BRIDGEPORT PRODUCES FIVE FEATURE WINNERS IN ANOTHER NIGHT OF EXCITEMENT
Bridgeport, NJ – The Bridgeport Motorsports Park never seems to disappoint when Saturday night racing comes around! This weeks action produced five feature winners including one new face in Bridgeport’s Victory Lane.
Billy Pauch raced to his third win of the season in the Foley Cat Modifieds in dramatic fashion with a three wide pass for the lead on a lap twenty-one restart.
Billy Osmun and Matt Stangle led the field to the green with Stangle jumping out in front to take the lead. While Stangle was scored as the leader, Osmun challenged and took the lead at different points on the track but Stangle had the lead when the pair came to the start/finish line. Stangle led Osmun, Ryan Godown, Jojo Watson and Alex Yankowski through lap five. Godown took over second on lap six with Richie Pratt, Jr. moving into the top five on lap eight. With ten laps on the books, there was a three-wide race for third with Osmun, Pratt and Pauch.
At halfway, Stangle led Godown, Pratt, Pauch and Yankowski with Briggs Danner looking for a way into the top five.
Just before ten to go, Pratt raced Godown for second and Pauch followed in third. After twenty green flag laps, the caution waved for the first time when Billy Lasko slowed on the track. The field lined up double file for the restart Pratt and Stangle making up the first row with the leader picking the outside for the restart. The green flag waved and as the field headed down the homestretch, Pauch slid underneath Pratt and Stangle and made it a three-wide battle for the lead. Going into turn three, Pauch and Stangle were still side by side but it was Pauch who came out of turn four with the lead.
Pauch pulled ahead by several car lengths. Pratt took over second two laps later followed by Godown, Yankowski and Danner. Roger Manning brought out the yellow after making contact with the yuke tire. After lap twenty-five was scored, Stangle came to a stop with something breaking in the front end of the Ace Materials No. 6.
Pauch led the way on the single file restart. Yankowski took over third on lap twenty-six with Danner moving into fourth in the closing laps.
Pauch took his third Saturday night victory over Pratt, Yankowski, Danner and Godown. Watson, Neal Williams, Clay Butler, Jim Britt and Osmun completed the top ten.
The USAC All-Pro SpeedSTRs made their second appearance on the 4/10 mile track with Briggs Danner picking up the win after battling Godown, Mike Bednar and Trevor Kobylarz during the twenty lap main event.
Danner pulled ahead of the field and left the battle for second behind him in spite of several restarts that brought the field back together. Kobylarz, Godown and Bednar battled back and forth, using slide jobs and crossovers to gain positions until Godown was able to pull ahead of the battle in the final laps.
Danner took the checkered – his first at the new Bridgeport Motorsports Park – over Godown, Kobylarz, Jared Silfee and Mike Bednar. Tim Iulg finished sixth followed by Danny Buccafusca, making his first SpeedSTR appearance in a DA Hanson car. TJ Mayberry, Gary Wagner and Jason Rochelle rounded out the top ten.
Steve Kemery battled for the lead with Tom Moore, Jr. in the early laps of the South Jersey Overhead Door 602 Sportsman feature. Kemery was scored the leader on every lap but there where times that Moore held the advantage.
Kemery was able to pull ahead of Moore as the battles for positions developed behind the leaders. Kris Lilick, Ryan Godown, Jr., Jim Gallagher and Tommy Errico battled each other and lapped traffic in the final laps of the race.
Kemery led the way to the checkered over Moore, Lilick, Godown and Errico. Gallagher, Tom Sherby, Brett Belmont, Brad Roberts and Wayne Weaver completed the top ten at the finish.
TJ Henry joined Rich Stinson, Jr. as a four time feature winner in the Sunbelt Rentals Street Stocks after picking up the win in the fifteen lap feature event. Tom Wills, Jr. lead the first lap before Henry took over on lap two.
Henry took the checkered in front of Wills, Jr. Stinson who recovered from an earlier spin to finish third. Lee Allen finished fourth followed by Mike Hughes, Jr.
Nolan Openshaw proved that his win in the last DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookie feature was not a fluke and he captured his second win of the season on Rookie Graduation Night. Openshaw picked up the win Vince Malcom, Jr. and Anthony Sisco.
Anthony Sisco was crowned as the 2020 Rookie Champion.
Next Saturday marks the final race of the 2020 Point Championship events. Pauch, Kemery and Stinson lead their respective divisions but it will all come down to the results of Saturday night’s events. The All Star Slingshots will compete in a Saturday Matinee to determine their champion, prior to the start of the night’s events. Racing for the Modfiieds, 602 Sportsman and Street Stocks gets underway at 7pm. You won’t want to miss it!
