Bridgeport, NJ – Planning for the future is an integral part of any success story and the 602 Crate Sportsman represent that future in dirt track racing. The stars of tomorrow launch their futures from this division and give us a glance at what the future holds for our sport. The 2022 Bridgeport Motorsports Park schedule reflects how important this division is to Bridgeport’s Doug Rose. Eight races will pay $2,000 or more to the winner while the 602 Crate Sportsman perform on the national stage via FloRacing broadcasts.
After increasing the purse for the 2021 season, Rose continues to fine tune the pay-outs which are available on the track’s website along with the point fund. 2021 Champion, Sammy Martz, Jr. took home the point money and a brand new Velocita racing suit as a result of his efforts last season.
The Third Annual Precision Hydraulics and Oil Invitational moves to the Danny Serrano 100 weekend in 2022. Joe Infante’s annual event is one of the highlights of the season. “Joe and his family have played a significant role with the speedway since I took over,” says Rose. “His support has been over the top. He could have taken the Precision Hydraulics and Oil event to any speedway but he chose Bridgeport. The Infantes have the same appreciation for the 602 Sportsman division as I do and this event shows that,” adds Rose. “Joe has also been key to bringing the IMCA Modifieds to Bridgeport for the first time ever!”
The Third Annual Precision Hydraulics and Oil Invitational will be held on Saturday of the Serrano 100 weekend. Then the 602 competitors will return on Sunday for another full show climaxing with a forty lap feature event with $4,000 going to the race winner.
The 602 Crate Sportsman will benefit from the FloRacing coverage on a weekly basis along with their four midweek appearances with the PA Posse in April, USAC Eastern Storm in June, the Short Track Super Series in July and then the All Star Circuit of Champions in August.
“These are some exciting events that get our sportsman teams in the limelight but with that comes more races on the schedule,” Rose explains. “We know some family time is always needed so we will factor in three or four Saturday nights off for them.”
Ryan Godown, Jr. is looking to start out 2022 right where he left-off in November. The second generation driver finished out the 2021 season with five Bridgeport victories, a strong showing during Super DIRTcar week at Oswego and then a win in the Short Track Super Series Finale at Georgetown. Godown has his eye on the 2022 track championship and has made his Saturday night program a priority. Godown knows that the laps he’s turned on Bridgeport’s high banks have made him a better driver. “You have to drive every lap of the race at Bridgport,” Godown explained. “You’ve got to give it 110% every lap. Other tracks may be more about set-up or the car in general but Bridgeport is about the driver.” Godown knows that his Bridgeport experience has paid dividends when he went on the road with his No. 26.
The “Super Rookie”, Ethan Bill, is looking for his first feature win in 602 competition. The second year driver will build on his Rookie success as he continues to develop as a driver and the father and son team build on their racing knowledge.
Matt Ellery was another first year driver in 2021 and he quickly proved to be a contender. Ellery is also looking for his first 602 win after picking up a late season win in the Underdog 20. “Doug is giving us a lot of opportunities this season, especially with the FloRacing,” Ellery stated. “That is great for the sponsors as well as for family members who can’t get to the track.” Ellery will have a brand new DKM chassis No. 29 for Bridgeport this season.
Jim Dallett was another first year driver during the 2021 season. The school teacher from Vineland, NJ is also seeking his first win and looks to build on his late season success. “It’s really exciting to see everything that is going on at the track,” Dallett exclaimed. “With twenty-two point races on the schedule, we’ll concentrate on our Saturday night program but I would love to run whatever special shows we can. We learned a lot of good stuff late in the season and we’re updating the car for the new year.”
The excitement is building for the 2022 Bridgeport Motorsports Park season as some new faces join the old on the high banks for some outstanding racing.
Bridgeport, NJ – The Street Stock Division at Bridgeport Motorsports Park puts on some of the greatest racing on the High Banks each week and in 2022 they will find some new opportunities available to them. “Danny (Serrano) and I had talked about something he wanted to do prior to him passing. He said he always liked when he would go to tracks and see a Street Stock painted in a “Retro NASCAR” scheme,” explains Doug Rose. In 2022, Bridgeport will offer a weekly $50 bonus to each of the top 2 finishers in the feature event that have their race car graphics in a “Retro NASCAR” theme. “The original plan was to give the winner a $100 bonus if his car had the retro look, but I wanted to be sure that these guys that all take the time to do this get the opportunity for the bonus, plus whats better than one team? Lets have two teams get the bonus,” says Rose. The teams will need to contact Doug Rose and register their retro scheme, they don’t want seven Dale Earnhardt #3 Goodwrench cars, a nice split of schemes is preferred. The racing in the Street Stock division is already insane, but seeing the Wrangler #3, the Coors #9, and the Skoal Bandit #33 battling it out will be even more entertaining for race fans to see.
That’s not the only new perk for the Street Stocks in 2022, they will also be a part of the World of Outlaws Sprint Car event. They will be competing for a healthy $500 to win and $100 to start purse. Rose mentions, “We met with several of the teams at our last event to get their thoughts on running this mid-week event and the response was outstanding.”
Frank Cozze and Rose also plan to promote the second annual $10,000 to win, 100 lap, Street Stock Nationals, October 7 and 8. “The inaugural event in 2021 went very well. We learned a lot from the initial event and have some great plans to make this year’s show even more spectacular. There are some modifications we saw that could be implemented to the rules that would help everyone be on a level field and allow more teams to have cars that fit our rules package even better,” explains Cozze.
