor, Connor Gross finished sixth followed by another first year wingless competitor, Dan Leaper.  David Swanson, Stan Ploski III and Thomas Radivoy rounded out the top ten at the checkered.

Mike Hughes turned his 2024 season around when he raced to the win in the Blue Hen Speed & Performance Street Stocks.  It was Hughes first win of 2024 and came on the heals of several engine failures.  Polesitter, Gary Bozowski led the first four laps before Hughes raced to the front.  

With Hughes well out in front of the field, Bozowski battled with Gary Klimeczak for second.  Klimeczak raced in second on lap five but Bozowski battled back.

It was Hughes for the win over Bozowski, Jimmy Combs, Nick Sandone III and Klimeczak.

Eric Degler may have needed a push truck to get to Champion Brands Victory Lane but the No. 7R gave the driver what he needed to pick up the win in the Blue Hen Speed & Performance 4 Cylinders.

Degler took the win followed by Lee Allen, Dan Stein, Jr. who has two wins to his credit this season, Joe Garey, Sr. and defending champion, Tim Jones.

After an early race challenge from Ashley Therien, Michael Beckett raced to his third DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookie feature.  Therien finished second with Kenny Ott taking third.

ICE LESS LLC 602 SPORTSMAN FEATURE (25 LAPS)

1. Brian Papiez, 2. Ethan Bill, 3. Stephen Kemery, 4. Travis Hill, 5. Billy Chester, 6. Howie Finch, 7. Thomas Prychka, 8. Howard Huepful, 9. Michael Beckett, 10. Trent Willey, 11. Jax Yohn, 12. Ethan Bill, 13. Brian Rogers, 14. Ashley Therien, 15. Rob Tete, 16. Brian Lillick, 17. Dave Hartman, 18. Wayne Weaver, 19. Matt Peck, 20. Kenny Ott, 21. Dan Adaire, 22. Bryan Olsen

D.A’S AUTO BODY & REPAIR ROOKIES (8 LAPS)

1. Michael Beckett, 2. Ashley Therien, 4. Kenny Ott, 5. Dan Adaire

VICTORY FUELS NORTHEAST WINGLESS SPRINTS (20 LAPS)

1. Chris Allen Jr., 2. Brian Spencer, 3. Jonathan Swanson, 4. Rich Mellor, 5. Larry Drake, 6. Connor Gross, 7. Dan Leaper, 8. David Swanson, 9. Stan Ploski, 10. Tom Radivoy, 11. Shea Wills, 12. Matt Peck, 13. Heidi Hedin, 14. Joe Byer, 15. Kurt Sodano, 16. Greg Sherpsis, 17. Frank Lorenzi

BLUE HEN SPEED & PERFORMANCE STREET STOCK FEATURE (15 LAPS)

1. Mike Hughes, 2. Gary Bozowski, 3. Jimmy Combs, 4. Nick Sandone III, 5. Gary Klimeczak, 6. Kevin Heckman, 7. Terry Chaney, 8. Bailey Tolson, DNS – Lee Allen

BLUE HEN SPEED & PERFORMANCE FOUR CYLINDER FEATURE (15 LAPS)

1. Eric Degler, 2. Lee Allen, 3. Dan Stein Jr., 4. Joe Garey, Sr., 5. Tim Jones, 6. John Parker, 7. Mark Stein Sr, 8. Collin Gale, 9. Joe Garey Jr

‼️ HUGE 2 DAY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND WITH HARD CORE FOOT TO THE FLOOR ACTION WITH THE GROUND POUNDING MODIFIEDS AND SUPER LATE MODELS AT BRIDGEPORT MOTORSPORTS PARK. BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY OUT FOR A GREAT HOLIDAY WEEKEND OF RACING & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT. Please Like & Share this post ‼️
🗓 Saturday May 25 – presented by SY Murray Spec Engines
🌟 SPORTSMAN – presented by @Ice Less, LLC
🌟 WINGLESS SPRINT CARS – @Victory Fuel
🌟 STREET STOCKS
🌟 4 CYLINDER STOCK CARS
🌟 VINTAGE MODIFIEDS
🌟 MODIFIEDS & SUPER LATE MODELS OPEN PRACTICE
🌟 ROOKIE SPORTSMAN
🏎 4:00 Pits
🎟 5:00 Grandstands
🚦 6:00 Cars on track
🗓 Sunday May 26 – presented by SY Murray Spec Engines
🌟 SUPER LATE MODELS – Invitational Only
🌟 MODIFIEDS – presented by @Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz
🌟 WINGLESS SPRINT CARS – @Victory Fuel
🏎 4:00 Pits
🎟 5:00 Grandstands
🚦 6:00 Cars on track
📺 Watch all events live at https://dirttrackdigest.tv
#ponymovie #kingdomofspeed #sprintcar #dirttrackracing #bridgeportspeedway #southjersey