BRIDGEPORT MOTORSPORTS PARK
Saturday, September 5, 2020
FOLEY-CAT MODIFIEDS (30 laps) –
- Billy Pauch, Sr., 2. Richie Pratt, Jr. 3. Alex Yankowski, 4. Briggs Danner, 5. Ryan Godown, 6. Joseph Watson, 7. Neal Williams, 8. Clay Butler, 9. Jim Britt, 10. Willie Osmun, 11. Stan Frankenfield, 12. Rich Rutski, 13. Tommy Beamer, 14. Mike Franz, 15. Rich Wegner, 16. Troy Ale, 17. Ron Roberts, 18. Scott Ambruster, 19. Matt Stangle, 20. Roger Manning, 21. Billy Lasko, DNS – Bob Lilick, Brandon Hightower, Bob Firth
SOUTH JERSEY OVERHEAD DOORS 602 SPORTSMAN (20 laps) –
- Steve Kemery, 2. Tom Moore, Jr., 3. Kris Lilick, 4. Ryan Godown, Jr., 5. Tommy Errico, Jr., 6. Jim Gallagher, Jr., 7. Tom Sherby, 8. Brett Belmont, 9. Brad Roberts, 10. Wayne Weaver, 11. Joe Toth, 12. Billy Chester, 13. Brian Lilick, 14. Scott Hulmes, 15. Pete Serra, 16. Erik Mattson, 17. Anthony Sisco, 18. Ryan Higgs, 19. Matt Peck, 20. Howard Huepfel, 21. Nolan Openshaw, 22. Ernie Miles, Jr., DNS – Tom Holding, Chris Jenkins, Harry Houdini
D.A’S AUTO BODY & REPAIR ROOKIES (8 laps)
- Nolan Openshaw, 2. Vince Malcom, Jr., 3. Anthony Sisco, DNS – Harry Houdini
SUNBELT RENTALS STREET STOCKS (20 laps)
- T.J. Henry, 2. Tom Wills, Jr., 3. Rich Stinson, Jr., 4. Lee Allen, 5. Mike Hughes, Jr., 6. Jeff Dirkes, 7. Vern McLaughlin, 8. Tom Wills, Sr., 9. Gary Klimeczak, 10. Nick Sandone III, 11. Ken Moren, 12. Paul Donahue, 13. Keith McKinley, 14. Steven Land, 15. David Kramer, 16. John Parker
USAC ALL-PRO SPEEDSTRS (20 laps) –
- Briggs Danner, 2. Ryan Godown, 3. Trevor Kobylarz, 4. Jared Silfee, 5. Mike Bednar, 6. Tim Iulg, 7. Danny Buccafusca, 8. T.J. Mayberry, 9. Gary Wagner, Jr. 10. Jason Rochelle, 11. Justin Thompson, 12. Matt Janisch, 13. Nick Havens, DNS – Scott Ambruster, Bobby Butler, Billy Pauch, Sr.
FATHER AND SON VICTORIES HIGHLIGHT BRIDGEPORT ACTION
Bridgeport, NJ – Ryan Godown – Senior and Junior – dominated the action in their respective divisions at the Bridgeport Motorsports Park, sending the historians to the record books to see if it had ever been done before. It was the second Bridgeport win of the 2020 season for both. Ryan Senior won the opening day event while Ryan Jr. put two wins back-to-back, winning in consecutive weeks.
Rich Stinson, Jr. picked up his fourth win of the season in the Sunbelt Rentals Outlaw Stocks. Nolan Upenshaw was the winner of the DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookie feature while Dave Caraghan raced to victory in the All Star Slingshots Matinee in his first ever Bridgeport appearnace.
Godown Sr. raced a big block motor in the Searock No. 26 for his second win. Not really by choice after the team lost a motor in competition the night before. They came to the track with what they had and on this Saturday night, the combination put the team in Victory Lane. “We’ve been struggling,” the race winner stated. “We’ve been working our butts off but we just can’t get ahead.” Godown’s opening day win came with small block power under the hood of the No. 26.
Mike Franz grabbed the lead at the wave of the green and led the way through the first five laps over Matt Stangle, Jojo Watson and Richie Pratt, Jr. while Godown battled with Tommy Beamer for fifth. At the end of lap six, the leaders had caught the back of the field. Pratt chose the fast lane and raced into the lead on lap seven.
Godown was up to fourth by lap ten and then moved into second on a lap eleven restart. Pratt took the crossed flags over Godown, Beamer, Alex Yankowski and Billy Pauch.
After a side by side battle, Godown took the lead on lap eighteen. The top five remained the same through five laps to go.
In the closing laps, Pauch was able to pass Yankowski and then Beamer to put the No. 1 in third. As the leaders raced to the white flag, Pratt closed the gap on Godown and executed a slide job entering turn four. Godown was able to drive off to the inside of Pratt and maintain his lead but the move had everyone on their feet as they raced to the checkered flag. Godown took the win in the Foley Cat Modifieds over Pratt, Pauch, Beamer and Yankowski. Stangle finished sixth followed by Neal Willliams, Jimmy Horton, Danny Bouc who raced back from an earlier caution and Briggs Danner.
Ryan Godown, Jr. benefited from the advice his dad passed along after his win. Godown, Jr. took the lead on the first lap and never looked back in the twenty lap South Jersey Overhead Door 602 Sportsman feature. As the leader, Godown raced in front of a heated battle for second but none of the challengers were able to get to the leader.
Wayne Weaver raced in second before the half way mark as Steve Kemery and Eric Kormann traded the third spot back and forth.
Kemery passed Weaver for second at halfway while James Hill battled with Kormann for position. Brad Roberts raced into the the top five on lap twelve after a three wide contest between Tom Moore, Matt Peck and Roberts.
Weaver regained second from Kemery on lap eighteen with Roberts making it a three car race for second. Godown raced to the win over Weaver, Roberts, Kemery and Jim Gallagher, Jr. Kormann finished sixth with Hill, Joe Toth, Brian Lilick and Moore completing the top ten in the running order.
The Sunbelt Rentals Street Stock feature event saw the lead change hands several times before eventual winner, Rich Stinson, Jr. took over. Jeff Dirkes led the first three laps before a flat tire sent him pitside. Paul Donahue inheritied the lead on lap four but it was Tom Wills, Sr. who put the N. 57 out in front for lap five. The former track champion held Stinson at bey for two laps. Stinson took the lead on lap eight and Lee Allen followed him through.
Allen’s efforts fell just short as Stinson took the checkered flag over Allen. Dirkes raced from the back of the field after his visit to the pits to finish third. Nick Sandone III drove to a fourth place finish for his best performance to date. Ken Moren also had a best finish of fifth at the end of fifteen laps. Paul Donahue, Mike Hughes, Jr., Keith McKinley, Tom Wills, Sr. and Gary Klimeczak rounded out the top ten.
Nolan Openshaw won what was one of the most unusual races in recent memory. When the top three cars tangled in turns three and four on the first lap, Openshaw took the lead. Openshaw’s choice to run the bottom of the track was a race winning decision. He becomes the fourth different winner in 2020 Rookie action. Anthony Sisco finished second followed by Tim Borror and Harry Houdini.
Ryan Drews was a first time winner in the 4 Cylinder competition.