“From the start, I have been impressed with the racing that our Street Stocks put on and in 2022 they will start reaping more of the rewards they deserve. On top of that all of their events will be Live Streamed on Flo giving them National Recognition for all of their hard work they put in every week.” Rose adds.
Bridgeport Motorsports Park continues to climb to the top of the racing world here in the Northeast with great additions like these for their racers and fans. They plan to “Kick Off” the season at the Motorsports show in Oaks, PA January 22 & 23. Stop by and check out more of the exciting news.
Bridgeport, NJ – Bridgeport Motorsports Park Embraces Flo Racing’s Live Stream Coverage
Live streaming has become a major part of the promotion of dirt track motorsports in recent years. FloRacing, and its parent company, FloSports, leads the industry in broadcasting live stream auto racing events. Bridgeport Motorsport Park made the decision to partner with FloRacing early on – recognizing the direction that the Motorsports Industry was taking.
“Our weekly viewership numbers are outstanding,” Bridgeport’s Doug Rose exclaims. And Rose should know. He replaced the “big ole 5/8th” mile track with a 4/10 mile, high banked facility that has seen outstanding racing across the board – in every division, in every type of race car that has taken to the surface. Drivers continue to migrate to Bridgeport after seeing what Rose and his staff are doing at Bridgeport with incredible racing, a professional atmosphere and great purse structures. The ability to pass at will is the end result of a wide racing surface that often eliminates the potential for many crashes. Bridgeport’s Foley Cat Modifieds ran five non-stop, caution free feature events during the 2021 season.
The FloRacing broadcasts allows sponsors to watch and to be seen on a higher level than ever before. It also allows for more friends and family to be able to watch their drivers perform on a national stage.
“Flo has helped us bring on several new marketing partners for 2022,” Brittany Rose explains. “Before nightly sponsors or divisional sponsors exposure was primarily heard solely at the track during the event. Now these same sponsors are heard nationally not only live during the event, but also throughout the week during race replays. The value and exposure has multiplied in numbers no one could have imagined and will continue to grow as our partnership does.”
Alex Yankowski , the teenage sensation known as “Kid Rocket”, has finished second in championship points at Bridgeport for the last two seasons. “FloRacing has been great exposure for the Big Block Modifieds on a national level. It’s been cool to see people who can’t go to the races still be able to watch by tuning in,” Yankowski relates.
Kevin Bates, himself a successful Modified racer, is the crew chief on Yankowski’s No. 84Y. Bates has been charged with grooming the young driver for bigger and better things in the future. Bates is all about putting his driver in the spotlight in order to find the best opportunities for him. “It really helps the sport and gives recognition to the tracks, drivers and northeast dirt track Modifieds that we wouldn’t have and didn’t have before,” Bates proclaims. “I have heard from a lot of people that now know us nationwide that didn’t know what a Northeast Dirt Modified was before these races were broadcast,” Bates adds. “It’s absolutely big with seeking corporate sponsorships and that’s what we need more of.”
Ryan Krachun is another young driver that calls “The Kingdom of Speed” home on Saturday nights during the racing season. Krachun runs his family owned race team with the help of his parents, Trish and Mike. While Ryan and Mike are busy working on the No. 29s, Trish is busy promoting their apparel sales.
Krachun has seen first-hand how the FloRacing exposure has benefited his racing team. “It is definitely a plus when you can bring a large audience to sponsors, as well as having family that can’t make it to the track weekly still be able to watch the races and cheer us on from home.” Krachun continued, “I get messages from people from all over the country who watch on Flo who say that they love the racing at Bridgeport and they buy our apparel. We’ve shipped items across the country.” Krachun adds, “I also think that it showcases Bridgeport as the best dirt track around! I have heard that from numerous people that haven’t had the chance to make it to the track as of yet.”
With shows like the All Star Circuit of Champions or the Amsoil National USAC Wingless Sprint Cars on the schedule, you hear those competitors talking about watching the races on television in preparation for their appearances.
Briggs Danner is a young driver from Allentown, PA. Danner moved into a full time wingless sprint car ride this season with the USAC East Coast Non-wing sprints. Danner has a wide variety of racing experience – on dirt as well as on pavement. He has been a competitor in Lenny Sammons Indoor Racing Productions for the past several seasons. Danner was approached by Ryan Flores during a 2020 event. Flores, who hails from New Jersey, works full time on a NASCAR Cup car but comes north to race during the winter months when racing moves indoors. Flores knew all about Danner’s ability because he and his crew watch the Flo broadcasts from the Cup car garage.
“It was cool to hear Matt Williamson say, “Everyone watches Bridgeport,“ during a Flo interview,” Rose interjects. “That kind of opened my eyes that all the modified drivers are tuning into Flo to watch the incredible racing our racers and track surface produces.”
Racing at the Bridgeport Motorsports Park allows competitors in all divisions to race in front of a national audience on one of the region’s, if not the nation’s most popular race tracks. There’s no need to go anywhere else!
“We are proud to give our racers, sponsors and everyone who supports us a National stage to perform on,” Rose adds.
Bridgeport, NJ – For the first time since taking over the helm of the Bridgeport Motorsports Park, Doug and Brittany Rose hosted the Awards Banquet at the Bridgeport Fire Hall on Saturday night. Last year’s event was derailed due to the concerns over Covid-19 but this year’s event went off without a hitch in front of a full house of drivers and owners. This year’s event was catered by Ellery’s Grill and Pub of Middlesex, NJ.