‼️ 28 SUPER LATE MODELS PRE-REGISTERED FOR MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND SPECTACULAR. ALL THE STARS OF THE Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz MODIFIEDS READY TO RUMBLE FOR $10,000 PAYDAY w/gamblers. WEEKEND KICKS OFF SATURDAY WITH FULL RACING PROGRAM (listed below) AND CONCLUDES SUNDAY WITH TRIPLE 40’s. BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY OUT FOR A GREAT HOLIDAY WEEKEND OF RACING & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT. Please Like & Share this post ‼️
🗓 Saturday May 25 – presented by SY Murray Spec Engines
🌟 SPORTSMAN – presented by @Ice Less, LLC
🌟 WINGLESS SPRINT CARS – Victory Fuel
🌟 STREET STOCKS
🌟 4 CYLINDER STOCK CARS
🌟 VINTAGE MODIFIEDS
🌟 MODIFIEDS & SUPER LATE MODELS OPEN PRACTICE
🌟 ROOKIE SPORTSMAN
🏎 4:00 Pits
🎟 5:00 Grandstands
🚦 6:00 Cars on track
🗓 Sunday May 26 – presented by SY Murray Spec Engines
🌟 SUPER LATE MODELS – Invitational Only
🌟 MODIFIEDS – presented by @Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz
🌟 WINGLESS SPRINT CARS – @Victory Fuel
🏎 4:00 Pits
🎟 5:00 Grandstands
🚦 6:00 Cars on track
📺 Watch all events live at https://dirttrackdigest.tv
#ponymovie #kingdomofspeed #sprintcar #dirttrackracing #bridgeportspeedway #southjersey

‼️ HOLLYWOOD FILMING CONTINUES AT BRIDGEPORT MOTORSPORTS PARK SUNDAY MAY 26. BE A PART OF THE EXCITEMENT, BE A PART OF THE MOVIE, ONLY AT THE KINGDOM OF SPEED! BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY OUT EACH AND EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT FOR A GREAT NIGHT OF RACING & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT. Please Like & Share this post ‼️
🗓 Saturday May 25 – presented by SY Murray Spec Engines
🌟 SPORTSMAN – presented by @Ice Less, LLC
🌟 WINGLESS SPRINT CARS – @Victory Fuel
🌟 STREET STOCKS
🌟 4 CYLINDER STOCK CARS
🌟 VINTAGE MODIFIEDS
🌟 MODIFIEDS & SUPER LATE MODELS OPEN PRACTICE
🌟 ROOKIE SPORTSMAN
🏎 4:00 Pits
🎟 5:00 Grandstands
🚦 6:00 Cars on track
🗓 Sunday May 26 – presented by SY Murray Spec Engines
🌟 SUPER LATE MODELS – Invitational Only
🌟 MODIFIEDS – presented by Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz Franklinville
🌟 WINGLESS SPRINT CARS – @Victory Fuel
🏎 4:00 Pits
🎟 5:00 Grandstands
🚦 6:00 Cars on track
📺 Watch all events live at https://dirttrackdigest.tv
#ponymovie #kingdomofspeed #sprintcar #dirttrackracing #bridgeportspeedway #southjersey