David Carraghan picked up the win in the twenty lap All Star Slingshot matinee. After struggling during his qualifying race, Carraghan got it all turned around for the feature and came away with the win in his first appearance on the Bridgeport quarter mile. Rookie Michael Beckett continues to put in a strong effort and finished second to Carraghan. Point leader, Ryan Davey finished third with Amanda Angstadt taking fourth after racing back from an earlier race incident. Ryan Harris finished fifth after racing in the top five for the entire race. Dave Morrell, followed in sixth with 600 Micro Sprint competitor, Gary Bozowski, in seventh as he tried out the Slingshots. Ashley Therien, Tomas Mowery and Tim Franks completed the top ten at the finish.
Racing action resumes at the Bridgeport Motorsports Park on Saturday with Modifieds, 602 Sportsman, Street Stocks and Rookies with action starting at 7pm.
BRIDGEPORT MOTORSPORTS PARK
Saturday, August 22, 2020
FOLEY-CAT MODIFIEDS FEATURE (30 laps) –
- Ryan Godown, 2. Richie Pratt, Jr., 3. Billy Pauch, Sr., 4. Tommy Beamer, 5. Alex Yankowski, 6. Matt Stangle, 7. Neal Williams, 8. Jimmy Horton, 9. Danny Bouc, 10. Briggs Danner, 11. Ryan Watt, 12. Cale Ross, 13. Clay Butler, 14. Ron Roberts, 15. Mike Franz, 16. Rich Rutski, 17. Rocco Infante, 18. Billy Lasko, 19. John Parkenham, 20. Jim Bobbitt, 21. Joseph Watson, 22. Willie Osmun, 23. Bobby Firth, 24. Brandon Hightower, DNS – Stan Frankenfield, Jr.
SOUTH JERSEY OVERHEAD DOOR 602 SPORTSMAN FEATURE (20 laps) –
- Ryan Godown, Jr., 2. Wayne Weaver, 3. Brad Roberts, 4. Steve Kemery, 5. Jim Gallagher, Jr., 6. Eric Kormann, 7. James Hill, 8. Joe Toth, 9. Brian Lilick, 10. Tom Moore, Jr., 11. Matt Peck, 12. Nolan Openshaw, 13. Jonathan Swift, 14. Scott Hulmes, 15. Pete Serra, 16. Tom Errico, Jr., 17. Erick Mattson, 18. Anthony Sisco, 19. Billy Chester, 20. Matt Luzi, 21. Ryan Anderson, 22. Chris Jenkins, DNS – Tim Borror, Harry Houdini.
D.A. AUTO BODY & REPAIR ROOKIE FEATURE (8 laps) –
- Nolan Openshaw, 2. Anthony Sisco, 3. Tim Borror, 4. Harry Houdini
SUNBELT RENTALS STREET STOCKS FEATURE (15 laps) –
- Rich Stinson, Jr., 2. Lee Allen, 3. Jeff Dirkes, 4. Nick Sandone III, 5. Ken Moren, 6. Paul Donahue, 7. Mike Hughes, Jr., 8. Keith McKinley, 9. Tom Wills, Sr., 10. Gary Klimeczak, 11. Johnny Bush, 12. Steven Land, 13. John Parker, 14. Everett Taylor, 15. Tom Wills, Jr., DNS – T.J. Henry
ALL STAR SLINGSHOTS (20 laps on quarter mile)
- Dave Carraghan, 2. Michael Beckett, 3. Ryan Davey, 4. Amanda Angstadt, 5. Ryan Harris, 6. Dave Morrell, 7. Gary Bozowski, 8. Ashley Therien, 9. Tomas Mowery, 10. Tim Franks, 11. Ryan Cummings
FOUR CYLINDER FEATURE (10 laps) –
- Ryan Drews
WATSON, GODOWN AND HENRY PICK UP WINS IN EXCITING NIGHT OF RACING AT BRIDGEPORT MOTORSPORTS PARK
Bridgeport, NJ – “Nowhere has racing like this,” is what Joseph Watson had to say after claiming his first ever win at the Bridgeport Speedway!
Another night of racing produced more slide jobs and three and four wide racing. Don’t blink or you are sure to miss something!
As the driver of the Blue Hen Racing No. 30, Watson wanted to continue the tradition of other drivers who came before him like his uncle, Jamie Mills, a past champion at Bridgeport. That wish was fulfilled when Watson led two of the best – Jimmy Horton and Billy Pauch – to the checkered flag at the end of thirty thrilling laps of racing in the Foley Cat Modified feature event.
Watson’s biggest challenge came just before halfway when Alex Yankowski drove from his nineteenth starting spot to second and had no intentions of stopping there. Yankowski, who was behind the wheel of Big Block Modified for the first time ever, pulled ahead of Watson on several occasions. It seemed like Yankowski had the better run off of turn four while Watson held the advantage off of turn two.
Slide job after slide were traded before Watson crossed over coming out of two and put the No. 30 out in front for the last time. Watson raced out in front while first, Jimmy Horton took over second from Yankowski and then Pauch, who drove back through the pack after a trip to the pits, raced by Yankowski to take over third.
It was Watson, Horton, Pauch, Yankowski and Richie Pratt, Jr. at the checkered. While Watson used a spec small block for this win, both Horton and Yankowski had Big Block power under the hoods of their race cars. Both engine choices seem to be evenly matched on Bridgeport’s new 4/10 mile track.
Clay Butler finished sixth followed by Neal Williams who also had to race from the back of the field after a trip to the pits. Rich Rutski finished eighth followed by Tommy Beamer and Rocco Infante.
Ryan Godown, Jr. raced ahead of Adam White to capture his first Bridgeport victory in the South Jersey Overhead Door 602 Sportsman feature.
Godown led all the way but a last lap caution gave White another chance to make a bid for the win. While Godown chose the top, White found the bottom of the track to his liking and made his way through the top five using the bottom all of the way.
Godown took the win over White, James Hill, Tom Moore, Jr. and Joe Toth. Tom Errico, Jr., Brett Belmont, Steve Kemery, Brad Roberts and Matt Peck rounded out the top ten.