Rose presented every driver from both the 4/10th mile track and the Spirit Auto Center Speedway with their awards during the course of the evening. Rose thanked the competitors for their support throughout the season and told them how much he appreciated the support that they gave to Bridgeport. Rose made sure to include all drivers and owners, not just the top ten or so in each division. “Every one of them (competitors) is important, whether they finish in the top ten or not,” Rose explained. “Each and every one is vital to our racing program.”
Rose also recognized the Bridgeport employees and staff and revealed the new shirts that will be provided for the coming season. “Each one performs a vital job,” Rose continued.
Ryan Godown and his R&M Motorsports were center stage as their 2021 Bridgeport Speedway Foley Cat Modified championship was celebrated. Godown’s performance throughout the season was one of winning and consistency. Godown raced to nine victories on the 4/10th mile surface and placed in the top five eighteen times during the twenty-four race season.
As has been the case following every feature win, Godown praised his race team and his sponsors who have supported him throughout his career. Some of these sponsors have been with Godown throughout his career including Michael Strober of Strober-Wright Roofing who has supported Godown’s racing for the past eighteen years. Godown had Strober join him center stage when he accepted his championship trophy and point fund moneys. ($10,000)
Sponsors on the No. 26 are Camp Out, Ellery’s Grill and Pub, Izzy’s Trucking, Creston Hydraulics, TMI Trucking, Montrose Mouldings, R&M Motorsports and Strober-Wright Roofing plus many product sponsors also keep the No. 26 on track week in and week out. Crew members worked at home in the garage as well as at the track, led by Sam Godown as crew chief. Working on the No. 26 crew are Mike Carlucci, Ryan Godown, Jr., Ron Bennitez, Roger Cox, Dan Fleming, Bruce Johnson, Matt Ellery, John Ellery (trustee), Don Miller, Chelsea Miller and Savannah. Godown always remembers his mom and dad whenever the opportunity arises.
Following the end of the 2020 season, Godown and his crew were looking to improve on the past season’s performance. After exploring some options with other teams, Godown, his brother, Sam and his best friend, Mike Carlucci made the decision to form their own team for the coming season and that’s how R&M Motorsports came to be. They then approached their sponsors who jumped on board for the 2021 season.
Putting the 2020 season behind them, work was begun on the new team. Their goal was to concentrate their efforts on their Saturday night car. When that task was accomplished, then and only then would they think about doing any traveling.
The No. 26 was fast out of the box but the first three races of the season fell short of a feature win as Godown finished third and then second in the next two races. On May 15th, the R&M Motorsports No. 26 went to the Weaknecht Archery Victory Lane for the first time in 2021. Three days later, they returned to win a mid-week show. They were on their way.
“I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them,” Godown said, indicating his sponsors and crew members. “My job is easy. I just have to drive the car. It’s because of them that I am here!”
Alex Yankowski finished second to Godown in the final point standings after collecting a pair of wins, fifteen top fives and twenty top tens. For the second year in a row, Yankowski finished second in points ($5,000) at the Kingdom of speed.
Dominick Buffalino was ranked third in points in his first season behind the wheel of the potent Hyneman No. 126. Buffalino won three times during the 2021 season – one mid-week show, one point contest and the second annual Danny Serrano 100 for the biggest win of his career to date.
Joseph Watson had one win this season and finished fourth in points ahead of Billy Osmun III in fifth.
Ryan Krachun, Matt Stangle, Sam Martz, Sr., Billy Pauch, Sr. were sixth through ninth in the standings, each with a single feature win. Neal Williams completed the top ten in the South Jersey Overhead Door No. 0.
Sammy Martz, Jr. carried on with the family tradition and captured the South Jersey Overhead Door 602 Crate Sportsman title for 2021. Martz was the 2018 DA’S Auto Body & Repair Rookie Champion on the 5/8th mile track and now just three years later, was being crowned as the Crate Sportsman Champion. After very limited experience on the new Bridgeport surface, Martz started the season off with a win in the opener and then won five more times before the end of the season. The third generation driver gained a lot of confidence by winning the first race of the season. Martz collected fifteen top five finishes and twenty top tens in twenty-four events.
Steve Kemery raced to seven wins and finished second in points followed by Matt Ellery, Tom Sherby and Howie Finch. It was the first season of competition for Ellery who earned a win in one of the Underdog 20 races at the end of the season. Ryan Godown, Jr. finished sixth in points followed by Travis Hill, Rookie Champion, Ethan Bill, Jim Dallett and Ryan Higgs. It was also Dallett’s first year in a 602 Crate Sportsman.
After a very challenging 2021 season, Tom Wills, Jr. claimed his third Street Stock point championship with five feature wins.
Wills spoke about the how the Street Stock competitors came to his aid whenever mechanical issues arose at the track. ” I just hope that I can repay all the kindness that I was shown,” the champion stated.
Jeff Dirkes finished second with four wins, followed by Mike Hughes with one win, Jeramy Doerr and Nick Sandone III. John Parker, Ken Moren, Gary Klimeczak, TJ Henry and Rich Stinson rounded out the top ten.
Ethan Bill raced to the 2021 DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookie Championship, winning all but two of the Rookie feature events. He finished second in the other two races won by Bryce Higgs and Shane Kassekert. It was a big season for the “Super Rookie” who also graduated from high school during the 2021 season.