‼️ HUGE RETURN TO THE KINGDOM PLANNED FOR THIS SATURDAY MAY 18. After 3 weeks off from racing for 2 rain outs and a great turnout for the Lifted ‘N’ Lowered Truck event, Racers & Fans are eager to get back on track with some Modified & Sprint Car Racing.
‼️ Also on hand UFC Ring Girl and Star in the upcoming movie “PONY” Brittney Palmer will be signing Autographs starting at 5:30 at the Speedway.
‼️ And if all that was not enough, the first night of filming of the Hollywood Motion Picture, “PONY” will begin capturing footage throughout the speedway. Please Like & Share this post.
🗓 Saturday May 18 – presented by Roveda speed II
🌟 MODIFIEDS – presented by Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz Franklinville
🌟 SPRINT CARS – Mid-Atlantic Sprint Series
🌟 SPORTSMAN – presented by Ice Less, LLC
🌟 STREET STOCKS
🌟 CLASSIC VINTAGE SERIES
🌟 ROOKIE SPORTSMAN
🏎 4:00 Pits
🎟 5:00 Grandstands
🚦 6:15 Cars on track
📺 Watch all events live at https://dirttrackdigest.tv
#ponymovie #kingdomofspeed #sprintcar #dirttrackracing #bridgeportspeedway #southjersey

‼️ CONFIRMED! TO DATE, 25 SUPER LATE MODEL TEAMS HAVE LET US KNOW THEY PLAN TO BE AT THE KINGDOM OF SPEED, BRIDGEPORT MOTORSPORTS PARK FOR THE MEMORIAL DAY SPECTACULAR EVENT, SUNDAY MAY 26. WE HAVE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR THE RETURN OF THE SUPERS AND THIS EVENT IS GOING TO BE SUPER DUPER! ALONG WITH MODIFIEDS, $10,000 TO WIN w/gamblers & Victory Fuel WINGLESS SPRINT CARS, $1000 TO WIN. BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY OUT THIS SATURDAY NIGHT FOR A GREAT NIGHT OF RACING & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT. Please Like & Share this post ‼️
📢 LATE MODEL RACE IS INVITATIONAL. Any other Drivers wanting to participate must contact Doug Rose. All drivers guaranteed to start!
1. AJ Miller 2. Al Cheney 3. Andrew Yoder 4. Austin Berry 5. Brian Booze 6. Bryan Bernheisel 7. Chad Myers 8. Colby Frye 9. Dillon Cecce 10. Donald Lingo 11. Dylan Yoder 12. Jake Piper 13. Jason Covert 14. Jim Berheisel 15. Joey Hoffer 16. Keith Jackson 17. Mark Pettyjohn 18. Nathan LaSalle 19. Randy Christine 20. Rick Eckert 21. Sean Merkle 22. Shaun Jones 23. Taylor Farling 24. Travis Mease
🗓 FIRST UP……. Saturday May 18 – presented by Roveda speed II
🌟 MODIFIEDS – presented by Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz Franklinville
🌟 SPRINT CARS – @Mid-Atlantic Sprint Series
🌟 SPORTSMAN – presented by @Ice Less, LLC
🌟 STREET STOCKS
🌟 CLASSIC VINTAGE SERIES
🌟 ROOKIE SPORTSMAN
🏎 4:00 Pits
🎟 5:00 Grandstands
🚦 6:00 Cars on track
📺 Watch all events live at https://dirttrackdigest.tv
#ponymovie #kingdomofspeed #sprintcar #dirttrackracing #bridgeportspeedway #southjersey

‼️ THE BEST OF THE BEST RETURN TO THE KINGDOM OF SPEED, BRIDGEPORT MOTORSPORTS PARK THIS WEEKEND AS THE @DANNYS PIZZA PIZZAZ MODIFIEDS & Mid-Atlantic Sprint Series SPRINT CARS HEADLINE THE NIGHT plus Sportsman, Victory Fuel Wingless Sprints, Street Stocks, and Rookie Sportsman action. BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY OUT FOR A GREAT NIGHT OF RACING & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT. Please Like & Share this post ‼️
🗓 Saturday April 27 – presented by John W. Kay Electric Inc.
🌟 MODIFIEDS – presented by Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz
🌟 SPRINT CARS – Mid-Atlantic Sprint Series
🌟 SPORTSMAN – presented by Ice Less llc
🌟 WINGLESS SPRINT CARS – presented by Victory Fuel
🌟 STREET STOCKS
🌟 ROOKIE SPORTSMAN
🏎 3:00 Pits
🎟 4:00 Grandstands
🚦 5:00 Cars on track
📺 Watch all events live at https://dirttrackdigest.tv
#ponymovie #kingdomofspeed #sprintcar #dirttrackracing #bridgeportspeedway #southjersey