To start out the night of racing, Tim Borror picked up his third win a row in the DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookie Feature. Second place, Harry Houdini cut into Borrer’s lead in the final laps but was never able to challenge for the lead. Borror took the win over Houdini, Anthony Sisco, Justin Eason and Nolan Openshaw.
TJ Henry won the very competitive Sunbelt Rentals Street Stock feature that saw plenty of three wide racing during the fifteen lap event. A lap six restart saw Tom Wills, Sr., Lee Allen and Henry go three wide down the homestretch in a battle for the lead.
It was Henry’s third win of the season, tying him with Rich Stinson for wins in this division. Stinson finished second to Henry with Jeff Dirkes battling all fifteen laps for a third place finish. Tom Wills, Jr. finished fourth with Brian Spencer taking fifth after racing back through the field.
Lee Allen finished sixth after battling for the lead during most of the race. Wills, Sr. finished seventh followed by John Parker, Nick Sandone and Ken Moren.
Brenden Hires was the winner of the 4 Cylinder feature event after battling for the race lead. Justin Dunn, last week’s winner, finished second, followed by Scott Dunn, Shea Wills and Ryan Drews. Wills is a regular at the Spirit quarter mile in the 270cc Micro Division. He tried his hand in a bigger car on the bigger track and fared well in his first attempt.
Racing returns to the Bridgeport Motorsports Park on Saturday with the Foley Cat Modifieds, South Jersey Overhead Door 602 Sportsman, Sunbelt Rental Street Stocks and Four Cylinders. The All Star Slingshots return for their third matinee event of the season.
FOLEY CAT MODIFIES (30 laps)
- Joseph Watson, 2. Jimmy Horton, 3. Billy Pauch, Sr., 4. Alex Yankowski, 5. Richie Pratt, Jr., 6. Clay Butler, 7. Neal Williams, 8. Rich Rutski, 9. Tommy Beamer, 10. Rocco Infante, 11. Ron Roberts, 12. Mike Franz, 13. Ricky Wegner, Jr., 14. Brett Ballard, 15. Brett Ballard, 16. Scott Ambruster, 17. Trent VanVorst, 18. Matt Stangle, 19. Stan Frankefield, 20. Bobby Firth, 21. Jordan Watson, DNS – Billy Osmun, Dale Hawkins
SOUTH JERSEY OVERHEAD DOOR 602 SPORTSMAN (20 laps)
- Ryan Godown, Jr., 2. Adam White, 3. James Hill, 4. Tom Moore, Jr., 5. Joe Toth, 6. Tom Errico, Jr., 7. Brett Belmont, 8. Steve Kemery, 9. Brad Roberts, 10. Matt Peck, 11. Michael White, 12. Sean Metz, 13. Brian Lilick, 14. Jim Gallagher, Jr., 15. Chris Jenkins, 16. Billy Chester, 17. David Jenkins, 18. Tim Borror, 19. Pete Serra, 20. Tom Sherby, 21. Ernie Miles, III, 22. Rick Wegner, Jr., 23. Kris Lilick, 24. Matt Luzi, DNQ – Justin Eason, Harry Houdini, Scott Hulmes, Nolan Openshaw, Greg Nailer, Ernie Miles, Jr., Chad Sandt, Wayne Weaver, Howard Huepfel, Anthony Sisco
D.A.’S AUTO BODY AND REPAIR ROOKIE (8 laps)
- Tim Borror, 2. Harry Houdini, 3. Anthony Sisco, 4. Justin Eason, 5. Nolan Openshaw
SUNBELT RENTALS STREET STOCKS (15 laps)
- T.J. Henry, 2. Rich Stinson, Jr., 3. Jeff Dirkes, 4. Tom Wills, Jr. 5. Brian Spencer, 6. Lee Allen, 7. Tom Wills, Sr., 8. John Parker, 9. Nick Sandone III, 10. Ken Moren, 11. Justin Nowlen, 12. Paul Donahue, 13. Keith McKinley
FOUR CYLNDER (20 laps)
- Brenden Hires, 2. Justin Dunn, 3. Scott Dunn, 4. Shea Wills, 5. Ryan Drews
SIX DIVISION SHOW TOPS BRIDGEPORT’S SATURDAY NIGHT!
Bridgeport, NJ – The first Saturday night show in the month of August featured competition in six different divisions on two different race tracks!
Tim Borror became the first to repeat in the 2020 DA’s Auto Body and Repair Rookie division. Rich Stinson is now a three time feature winner in the Sunbelt Rentals Street Stock Division. Tom Moore, Jr. led all but one lap of the South Jersey Overhead Door 602 Sportsman feature for his first win of the season. Jeff Geiges earned his first win of the season in the Mid Atlantic Sprint Series feature event. Pat Hires picked up his first win of the season in the 8 Cylinders while Justin Dunn was a repeat winner in the 4 Cylinder division.
Returning for an afternoon matinee show were the All Star Slingshots whose preliminaries were completed during the afternoon with their feature event being presented at the conclusion of warm-ups in front of the Saturday night race fans. Amanda Angstadt picked up her third win of the season in the All Star Slingshot twenty lap feature event.
The twenty lap All Star Slingshot feature saw the lead change hands four times in the first ten laps of the race. Tomas Mowery took the lead on the green but ran into problems in turn four, turning the lead over to Michael Beckett at the conclusion of the first lap. Beckett led for a single lap before Angstadt took over. Beckett returned to the lead on lap seven with Angstadt taking the lead for the final time on lap eleven.
Angstadt took the win over Ryan Davey who won the most races during the 2019 season. Beckett finished third followed by Ryan Harris and Tomas Mowery who raced his way from the back of the field to a top five finish. Shawn Mowery, Tim Franks, Joseph Hansen, Dave Morrell and Ashley Therien rounded out the top ten.
Tim Borror was the back-to-back winner in the DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookie feature by leading all eight laps. Anthony Sisco finished second with George Plutz finishing third.