Several competitors were honored with special awards, presented by Doug Rose. Jim Gallagher was recognized as the Modified Rookie of the Year as well as Billy Osmun, III whose consistent top ten performances gained him recognition for his 2021 efforts. Billy Chester and Pete Serra were honored for their weekly support and achievements in 602 Crate Sportsman competition. Nick Sandone’s NS3 Street Stock team was honored for their weekly support of both their driver and the speedway in general. This team also raised thousands of dollars in tornado relief for areas surrounding the Bridgeport Speedway that were devastated by summer storms. Doug Rose honored John Ellery for his support throughout the season.
Track champions Godown, Martz, Jr. and Wills, Jr. were presented with beautiful red racing suits from the Bridgeport Speedway.
Most Popular Driver Awards were presented to the winners from the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Fans voted via ballots found in the official Bridgeport Speedway program, the Bridgeport Bullet. For the 2020 season, the winners were Alex Yankowski (Modifieds), Scott Hulmes (602), Nick Sandone (Street Stocks), Gary Bozowski (600 Micros), Alex Swift (270) and Amanda Angstadt (Slingshots). The 2021 winners were Ryan Krachun (Modifieds), Jonathan John (270) and PJ Bozowski (Slingshots). Scott Hulmes, Nick Sandone and Gary Bozowski were repeat winners in 2021.
Connor Gross was crowned as the 2021 Hyper Racing/EVO Injection 600 champion in his first full year of competition on the Spirit Auto Center quarter mile. Gross won on two occasions and collected an impressive eleven top fives and fourteen top tens in fourteen events. All this on top of missing the first two races of the season.
Steve Bracall finished second to Gross with two wins followed by Frank Holmes, Eddie Barber, III and Robert Pierce. Rich Deck, PJ Williams, Steven Snyder, Chris Fenimore and Brandon Pavel rounded out the top ten in a division that saw one hundred and eighty different drivers throughout the 2021 season.
Alex Swift celebrated his third 270 Micro Sprint Championship with car owner, John and Amanda Blanda. The driver and owner came together late in the 2017 season and then won the 270 championship in 2018 (tied with Nick Skias), 2019 and now again in 2021 after a second place finish last season.
Nick Skias finished second followed by Nick Walton, Tommy Rinck, and John Wagner, Jr. Jimmy Wagner, Dom Pomponi, Lee Nardelli, Tom Landwher and Tyler Grau completed the top ten in points.
Amanda Angstadt raced to her first Spirit title in the All Star Slingshot division with four wins during the 2021 season along with eight second place runs. All of the champion’s finishes were in the top five, including one race where an engine was provided by the team of Ryan Davey after Angstadt had mechanical issues.
Michael Beckett finished second in points with three feature wins followed by Ryan Davey with one win, rookie PJ Bozowski and Tim Franks.
In Poker Series competition on the quarter mile, Colin White was the Poker Series Champion for the Hyper 600/EVO Injection 600s. Alex Swift won the title in the 270 micro sprints with Brett Bieber crowned as the champion in the All Star Slingshots. Poker Series titles are determined based upon the cards that a driver earns with his top thirteen finish in each event.
2020 Champion, Steve Kemery finished second to Martz in points with seven wins during the 2021 season. Matt Ellery finished third in points in what was his first season of competition in the 602 Crate Sportsman. Ellery earned a win in an Underdog 20 race in the final weeks of the season. Tom Sherby and Howie Finch rounded out the top five with consistent finishes throughout the season.
Mutli-time feature winner, Ryan Godown, Jr. finished sixth in points followed by Travis Hill, Rookie Champion, Ethan Bill, another first year driver, Jim Dallett and Ryan Higgs.
Tom Wills, Jr. earned his third Bridgeport Street Stock championship in what proved to be a very tough season for the father and son team. They collected five wins during the 2021 season in addition to six top fives.
Wills spoke about the relationships made among the Street Stock competitors. When the Wills No. 856 lost an engine, they thought their season was over but the Beaumont family provided a power plant. “Any time we had problems at the track,” Wills explained, “other competitors were right there to offer whatever we needed.” Ken Moren even gave up the seat in his No. 73 for Wills to compete in a feature event. “I just hope that I can repay all the kindness that we were shown,” Wills added.
Jeff Dirkes finished second in points with four wins followed by Mike Hughes with one win, Jeramy Doerr and Nick Sandone III. John Parker, Ken Moren, Gary Klimeczak, TJ Henry and Rich Stinson rounded out the top ten in Street Stock points. Henry and Stinson were both multi-time feature winners.
Ethan Bill earned a nickname along with the championship title in the 2021 DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookie Championship, winning all but two of the Rookie feature events. “Super Rookie” Bill had runner-up finishes in the other two races won by Bryce Higgs and Shane Kassekert. In addition to finishing eighth in the 602 Crate Sportsman points, winning the Rookie Championship, the young driver also celebrated his high school graduation during the season.
Several competitors were honored with special awards, presented by Doug Rose. Jim Gallagher was recognized as the Modified Rookie of the Year as well as Billy Osmun, III whose consistent top ten performances gained him recognition for his 2021 efforts. Billy Chester and Pete Serra were honored for their weekly support and achievements in 602 Crate Sportsman competition. Nick Sandone’s NS3 Street Stock team was honored for their weekly support of both their driver and the speedway in general. This team also raised thousands of dollars in tornado relief for areas surrounding the Bridgeport Speedway that were devastated by summer storms. Doug Rose honored John Ellery for his support throughout the season as well as for his wonderful service, preparing and serving the banquet meal.
Doug Rose had an additional surprise for 4/10th track champions as they were presented with Bridgeport Speedway racing suits, beautifully made by Velocita.