Ryan Krachun earned his second career victory in the Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz Modifeds at the Bridgeport Motorsports Park on a night of racing sponsored by Blue Hen Speed & Performance. Tom Sherby and Matt Peck earned victories in a pair of Ice Less LLC 602 Sportsman features while Jimmy Combs earned the win in the Street Stock main event. Dan Stein, Jr. was the winner of two Four Cylinder features while Michael Beckett raced to his second win in the DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookie feature.

Jim Gallagher, Jr. raced the Elite Welding No. 31 into the lead on the start and led through the first twelve laps as Krachun made his way through the top five from his eighth place starting position. Krachun had just moved into second before the caution waved for the first time as Rick Laubach slowed on the track.

Krachun took the lead following the lap thirteen restart, powering by Gallagher as the pair exited turn two. Krachun led Gallagher, Sammy Martz, Jr., Cole Stangle and HJ Bunting through the halfway mark.

Martz, Jr. raced into second on lap twenty and gave chase to the race leader for the remaining laps. Martz was able to keep pace with Krachun, running to the inside between turns one and two but Krachun was able to pull away on exit of turn two.

The caution waved several times during the final laps but Krachun was able to ward off any challenges. A flat tire on the Blue Hen Racing No. 30 on the final lap, saw several cars involved in the incident has drivers took evasive action when HJ Bunting ran into trouble at the end of the straightaway. Jojo Watson’s Auto Gallery No. 21w was heavily damaged. The cars of JR Fulper and Mike Barone were also towed from the track while Cale Ross was able to rejoin the field for the final lap.

Krachun took the win over Martz, Jr., Billy Pauch, Jr., Matt Stangle and Neal Williams. Stan Frankenfield finished sixth after starting 20th, followed by defending track champion, Jordan Watson, Rick Laubach, Brad Roberts and Dillon Steuer who rebounded after a trip to the pits in the final laps.

Krachun credited the win to Dale Planck and company at DIG Race Products as he celebrated with his legion of fans.

Blue Hen Speed & Performance Modified heats were won by Jim Gallagher, Cole Stangle and Brad Roberts.

Tom Sherby led all twenty-five laps of the night’s Ice Less 602 Sportsman feature for his first win on the High Banks since the 2022 season. Sherby returned after falling victim to an early race incident one week earlier. Thomas Prychka finished second followed by Matt Peck, Jax Yohn and defending champion, Travis Hill.

Matt Peck gave the Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz No. 51 team their first Sportsman win of the season when he raced to the win in the feature held over from opening day. First year competitor, Michael Beckett led for the first twelve laps before Peck took over at the halfway point. Brian Papiez, James Hill and Ethan Bill pursued the race leader as they raced nose to tail to the checkered.

Peck took the win over Papiez, Bill, James Hill and Jax Yohn. Tom Sherby finished sixth followed by Michael Beckett, Stephen Yankowski, Travis Hill and Howie Finch.

Jimmy Combs may have found his new Saturday night home as he raced to the win in the Bridgeport Motorsports Park Street Stocks. Lee Allen was sidelined before the checkered with mechanical issues after racing in second for most of the race. Nick Sandone III finished second and took the point lead as a result. Jeff Dirkes finished third in his first race of the season.

Dan Stein Jr. came up big after winning both Four Cylinder feature events. It was a first for Stein who also set the fast time in the division.

Lee Allen finished second in the first feature followed by John Parker, Ed Ford and Joe Garey, Sr.

Stein dominated the second feature as well, winning this one over Joe Garey, Jr., Ed Ford, John Parker and Dale Mull.

Michael Beckett raced to his second win in the DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookie feature event. Ashley Therien finished second for the second week in a row followed by Kenny Ott, RJ Witcraft and Dan Adaire.

Action returns to the High Banks next Saturday with the Modifieds, Mid Atlantic Sprint Series, Victory Fuel Wingless Sprints, Street Stocks and Rookies.