Tom Moore found redemption in the Winner’s Circle with his first win of the season in the South Jersey Overhead Door 602 Sportsman. Moore started out the season with a blown motor and a lot of questions. But the pieces all came together and Moore was able to take the checkered flag in the twenty lap feature event.
Brett Belmont had an outstanding night to start his 2020 race season. It was Belmont’s first attempt on the new 4/10th mile track in a brand new car bearing the familiar Belmont yellow and the No. 14. Belmont led the first lap of the feature event before Moore took over.
The twenty non-stop green flag laps had Moore racing through lapped traffic but Moore had little problem making his way through. In addition to thanking his family and his sponsors, Moore also credited drivers Neal Williams and Eric Kormann for their help and guidance this season.
Trailing Moore to the checkered were Belmont, Jim Gallagher who had closed in on the leaders by the end of the race. Rick Wenger, Jr. finished fourth with Tommy Ericco, Jr. taking fifth for his best performance of the season. Steve Kemery, Joe Toth, reigning champion, Matt Peck, Ryan Simmons and Wayne Weaver completed the top ten at the checkered.
The Sunbelt Rentals Street Stock Feature event was full of all kinds of excitement. Mike Hughes, Jr. led the first two laps before Tom Wills, Sr. took the lead on lap three. Wills, Sr. led through lap seven. After racing side by side for the lead on a lap eight restart, Rich Stinson pulled ahead of Wills, Sr. on the backstretch to become the new leader. At half way, Stinson led Wills, Lee Allen and TJ Henry who was battling with Hughes for fourth.
Henry got up to second on lap eleven and was set to battle with Stinson for the lead when he slowed on the backstretch with mechanical issues.
Stinson took the win over Allen with Brian Spencer finishing third for his best run to date. Wills, Sr. finished fourth after losing brakes on the No. 57 and Gary Klimeczak crossed the line in fifth. Nick Sandone III finished sixth, racing his way from the back of the starting line-up. Mike Creamer finished seventh followed by Paul Donahue, John Parker and Ken Moren.
The Mid Atlantic Sprint Series returned to the Bridgeport Speedway and Jeff Geiges drove to the checkered flag to capture his first win of the season.
It looked like Andy Best would be a repeat winner after starting outside the front row and immediately pulling away from polesitter, Tim Tanner and the rest of the field. Tanner and Dave Brown raced for second, trading the position back and forth with reigning MASS Champion, Ricky DiEva joining the wheel to wheel action in the early going. At half way, Best led Tanner, Geiges who came from the nineth starting spot, Brown and Tom Carberry, Sr.
Geiges was the man on the move as he raced by Tanner for second on lap seventeen. Best was ready to take the five to go sign from the starter on his next time around when he tangled with a lapped car between turns three and four. Best’s night was over and it was Geiges who led the field back to the green flag.
Tanner closed in on Geiges to challenge for the lead in the final laps but it was Geiges who raced to the line first. Tanner finished second followed by Carberry and Brown with CJ Faison racing into the top five in the closing laps. DiEva finished sixth followed by John Frye, Eddie Wagner, John Brennfleck and Rick Stief.
Unlike some of the other competitors, Geiges did not find the outside to be the fastest way around the track, sticking to the bottom and the middle of the track, Geiges was able to make his moves to the front.
Pat Hires became a first time winner in the 8 Cylinder division, driving the former Lee Allen owned No. 98B. Hires led from the green to the checkered to capture the win over Derek Jones and Tom Wolf.
Jason Dunn repeated his past performance in the 4 Cylinder division, taking the win over Joe Garey, Sr., Ryan Drews, Robby Dunn and Tim Jones. Brenden Hires led the first lap with Tim Jones leading three laps before Dunn took over.
Action returns to the Bridgeport Motorsports Park this Saturday with the Foley Cat Modifieds, South Jersey Overhead Door 602 Sportsman, Sunbelt Rentals Street Stocks, DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookies and the 4 Cylinders. Race time is 7pm.
D.A. AUTO BODY & REPAIR ROOKIES FEATURE (8 laps)
- Tim Borror, 2. Anthony Sisco, 3. George Pultz
SUNBELT RENTALS STREET STOCKS FEATURE (15 laps)
- Rich Stinson, Jr., 2. Lee Allen, 3. Brian Spencer, 4. Tom Wills, Sr., 5. Gary Klimeczak, 6. Nick Sandone III, 7. Mike Creamer, 8. Paul Donahue, 9. John Parker, 10. Ken Moren, 11. Johnny Bush, 12. Justin Nowlen, 13. Mike Hughes, Jr., 14. Keith McKinley, 15. T.J. Henry, 16. Tom Wills, Jr., 17. Daniel Harrison, 18. Jeff Dirkes
SOUTH JERSEY OVERHEAD DOOR 602 SPORTSMAN FEATURE (20 laps)
- Tom Moore, Jr., 2. Brett Belmont, 3. Jim Gallagher, Jr., 4. Ricky Wegner, Jr., 5. Tom Errico, Jr., 6. Steve Kemery, 7. Joe Toth, 8. Matt Peck, 9. Ryan Simmons, 10. Wayne Weaver, 11. Brad Roberts, 12. Kris Lilick, 13. Tom Sherby, 14. Chris Jenkins, 15. Scott Hulmes, 16. Billy Chester, 17. Pete Serra, 18. Anthony Sisco, 19. Erick Mattson, 20. Tim Borror, 21. George Pultz
MID-ATLANTIC SPRINT SERIES FEATURE (25 laps)
- Jeff Geiges, 2. Tim Tanner, Jr., 3. Tom Carberry, 4. Dave Brown, 5. C.J. Faison, 6. Ricky DiEva, 7. Jake Frye, 8. Eddie Wagner, 9. John Brennfleck, 10. Rick Stief, 11. Craig Pellegrini, 12. Kristina Pratt, 13. Keith Anderson, 14. Darron Cox, 15. Dale Eggert, 16. Larry McVay, 17. Jenna Shotz (27J), 18. Andy Best, 19. Kevin Nagy, 20. Johnny Yanek, 21. Zach Berghof, 22. Jason Dunn, 23. Troy Ale
ALL STAR SLINGSHOTS FEATURE (20 laps – on ¼ mile)
- Amanda Angstadt, 2. Ryan Davey, 3. Michael Beckett, 4. Ryan Harris, 5. Tomas Mowery, 6. Shawn Mowery, 7. Tim Franks, 8. Joseph Hansen, 9. Dave Morrell, 10. Ashley Therien, 11. Mike Sommers, DNS – Robin McTighe
EIGHT CYLINDER FEATURE (20 laps)
- Pat Hires, 2. Derek Jones, 3. Tom Wolf, 4. Travis Guyer, 5. Joe Beiderman
FOUR CYLINDER FEATURE (20 laps)
- Justin Dunn, 2. Joe Garey Sr., 3. Ryan Drews, 4. Robby Dunn, 5. Tim Jones, 6. Brenden Hires, 7. John Ciallula, 8. Penny Horner, 9. Joe Garey, Jr.