Race fans selected the Most Popular drivers on both the 4/10th mile and quarter mile tracks by submitting ballots found in the official Bridgeport Speedway program, the Bridgeport Bullet. For the 2020 season, the winners were Alex Yankowski (Modifieds), Scott Hulmes (602), Nick Sandone (Street Stocks), Gary Bozowski (600 Micros), Alex Swift (270) and Amanda Angstadt (Slingshots). The 2021 winners were Ryan Krachun (Modifieds), Jonathan John (270) and PJ Bozowski (Slingshots). Scott Hulmes, Nick Sandone and Gary Bozowski were repeat winners in 2021.
How about racing to a championship in your first full season of competition on the Spirit Auto Center quarter mile? Well, that’s exactly what Connor Gross did. After missing the first two weeks of the season, Gross strung a series of top five finishes together. He added two wins and had collected an impressive eleven top fives and fourteen top tens by season end in the Hyper Racing/EVO Injection 600 Micro Sprints. And Gross managed to find time to graduate from high school in June as well.
Also with two wins on the season, Steve Bracall finished second to Gross with Frank Holmes, Eddie Barber, III and Robert Pierce rounding out the top five. Rich Deck, PJ Williams, Steven Snyder, Chris Fenimore and Brandon Pavel rounded out the top ten in a division that saw one hundred and eighty different drivers throughout the 2021 season.
For the third time since joining forces with John and Amanda Blanda, the team of Blanda and Swift claimed their third championship in the 270 Micro Sprints. The No. 15 team as shared the title once with Nick Skias, one the title outright twice and finished 2nd in the other year. This team has won more than thirty races together and has no plans of stopping any time soon.
Nick Skias finished second followed by Nick Walton, Tommy Rinck, and John Wagner, Jr. Jimmy Wagner, Dom Pomponi, Lee Nardelli, Tom Landwher and Tyler Grau completed the top ten in points.
Amanda Angstadt raced to her first Spirit title in the All Star Slingshot division with four wins during the 2021 season along with eight second place runs. Amanda was the third Bridgeport track champion of 2021 to graduate from high school during the 2021 season. All of the champion’s finishes were in the top five, including one race where an engine was provided by the team of Ryan Davey after Angstadt had mechanical issues.
Michael Beckett finished second in points with three feature wins followed by Ryan Davey with one win, rookie PJ Bozowski and Tim Franks.
In Poker Series competition on the quarter mile, Colin White was the Poker Series Champion for the Hyper 600/EVO Injection 600s. Alex Swift won the title in the 270 micro sprints with Brett Bieber crowned as the champion in the All Star Slingshots. Poker Series titles are determined based upon the cards that a driver earns with his top thirteen finish in each event.
The Holiday Season is upon us. Bridgeport GIFT CERTIFICATES make the perfect gift for anyone who like auto racing. A Kingdom of Speed gift certificate will make anyone’s Holiday happy and joyous!
Bridgeport, NJ – 2021 Bridgeport Motorsports Park Track Champion, Ryan Godown, closed out the 2021 season with a win in the fifty lap High Banks Classic for the Foley Cat Modifieds on Sunday afternoon. That made Godown’s win total nine for the season on the 4/10 mile Logan Township track.
After a disappointing outing in the Precision Hydraulics & Oil Invitational on Saturday, some burning of the midnight oil put Kemery in position to take his seventh Bridgeport victory of the season along with the $2,000 winner’s share of the purse on Sunday.
This may have been Godown’s most challenging victory to date as he took the lead but was then passed for the lead – something that hasn’t happened very often during the 2021 season. “Everybody was racing like it was the last lap on every lap,” Godown exclaimed. The track conditions offered some challenges as well, perhaps do to the cold temperatures. The drivers were searching around for different lines as the lines came and went throughout the race.
Jeff Strunk and Craig VonDohren led the field to the start of the fifty lap main event with VonDohren jumping out in front on the start. Strunk followed in second until Godown reached the top two on lap three. Ryan Watt was behind the wheel of car owner, Ron Roberts No. Z14 and he and WB James rounded out the top five with five laps scored.
Dillon Steuer raced by James on lap seventeen to break into the top five with VonDohren, Godown, Strunk, Watt just ahead.
As the field approached the halfway mark, the leaders were picking there way through lapped traffic which allowed Godown and Watt to close in on the leader. Godown challenged VonDohren for the lead on lap twenty-four but VonDohren led the way through the halfway mark over Godown, Watt, Strunk and Steuer.
It wasn’t until lap thirty that Godown was able to race ahead of VonDohren but VonDohren was back in front on the next lap. One lap later, Watt put the No. Z14 out in front to take the lead other VonDohren and Godown. Godown was able to work his way into second as Strunk closed the gap on the leaders.
Watt led the way through lap thirty-five and then held off Godown’s challenges on a lap thirty-six restart. Watt and Godown raced side by side on lap thirty-seven but Godown was out in front the next time around.
With ten to go, Godown led Watt, Strunk, VonDohren and Matt Stangle but VonDohren slipped out of the top five on a lap forty-one restart.
A multi-car incident on the homestretch brought the yellow and then the red because the track was blocked. Danny Bouc required a double hook and Cale Ross was also towed away from the incident. Most of the other cars involved were able to restart and some returned after a trip to the pit area.
Watt raced side-by-side with Godown on the restart with Godown maintaining the lead. Stangle raced into third by Strunk on the restart as Billy Pauch, Jr. joined the top five for the first time in the race.