DANNY’S PIZZA PIZZAZZ MODIFIEDS FEATURE (30 LAPS)

1. Ryan Krachun, 2. Sammy Martz, Jr., 3. Billy Pauch, Jr. (1), 4. Matt Stangle, 5. Neal Williams, 6. Stan Frankenfield, Jr., 7. Jordan Watson, 8. Rick Laubach, 9. Brad Roberts, 10. Dillon Steuer, 11. Sam Martz, Sr., 12. Cale Ross, 13. Billy Osmun, 14. H. J. Bunting, 15. Joseph Watson, 16. Mike Barone, 17. J. R. Fulper, 18. Mike Franz, 19. Jim Gallagher, Jr., 20. Danny Bouc, 21. Cole Stangle, 22. Roger Manning, DNS – Greg Nailor

D.A.’S AUTO BODY AND REPAIR ROOKIE FEATURE (7 LAPS)

1. Michael Beckett, 2. Ashley Therien, 3. Kenny Ott, 4. R. J. Witcraft, 5. Dan Adaire

ICE LESS LLC 602 SPORTSMAN FEATURE (25 LAPS)

1. Tom Sherby, 2. Thomas Prychka, 3. Matt Peck, 4. Jax Yohn, 5. Travis Hill, 6. Ethan Bill, 7. Pete Serra, 8. James Hill, 9. Brian Papiez, 10. Howie Finch, 11. Stephen Yankowski, 12. Billy Chester, 13. Justin Zook, 14. Wayne Weaver, 15. Kris Thompson, 16. Shane Kassekert, 17. Mike Loney, 18. Michael Beckett, 19. Brian Rogers, 20. Chris Martinez, 21. John Scarpati, Jr., 22. Robert Tete, 23. Ethan Young, 24. Brandon Shipley, 25. Eric Mattson, DNQ – Dirk Rimrott, Ashley Therien, Scott Hulmes, Troy Hopkins, Kris Thompson, B. J. Joly, R. J. Witcraft, Kenny Ott

MAKE UP ICE LESS LLC 602 SPORTSMAN FEATURE FROM 3/30/2024 (25 LAPS)

G7. Michael Beckett, 8. Stephen Yankowski, 9. Travis Hill, 10. Howie Finch, 11. Pete Serra, 12. Mike Loney, 13. Shane Kassekert, 14. Chris Martinez, 15. Billy Chester, 16. Brandon Shipley, 17. Robert Tete, 18. Thomas Prychka, 19. Brian Rogers, 20. Wayne Weaver, 21. Ethan Young, DNS -Tom Mayberry, Logan Watt, Scott Hulmes, DNQ -Ed Owens, Bryan Olsen, Troy Hopkins, Justin Newhard

STREET STOCK FEATURE (15 LAPS)

1. Jimmy Combs, 2. Nick Sandone, III, 3. Jeff Dirkes, 4. Terry Chaney, 5. Lee Allen

MAKE-UP FOUR CYLINDER FEATURE FROM 3/30/2024 (15 LAPS)

1. Dan Stein, Jr., 2. Lee Allen, 3. John Parker, 4. Ed Ford, 5. Joe Garey, Sr., 6. Colin Gale, 7. Mark Stein, Sr., 8. Tim Jones, DNS – Joe Garey, Jr., Bobby Johnson, Eric Degler, Ian Ashford

FOUR CYLINDER FEATURE (15 LAPS)

1. Dan Stein, Jr., 2. Joe Garey, Jr., 3. Ed Ford, 4. John Parker, 5. Dale Mull, 6. Mark Stein. Sr., 7. Rob Well, 8. Lee Allen, 9. Colin Gale, 10. Joe Garey, Sr., DNS – Garrett Mull, Tim Jones, Eric Degler

NEXT UP…. Saturday April 27 – presented by John W. Kay Electric Inc.