FRIESEN IS CROWNED AS THE “KING OF THE BIG BLOCKS” IN DIRTcar BRIDGEPORT EVENT
Bridgeport, NJ – Stewart Friesen continued his dominance in Northeast Modified competition as he picked up his seventeenth victory of the 2020 season in the King of the Big Blocks Super DIRTcar event at the Bridgeport Motorsports Park on Wednesday night.
Thirty-three drivers competed in timed hot laps and qualifying races to determine the twenty-eight car starting line-up for the 100 lap main event. This race marked the longest race held to date on the new 4/10th mile surface and the first since the DIRTcars last appeared at Bridgeport in 2017.
Larry Wight battled his Gypsum team mate, Billy Decker for the early race lead with Ryan Godown, Chris Hile and Mike Mahaney trailing. Decker took the lead from Wight on the twentieth circuit but Decker’s lead would be short-lived as he headed to the pits for new rubber on lap twenty-five. Wight went back to the point for several laps until Friesen would drive by to take the lead. Wight continued in second until Billy Pauch, Jr. took over the runner-up spot behind the wheel of his dad’s K&A Excavating No. 1.
Friesen quickly pulled away from the field on every restart. Friesen led Pauch, Jr. , Godown, Tim Fuller and Chris Hile through the crossed flags. Wight’s race came to an end a few laps later with mechanical failure.
While much of the field battled tire issues, Friesen continued to log laps as the race leader, with a comfortable margin between the Halmar No. 44 and its nearest competitor. That changed when Matt Sheppard drove into second on a lap seventy-two restart.
Sheppard closed the gap on Friesen and began to look inside and outside for options. Friesen had tried to preserve his tires throughout the race but he knew that he was losing grip when the car started to skate. Sheppard made the pass for the lead on lap eighty-eight with a move to the outside when Friesen tried to protect his lead on the lower line. Sheppard’s lead was short lived as less than two laps later, the No. 9S slowed and headed to the pits, putting Friesen back out in front.
Billy Decker was able to put some pressure on Friesen in the closing laps until Jimmy Phelps closed in on Decker. Decker noted that Friesen’s ultimate success came as a result of his ability to be smooth throughout the race.
Andy Bachetti was the driver on the move in the closing laps as he raced into fourth with a late race pass by Mike Maresca.
Friesen took the win and promptly dedicated his victory to Danny Serrano, Bridgeport’s General Manager who passed away in March after playing a key role in owner, Doug Rose’s vision of a new Bridgeport. “I don’t know what happened but Danny Serrano was looking out for me tonight,” Friesen declared from Victory Lane. “This one’s for Danny,” Friesen asserted. “He would be proud of this!”
The new Bridgeport 4/10th mile surface received rave reviews from the competitors who traveled from near and far to compete in the first Super DIRTcar race of the 2020 season. Many of the drivers had been watching footage from previous events on the new surface. “It’s pretty cool,” the race’s runner-up, Billy Decker stated. “We’ve been watching the highlights . There’s a lot of slicing and dicing.” Decker’s Gypsum team mate, Larry Wight interjected, “For the first year, I think they are doing a great job with the track.”
Friesen picked up the win followed by Billy Decker, Jimmy Phelps, Andy Bachetti and Mike Maresca. The pride of Australia, Peter Britten finished sixth followed by Tim Fuller, Billy Dunn, Mike Mahaney and 2019 Super DIRTcar Champion, Mat Williamson.
KING OF THE BIG BLOCKS SUPER DIRTCAR 100 LAP FEATURE EVENT
- Stewart Friesen, 2. Billy Decker, 3. Jimmy Phelps, 4. Andy Bachetti, 5. Michael Maresca, 6. Peter Britten, 7. Tim Fuller, 8. Billy Dunn. 9, Mike Mahaney, 10. Mat Williamson, 11. Demterious Drellos, `12. Jessey Mueller, 13. Dave Marcuccilli, 14. Chris Hile, 15. Jack Lehner, 16. Brandon Grosso, 17. Ryan Watt, 18. Tyler Dippel, 19. Marcus Dinkins, 20. Erick Rudolph, 21. Billy Pauch, Jr., 22. Matt Sheppard, 23. Ryan Godown, 24. Rick Laubach, 25. Larry Wight, 26. Neal Williams, 27. Chad Phelps, 28. Ryan Krachun
PAUCH IS FIRST TO REPEAT AT BRIDGEPORT MOTORSPORTS PARK
Bridgeport, NJ – Billy Pauch became the first driver to repeat in Victory Lane in the Foley Cat Modifieds at the Bridgeport Motorsports Park. Rich Stinson was also a repeat winner as he added another win in the Sunbelt Rentals Street Stocks. Joe Toth raced to his first ever Bridgeport victory in the South Jersey Overhead Door 602 Sportsman while Tim Borror was a first time winner in the DA’s Auto Body and Repair Rookie feature that saw a three wide race for the lead.