Godown grabbed the win – a good way to start his trip to Louisiana to race this coming week. Watt had an outstanding outing in Roberts’ No. Z14 and the combined crews gave him a great car for the fifty lap duration. Stangle finished third followed by Strunk and Pauch, Jr. Dominick Buffalino finished sixth followed by Brandon Grosso, Frank Cozze, James and Neal Williams.
Steve Kemery was the first car out of the forty lap Precision Hydraulics & Oil Invitational race on Saturday after he had an enging let go. After spending the rest of the night working on the car, Kemmery and crew returned to the track on Sunday, ready to compete with a new power plant installed under the hood of the No. 69K.
Kemery had already earned a redraw spot in Sunday’s $2,000 to win feature for the 602 Crate Sportsman when he was one of four drivers to set fastest times on Friday.
When Kemery took the checkered flag in Sunday’s feature event, it was worth all of the effort. The luck of the draw found Kemery starting up front in the feature event and leading from the start to the finish.
The leader raced through lapped traffic which allowed second place, Brian Papiez to cut into Kemery’s lead but Papiez was not able to challenge for the position.
Kemery took the win over Papiez who was behind the wheel of Dave Adams No. 90. Howie Finch finished third – his first checkered flag of the weekend and the first time that he didn’t require a wrecker to get back to the pit area. Ryan Simmons collected his second top five of the weekend to finish fourth while Justin Grosso finished fifth after a three car battle with Simmons and Travis Hill.
Hill finished sixth followed by Brandon Edgar, Craig Whitmoyer, Cole Stangle and Payton Talbot.
Jay Lowman raced to the win in the 4 Cylinder feature event. Joe Garey, Jr. finished second with Chris Carroll taking third after Jonathan Pitcher pulled to the infield in the final laps. Joe Garey, Sr. finished fourth with Chris Gall finishing fifth.
If you’re not ready for the 2021 season to end, remember that the Bridgeport Motorsports Park will feature action on both the high banks and the quarter mile next weekend along with the Garden State 100 for the USAC All Pro Speedsters.
Foley Cat Modifieds High Bank Classic (50 laps): 1. Ryan Godown, 2. Ryan Watt, 3. Matt Stangle, 4. Jeff Strunk, 5. Billy Pauch, Jr., 6. Dominick Buffalino, 7. Brandon Grosso, 8. Frank Cozze, 9. WB James, 10. Neal Williams, 11. Joseph Watson, 12. Davey Sammons, 13. Eric Kormann, 14. Rich Rutski, 15. Tommy Beamer, 16. Brett Ballard, 17. Mike Franz, 18. Craig VonDohren, 19. Cale Ross, 20. Danny Bouc, 21. Dillon Steuer, 22. Rick Laubach, 23. Kevin Hirthler, 24. Mike Maresca, 25. Wade Hendrickson, 26. Ryan Krachun, 27. Roger Manning
South JerseyOverhead Door 602 Crate Sportsman (20 laps): 1. Steve Kemery, 2. Brian Papiez, 3. Howie Finch, 4. Ryan Simmons, 5. Justin Grosso, 6. Travis Hill, 7. Brandon Edgar, 8. Craig Whitmoyer, 9. Cole Stangle, 10. Payton Talbot, 11. Bryan Brobst, 12. Billy Chester, 13. Ryan Godown, Jr., 14. Matt Ellery, 15. Daniel Morgiewicz, 16. Chad Sandt, 17. Ethan Bill, 18. Bobby Watkins, 19. Eric Kormann, 20. Dan Maher, 21. Kevin Borden, 22. Doug Snyder, 23. Ricky Wegner, 24. Johnny Bangs, 25. Ryan Krushinski, 26. Joe Brown, 27. John Micek, 28. Steve Davis, 29. Scott Hulmes, 30. Sammy Martz, Jr.
Four Cylinders: 1. Jay Lowman, 2. Joe Garey, Jr., 3. Chris Carroll, 4. Joe Garey, Sr., 5. Chris Gall, 6. Jim Tinnes, 7. Ed Ford, 8. Bobby Johnson, 9. Jonathan Pitcher
Bridgeport, NJ – For Allentown, PA driver, Briggs Danner, the 2021 season with the Rapid Tire USAC East Coast Nonwing Sprints Cars, ended the way it started – with a win on the high banks of the Bridgeport Speedway. Danner closed his first full season of sprint car competition with nine wins, Rookie of the Year honors and second place in points to champion Alex Bright.
Brian Papiez put his new ride into victory lane in the twenty lap Underdog 20 for the South Jersey Overhead Door 602 Crate Sportsman. Any driver who had not won during the 2021 season was eligible to compete in Friday night’s event. Lee Allen earned his second win of the season in the Bridgeport Motorsports Park Street Stocks.
Danner’s ninth win of the season was somewhat of an anniversary celebration for the nineteen year old hot shoe who just a year ago, climbed behind the wheel of the Gallagher No. 5G for his first ever race in a sprint car. Danner passed Bright for the win in the final laps that night to capture the victory in his sprint car debut.
Davie Franek and Bright led the field to the start of the twenty-five lap feature event with Franek leading the way on lap one. Bright raced to the outside to grab the lead on the second time around the high banks. Danner quickly raced from his row three start and into second, chasing Bright and then challenging for the lead. Bright led the way through lap five. Two laps later, Danner was the race leader. . The caution waved just before halfway, putting Bright on Danner’s tail tank for the restart. Now it was Bright who was the challenger, pressuring Danner for the lead. Bright tried to slide Danner on several occasions but Danner prevailed to lead Bright, Franek, Damon Paul and Nash Ely through halfway.