MODIFIEDS – presented by Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz

SPRINT CARS – @Mid-Atlantic Sprint Series

SPORTSMAN – presented by @Ice Less llc

WINGLESS SPRINT CARS – presented by Victory Fuel

STREET STOCKS

ROOKIE SPORTSMAN

3:00 Pits

4:00 Grandstands

5:00 Cars on track

Watch all events live at https://dirttrackdigest.tv

The Bridgeport Motorsports Park is ready to throw open the gates and drop the first green flag on the 2024 season as Doug and Brittany Rose begin their fifth season on the High Banks.

The Roses took over the helm for the 2020 season – the year of Covid.  Not the way anyone wants to start a new business but Doug and Brittany showed what they were made of as they weathered the storm of Covid as well as the loss of Danny Serrano before the start of the season.  Doug continues to implement many of the plans that he and Danny had for the speedway.  Always a huge race fan, Danny looked forward to honoring Doug Hoffman every year.

After multiple rainouts last season, Bridgeport Motorsports Park will open the 2024 season with the Doug Hoffmann Memorial weekend.  Racing will begin on Friday, March 22 with Mid Atlantic Sprint Series (MASS), Street Stocks and Four Cylinders in a full show of qualifying events and features.  The Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz Modifieds and Ice Less LLC 602 Sportsman will run practice sessions with three spots locked into Saturday’s main events in each division.  

Pit gates open on Friday at 3pm, Grandstands at 5 and racing at 6:15.

On Saturday, the Modifieds will compete in a sixty lap Doug Hoffman Memorial with the winner’s share paying $6,060.  The 602 Sportsman will run their feature event with $1,500 going to the race winner.  There will also be sprint car action with the Victory Fuel Wingless Sprints, Street Stocks and Four Cylinders.

There will be plenty of action on the High Banks in 2024 as Jordan Watson and the Danny Sommerling No. 51 team defend their championship title.  Neal Williams and Cale Ross were the leaders in the win column last season with both drivers capturing three victories each.  Ross would like to pick up where he left off last season where he ended the season with an impressive win in the Danny Serrano Memorial race.

Matt Stangle and Ryan Krachun were strong contenders during the 2023 season and both will be Saturday night regulars on the High Banks this season.  Billy Pauch, Jr. returns to Bridgeport this season as he competes for the first time in his own Modified program.  With Billy Pauch, Sr. retiring from active competition, the Kid’s Kid were be racing the No. 1, moving the No. 15 duties over to Billy Pauch, III who will continue to compete in Junior Slingshot competition.

In addition to Cale Ross, Roger Manning, Mike Franz, JR Fulper, Billy Osmun, Blaine Bracelin, Tommy Sheetz, Mike Barone and Brad Roberts took advantage of Bridgeport’s open practice on Saturday.  Dillon Steuer, who has been very competitive on the High Banks in special events, looks to call Bridgeport his Saturday night home this season.  Joeseph Watson who finished second in points last season, Rick Laubach, HJ Bunting, Sam Martz, Sammy Martz, Jr.. Stan Frankenfield and others will be in competition.  

The 602 Sportsman Championship came right down to the final lap of the final race of the season for Travis Hill to claim a one point advantage over Ethan Bill.  You can bet that the single point has been on Ethan Bill’s mind all winter as he prepares to improve his performance by one position in 2024.  Brian Papiez was the big winner in the feature event in 2023 three but early mechanical issues kept Papiez out of the hunt for the title.  Papiez and his team have worked hard all winter to put themselves in a better position for this year’s title.  Papiez will also have a small block Modified for some special shows this season.  

Matt Peck will pilot the Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz 602 Sportsman in Bridgeport competition this season and will look to improve on his strong performance of 2023.  Steven Yankowski, Brian Rogers, Tom Sherby, Howard Hueple, Wayne Weaver, Dave Damiano took part in Bridgeport’s Saturday practice as did Rookie driver, Michael Beckett in the Ed Weeks No. 22.  After back-to-back titles in Spirit Auto Center All Star Slingshots, Beckett moves up to the Sportsman for the 2024 season.  He took full advantage of the practice laps as well.  

Other 602 competitors include former Rookie Champion, Thomas Prychka, Pete Serra, Billy Chester, Howie Finch, Jax Yohn. Shane Kassekart, Ethan Young and Robert Tete.  