Not only was Pauch the first to repeat on the new Bridgeport surface but he did so with back-to-back wins! “I worked hard all winter tbe fast,” Pauch explained. “The track had a had more bite than the first three or four weeks.”
The first lap didn’t look too promising for a Pauch victory when someone hit the brakes on the original start, causing a chain reaction throughout the field. Pauch made contact with Richie Pratt, Jr. The start was called back and the drivers lined up for a complete restart.
The first five laps of the Foley Cat Modified feature saw four lead changes. Joseph Watson led lap one but it was Tommy Beamer in the Thornton No. 31 who led lap two. Watson came back to lead lap three but it was Beamer back out in front for laps four and five. Pauch had moved into second with Alex Yankowski, Ryan Godown and Matt Stangle trailing the race leader.
After two restarts negated Pauch’s pass for the lead, Pauch was scored as the race leader on lap six. Yankowski moved into second on lap eleven but Pauch had already stretched his lead.
Yankowski’s race came to an end with a lot of smoke coming out of the no. 84Y with seven laps to go.
Pauch led the way to the checkered flag over Ryan Godown, Beamer, Modified rookie, David Crossman and Ronnie Roberts.
Fourth generation driver, Joe Toth added his name to Bridgeport history when he captured the first Bridgeport win of his career in the South Jersey Overhead Door 602 Sportsman main event. Toth is the grandson of Bill Tanner who was a regular on the 5/8ths during his career.
Toth raced from his seventh place start to battle Tom Moore, Jr. and Steve Kemery for the lead. Toth led the way to the finish line with Moore finishing a strong effort in second. Kemery finished third followed by 2019 champion, Matt Peck and Ryan Anderson.
Rich Stinson raced to his second win of the season in the Sunbelt Rentals Street Stock feature. With Stinson out in front, the battle was on for second with several drivers battling for that position. Lee Allen won the battle to finish second to Stinson after recovering from an incident earlier in the race. Nick Sandone III finished third with his best finish to date. Jeff Dirkes finished fourth with Tom Wills, Jr. rounding out the top five.
Tim Borror was the third different winner in the DA’s Auto Body and Repair Rookie feature. Borror did the hard way after a three wide battle for the lead with former winners Harry Houdini and Anthony Sisco who finished second and third.
Bridgeport Motorsports park is back in action this Wednesday with the Super DIRTcar Series event – King of the Big Blocks. The USAC All Star SpeedSTRS will make their first appearance on the new track.
FOLEY CAT MODIFIEDS (30 laps)
1. Billy Pauch, Sr., 2. Ryan Godown, 3. Tommy Beamer, 4. David Crossman, 5. Ron Roberts, 6. Richie Pratt, Jr., 7. Alex Yankowski, 8. Brett Ballard, 9. Matt Stangle, 10. Clay Butler, 11. Jim Britt, 12. Joseph Watson, DNS – Stan Frankenfield
SOUTH JERSEY OVERHEAD DOOR 602 SPORTSMAN (20 laps)
1. Joe Toth, 2. Tom Moore, Jr., 3. Steve Kemery, 4. Matt Peck, 5. Ryan Anderson, 6. Ricky Wenger, Jr., 7. Wayne Weaver, 8. Jim Gallagher, Jr., 9. Ernie Miles, III, 10. Kris Lilick, 11. Sean Weiss, 12. Chris Jenkins, 13. Howard Huepful, 14. Billy Chester, 15. Tim Borror, 16. Anthony Sisco, 17. Justin Easton, 18. Ryan Godown, Jr., 19. Pete Serra, 20. Scott Maher, Jr., 21. Greg Nailer, 22. Scott Hulmes, 23. Erick Mattson, DNS – Brad Roberts, DNQ – Harry Houdini, James Hill, Nolan Openshaw
D.A. AUTO BODY AND REPAIR ROOKIES (8 laps)
1. Tim Borror, 2. Harry Houdini, 3. Anthony Sisco, 4. Nolan Openshaw, 5. Kate Lilick
SUNBELT RENTALS STREET STOCKS (20 laps)
1. Rich Stinson, Jr., 2. Lee Allen, 3. Nick Sandone, III, 4. Jeff Dirkes, 5. Tom Wills, Jr., 6. Ken Moren, 7. Steven Land, 8. Justin Nowlen, 9. Keith McKinley, 10. Mike Hughes, Jr., 11. Tom Wills, Sr., 12. Mike Creamer, 13. Paul Donahue
FIRST WIN FOR PAUCH AT BRIDGEPORT MOTORSPORTS PARK
Photo Courtesy of Rick Sweeten Images
Bridgeport, NJ – Billy Pauch recorded sixty-five victories on the Bridgeport Speedway 5/8 mile track. On Saturday night, he increased his Bridgeport win total by one by adding his first victory on the new 4/10th mile surface. Saturday night racing was sponsored by Championship Energy.
Both Steve Kemery and TJ Henry became repeat winners in their divisions as Kemery picked up his second win in the South Jersey Overhead Door 602 Sportsman while Henry notched a second in the Sunbelt Rentals Street Stock division. Harry Houdini earned his first win in the DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookie event while Andy Best picked up the win in the Mid Atlantic Sprint Series (MASS) feature event. Lee Allen came home the winner in the 8 Cylinder main event.
Pauch continued the debate over Big Block versus Small Blocks for the new 4/10th mile track. “Nobody wants to run Big Blocks anymore,” the feature winner stated. “Everyone wants specs (motors). I’m not a big fan but I know we have a good program. It’s just been really hard with the pandemic – you’re already to go then your shut down!” After Rick Laubach’s win in a Big Block one week earlier, Pauch’s win came with a Spec Head Small Block.
Pauch and Ryan Godown led the starting field to the green flag as a result of the luck of the draw but it was Pauch who immediately put the Kevin Bifulco No. 1 out in front. Godown, Alex Yankowski, Tim Buckwalter and Danny Bouc trailed the leader through lap five.