With seventeen laps on the books, the caution waved for the second time as Joey Amantea got turned around between turns three and four. This time, Danner was able to pull away on the restart.
Danner raced through lapped traffic on his way to the checkered flag. Bright finished second followed by Franek. Kenny Miller III won the battle for fourth with Damon Paul. Nash Ely finished sixth followed by Christian Bruno. Brenden Bright finished eighth in his first race in a wingless sprint car. , Bruce Buckwalter , Jr. followed in ninth with Eric Jennings completing the ten.
Lee Allen raced to win his second win of the season on the high banks in the Bridgeport Motorsports Park Street Stocks. Allen led from the start, ahead of a four wide battle for second. Mike Creamer and Kyle Saylor battled for second for several laps.
Saylor took over second and then closed in on Allen to challenge for the lead. Allen took the crossed flags at halfway. On lap eleven, the leaders raced into lapped traffic. Saylor took the lead when Allen got behind a lapped car. Saylor led the way for five laps but his race ended on lap sixteen after hard contact with the wall in turn one.
Allen reclaimed the lead and went on to take the win over Rich Stinson, Jeramy Doerr, Mike Creamer and Vern McLaughlin. Tom Wills, Sr. took the wheel of the No. 856 for the final race of the season and finished sixth followed by Jeff Dirkes, Spider Ensinger, Steve Kemery, in the Joslin No, 343, and Johnny Bush.
Brian Papiez put the Dave Adams owned No. 90 into Victory Lane in the Underdog 20.
Polesitter, Howie Finch led the race for the first seven laps before Papiez raced into the lead on lap eight. Papiez led Finch, Bryan Brobst, Ethan Bill and Ryan Stangle at halfway.
With Papiez out front, the positions in the top five were up for grabs right up to the checkered flag with Finch taking second over Joseph Brown, Bill and Johnny Micek. Stangle finished sixth followed by Bobby Bracall, Trent Willy, Eric McKinney and Doug Snyder.
With day one on the books, it was onto Day 2 of the High Banks Classic.
Rapid Tire USAC East Coast Wingless Sprints (25 Laps) 1. Briggs Danner, 2. Alex Bright, 3. Davie Franek, 4. Kenny Miller, III, 5. Damon Paul, 6. Nash Ely, 7. Christian Bruno, 8. Brenden Bright, 9. Bruce Buckwalter, Jr., 10. Eric Jennings, 11. Colin White, 12. Kyle Smith, 13. Ed Aiken, 14. Brian Spencer, 15. Thomas Radavoy, 16. Jermain Godshall, 17. Al Cheyney, 18. Carmen Perigo, 19. Joey Amantea, 20. Troy Betts
Bridgeport Motorsports Park Street Stocks (20 laps) 1. Lee Allen, 2. Rich Stinson, Jr., 3. Jeramy Doerr, 4. Mike Creamer, 5. Vern McLaughlin 6. Tom Wills, Sr., 7. Jeff Dirkes, 8. Spider Ensinger, Sr., 9. Steve Kemery, 10. Johnny Bush, 11. John Parker, 12. Kyle Saylor, 13. Jack Beaumont, 14. Mike Baldwin. 15. Daniel Harrison, 16. Nick Sandone, III, 17. Spider Ensinger, Jr., 18. Jeremy Zufall, 19. Mike Hughes
South Jersey Overhead Door 602 Crate Sportsman Underdog 20 (20 laps) 1. Brian Papiez, 2. Howie Finch, 3. Joseph Brown, 4. Ethan Bill, 5. John Micek, 6. Ryan Stangle, 7. Bobby Bracall, 8. Trent Willey, 9. Erik McKinney, 10. Ryan Conrac, 11. Shane Kassekert, 12. Bryan Brobst, 13. Billy Chester, 14. George Gareis, 15. Tommy Klimkowski, 16. Lee Nardelli, 17. Will Protinick, 18. Scott Maher, 19. Ryan Krushinski, 20. Anthony Sisco, 21. Pete Serra, 22. Scott Hulmes, 23. Ricky Wegner, 24. Sara Napora, 25. Erik Marrson, 26. Greg Reed, 27. Wayne Weaver, 28. Howard Huepful
Bridgeport, NJ – The 2021 season may be winding down but the Bridgeport Motorsports Park’s High Banks Classic is a big three day weekend that is sure to satisfy the tastes of any race fan! At least three divisions of racing will be featured on each day of the weekend!
The big weekend gets started on Friday, November 5th when the Rapid Tire USAC East Coast wingless sprints return to the Bridgeport Speedway for another thrilling event. It’s been the Bright and Danner show so far this season with Alex Bright and Briggs Danner battling for the win in each of the three Bridgeport events. A flat tire cost Danner a win in the last race and Bright was able to capitalize for his 2nd Bridgeport win of the season.
The Street Stocks will make their first appearance at the Kingdom of Speed since the Street Stock Nationals – a event that has already been included in the plans for next season. The South Jersey Overhead Door 602 Crate Sportsman will compete in their first of three events this weekend with the Underdog 20 for all drivers that have not visited Victory Lane so far this season. There will also be two sessions of timed hot laps for the 602 Crate Sportsman with four drivers earning starting redraw positions in Sunday’s feature event. The USAC All Pro SpeedSTRs will have the opportunity to practice on the high banks during Friday’s program.