Wayne Weaver shared an interesting thought on practice days.  In his 44^th year of competition, Weaver was asked if he really needed to practice.  The question came from a fellow competitor and the two drivers shared a laugh.  Weaver’s response?  “The truth of the matter and the answer to the question is NO.  I always looked at practice as an opportunity for me to reconnect with my race car after a long winter.”  There was plenty of “reconnecting” going on this weekend!

The Bridgeport Street Stocks are known for their close competition and there’s no reason to expect anything less from these competitors this season.  2023 Champion, Tom Wills, Jr. does not plan to chase the points this season so we could see a first time champion as Mike Hughes, Jeramy Doerr, Drew Brocklebank, Nick Sandone, Kevin Heckman and TJ Henry can be considered contenders as the season gets underway.

The MASS sprints were well represented during Saturday’s practice.  Leading the way was defending champion, Buddy Schweibinz who was preparing for the first race of the season coming up on Friday.  Schweibinz welcomes two new sponsors this season – South Jersey Mobile Repair and Gentilini Motors.  In spite of all of his success, Schweibinz is still searching for his first Bridgeport victory!

Tim Iulg had the Wade Ale No. 19 in mid-season form as he turned laps around the high banks.  Iulg is certainly one of the contenders among this season’s roster.  2023 MASS Rookie, Jared Kreider carries on the Haggenbottom family tradition with the No. 24.  He also took to the track with the Kelly No. 51 wingless sporting a 360 cubic inch motor.  Shelby Kelly watched from the pits as she nurses a torn ACL before she can return to the cockpit.  Jeff Paulson and Danny Buccafusca were also on hand for practice.  Dan Leaper had his family owned No. 24L looking good in practice and the driver said it was feeling good too.  Leaper will also compete with the NEWS sprinters this season but was plagued with issues during Saturday’s practice but he expects to have those issues resolved by next weekend.  

The Victory Fuel Wingless Sprints were well represented as they prepare for a full season of competition in 2024.  A lot of work has gone on during the off-season with this group and the benefits appear to be in an expanded field of cars.  2023 Bridgeport Champion, Brian Spencer was on hand in addition to Shea Wills and Stan Ploski who return to NEWS action this season.  There were many new faces taking practice.  In addition to Dan Leaper, there are some other Bridgeport competitors that will be competing with the wingless sprints this season.  Matt Peck turned his first laps in a sharp No. 27 sponsored by Linedecker Engines.  Former Hyper Racing 600 Micro Sprint Champion, Connor Gross was also behind the wheel of a wingless sprint for the first time.  

The Four Cylinder competitors also return to Bridgeport this season, led by defending champion, Tim Jones.  These competitors have found the High Banks very much to their liking and have found ways to use every inch of the race track.  Like the Street Stocks, these drivers are stiff competitors on the track but work as a team to prepare their cars and encourage other competitors when help is needed.  Lee Allen found these cars to be quite enjoyable after years as a Street Stock competitor and has been joined by his brother, Chris.  Joe Garey, Senior and Junior, John Parker, 2022 Champion, Ed Ford, Eric Degler and Bobby Johnson and more will be featured on the High Banks on both Friday and Saturday of the Hoffman Memorial Weekend.  

There will be no rest for the weary as Bridgeport gets right into Point racing on Saturday, March 23^rd with Modifieds, 602 Sportsman, Street Stocks, MASS, NEWS and 4 cylinders will get the 2024 season title competition underway.

Another three day weekend follows for the first weekend of April as the Spirit Auto Center quarter mile opens for the Dakota Steiner Memorial Race for the 600 Micro Sprints.  The 270 Micro Sprints, All Star and Junior Slingshots will get their season started in addition to Winners Classics for both the 270s and 600s.

Saturday night action on the High Banks will feature the 2024 season opener for the USAC East Coast Wingless Sprints, 602 Sportsman, NEWS, Street Stocks and Vintage.  The DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookies will compete for the first time on this night as well.

The Modified action moves to Sunday, joining the PA Posse Invasion for a fulls show of Modifieds and Sprint Cars.  The 410 will race for a $7500 winner’s share of the purse.

The 2024 season is just days away!  Make sure to add the Bridgeport Motorsports Park to your 2024 schedule where there’s something for every race fan!