Saturday’s program will see the Capitol Renegade United Racing Club 360 winged sprint cars compete in their final race of the 2021 season. A new champion will be crowned as Jason Schultz comes into this event with 147 point lead over Dallas Schott. Andy Best and Adam Carberry are only a few points behind Schott
Saturday is also the day of the 2nd Annual Precision Hydraulics and Oil 602 Invitational with its $4,000 pay day. Who can forget the race long battle between Steve Kemery and Steve Davis just a year ago! There was plenty of rubbing is racing as the two competitors raced to the finish line with Davis taking the win. Both drivers will return to this year’s event along with a host of drivers, each with their own plan to get to the checkered flag first! Young Payton Talbot sat in third, right behind the leaders and waiting for his chance to steal the win last year. Talbot will return to try again.
In addition in the big purse for their main event, there are three special awards posted for Saturday’s 602 competitors. $500 for the winner of the Cash Dash courtesy of Guaranteed Rate. $250 Halfway Bonus offered by Candy’s Homemade Ice Cream and a $250 Hard Charger award presented by Fastline performance.
The USAC All Pro SpeedSTRs will be featured in qualifying and a feature event. The Foley Cat Modifieds will have timed hot lap sessions with two drivers locking into Sunday’s High Banks Classic.
On Sunday, the Modifieds will compete in their final event of the 2021 Bridgeport season with the fifty lap, $5,000 to win, High Banks Classic. The 602 Crate Sportsman will race in a twenty-five lap feature event with $2,000 going to the winner. The Four Cylinder Stock Cars will round out Sunday’s program.
Last season, the High Banks Classic was captured by an invader in Pottsdam, NY’s Mike Maresca who is expected to defend his title. Maresca backed up that first Bridgeport victory with another win on 2021 opening day.
Pit gates open at 4pm on Friday and then at 1pm on Saturday and Sunday. Grandstand gates will open at 5pm on Friday with grandstand access on Saturday and Sunday at 3pm. Friday night’s warm-ups will get underway at 6pm to be followed by green flag racing immediately thereafter. Warm-ups will hit the track at 4pm on Saturday and Sunday with racing action to follow.
And just when you were ready to close the book on the 2021 season, Bridgeport’s Doug Rose adds another weekend on November 13th and 14th for the Garden State 100. It will be an event of a different kind with action on both the high banks of the 4/10th mile speedway as well as the Spirit Auto Center quarter mile. The 602 Crate Sportsman will go “topless” on both days. The Four Cylinders will also compete on both days. Saturday will see a Slinger Derby and SpeedSTR timed practice sessions on the big track with Wingless 270 and 600 Micro Sprints and Junior Slingshots on the quarter mile. Sunday’s race will feature the Garden State 100 for the USAC All Pro SpeedSTRs – 100 laps and $10,000 to win in additon to the topless 602s and Four Cylinders. The 600 Micros Sprints, Junior Slingshots and the Slingshot ROVAL will be featured on the quarter mile.
It’s not over yet! You don’t want to miss it!
Add December 4th to your calendar for the Bridgeport Banquet. And Opening Day 2022, another three days of action is scheduled to get the new season underway on March 25-27!
Be there! The Kingdom of Speed is where its happening!
Friday’s racing gets underway at 6pm with warm-ups and the first green flag to wave immediately thereafter. The USAC East Coast Wingless Sprints will head the action Friday as they will run qualifying events and a twenty-five lap feature event. The 602 Crate Sportsman will compete in the Underdog 20 – a race for all drivers ois division who went winless during the 2021 season. There will also be two rounds of practice for the 602s with four drivers being locked in for Sunday’s 602 feature event based on timed hot lap sessions.
💥💥 NOVEMBER 5 – 7, HIGH BANKS CLASSIC. This event has just about every flavor of racing we all enjoy. Don’t miss out on the next to last race of the season on the high banked South Jersey Oval, Bridgeport Speedway. Bring the whole family out for a great night of racing and family entertainment. NJ.com & Follow South Jersey 🗓 November 5-7 ‼️ Going to be a HUGE weekend of 602 Sportsman racing! ♦️ FRIDAY 🏎 Pits – 4:00 🎟 Grandstands – 5:00 🚦Warmups – 6:00 USAC EC Wingless Sprints, Underdog 20 + open timed practice with 4 locking from 2 rounds of practice for Sunday’s main event! and Street Stocks, practice for SpeedSTRs ♦️ SATURDAY 🏎 Pits – 1:00 🎟 Grandstands – 3:00 🚦Warmups – 4:00 URC Winged Sprint Cars, 602 Sportsman Precision Hydraulic & Oil Invitational, SpeedSTRs, & Modified timed practice (2 lock in to Sunday redraw). ♦️ SUNDAY 🏎 Pits – 1:00 🎟 Grandstands – 3:00 🚦Warmups – 4:00 Modifieds 50 laps $5000 to win. 602 Sportsman 25 laps $2000 to win, + 4 Cylinder Stock Cars.
‼️ ADDITION OF THE GARDEN STATE 100 WEEKEND at Bridgeport Motorsports Park! Further details to come next week. Don’t miss out on this fun festival weekend. 🗓 November 13th – Warmups at 12:00 Noon 📌 4/10 Track ✅ 602 Sportsman (TOPLESS) ✅ Slinger Derby ✅ 4 Cylinders ✅ SpeedSTR Timed practice top 2 lock into 3&4th starting spot on Sunday