Bouc made a big move to go from fifth to second on a lap nine restart. Dominick Buffalino flew by several cars to take over third just before a lap fourteen caution when Matt Stangle stopped with a flat tire. Buffalino raced by Bouc for second on the restart followed by Billy Pauch, Jr., Richie Pratt, Jr. and Buckwalter.
Buffalino was closing the gap on Pauch, Sr. with ten laps to go when the caution waved for Pauch, Jr. who headed to the pits with mechanical issues.
Back under green, Pauch led the way. Contact between cars behind the leader exiting turn four caused a mutli car pileup on the homestretch, just beyond the starter’s stand. Eight cars were towed off of the track. Tim Buckwalter required medical attention and was transferred for treatment.
When the race was restarted, Pauch went back to work. Jimmy Blewett now raced into the top five but brought out the caution when a flat tire and suspension issue occurred in turn three.
With Pauch out in front, the battle was on for second as Pratt raced with Bouc. Then Yankowski challenged and the battle became for third as he and Pratt raced side by side.
Pauch took the win over Bouc, Yankowski, Pratt and Cale Ross. Godown finished sixth followed by Matt Stangle, David Crossman, Jim Britt and Brett Ballard.
Steve Kemery became the first to repeat in the 602 Sportsman action. Kemery took the lead from Rick Wegner, Jr. on lap ten. Wegner and Jim Gallagher, Jr. battled for second in the remaining laps with Wegner taking the high line and Gallagher racing on the bottom of the track. They traded positions several times but Wegner had the advantage at the checkered. Gallagher finished third followed by Wayne Weaver and Ryan Higgs. Tom Moore, Jr. finished sixth with Jonathan Swift, Ryan Godown, Jr., Brad Roberts and Tommy Errico, Jr. rounding out the top ten.
TJ Henry picked up in second win of the season in the Street Stock feature. The battle was for the runner-up spot which was won by Rich Stinson. Mick Search, Lee Allen and Tom Wills, Sr. trailed the leaders to the line. Tom Wills, Jr. finished sixth followed by Jeff Dirkes, Nick Sandone, III. Gary Klimeczak and Paul Donahue.
Harry Houdini was the race winner in the Rookie feature. Anthony Sisco, last week’s winner finished second with Tim Borror, third.
Andy Best was the winner of the MASS twenty lap Sprint Car feature event, reaching the finish line just ahead of a charging Tim Tanner. Tanner’s late race moves gave him a second place finish over Kevin Nagy, Dave Brown and Mark Bitner. Tom Carberry, Rick Stief, Jeff Geiges, Joe Kay and Zak Vickers completed the top ten at the checkered.
Lee Allen closed out the night of racing with a win in the 8 Cylinder feature event over Scott Riggleman, Chris Allen, Sr. Tom Wolfe and Derek Jones.
D.A’s Auto Body and Repair Rookies (8 laps)
- Harry Houdini, 2. Anthony Sisco, 3. Tim Borror, 4. Anna Parks DNS: Nolan Openshaw
Foley Cat Modifieds (30 laps)
- Billy Pauch, Sr. 2. Danny Bouc, 3. Alex Yankowski, 4. Richie Pratt Jr., 5. Cale Ross, 6. Ryan Godown, 7. Matt Stangle, 8. David Crossman, 9. Jim Britt, 10. Brett Ballard, 11. Jimmy Blewett, 12. Tommy Beamer, 13. Dominick Buffalino, 14. Tim Buckwalter, 15. Billy Pauch Jr., 16. Frank Cozze, 17. Neal Williams, 18. Joseph Watson, 19. Stan Frankenfield, 20. Ron Roberts, 21. Bill Lasko, 22. Jack Swain, 23. Bucky Kell DNS: Mike Franz
South Jersey Overhead Door 602 Sportsman (20 laps)
- Steve Kemery, 2. Rick Wegner,Jr. 3. Jim Gallagher Jr., 4. Wayne Weaver, 5. Ryan Higgs, 6. Tom Moore Jr., 7. Jonathan Swift, 8. Ryan Godown Jr., 9. Brad Roberts, 10. Tommy Errico Jr., 11. Erik McKinney, 12. Billy Chester, 13. Chris Jenkins, 14. Pete Serra, 15. Ernie Miles Jr., 16. Harry Houdini, 17. Ernie Miles III, 18. Erick Mattson, 19. Scott Maher Jr., 20. Scott Hulmes, 21. Tim Borror, 22. Anthony Sisco, 23. Matt Peck
Sunbelt Rentals Street Stocks (20 laps)
- TJ Henry, 2: Rich Stinson, Jr., 3. Mick Search, 4. Lee Allen, 5. Tom Wills, 6. Tom Wills Jr., 7. Jeff Dirkes, 8. Nick Sandone III, 9. Gary Klimeczak, 10. Paul Donahue, 11. Ken Moren, 12. Jeff Waltz, 13. Keith McKinley, 14. Brian Ludwig, 15. Mike Creamer, 16. Mike Hughes Jr., 17. Ron Frees
Mid-Atlantic Sprint Cars (20 laps)
- Andy Best, 2. Tim Tanner Jr., 3. Kevin Nagy, 4. Dave Brown, 5. Mark Bitner, 6. Tom Carberry, 7. Rick Stief, 8. Jeff Geiges, 9. Joe Kay, 10. Zak Vickers, 11. Eddie Wagner, 12. CJ Faison, 13. Josh Bricker, 14. John Brennfleck, 15. Keith Anderson, 16. Johnny Yanek, 17. Kristina Pratt, 18. Darren Cox, 19. Dale Eggert, 20. Zach Berghof, 21. Troy Ale, 22. Jenna Shotz, 23. Chuckles Stone, 24. Larry McVay
8 Cylinders (20 laps)
- Lee Allen, 2. Scott Riggleman, 3. Chris Allen Sr., 4. Tom Wolfe, 5. Derek Jones, 6. Travis Guyer, 7. Nancy Riggleman
BRIDGEPORT MOTORSPORTS PARK ANNOUNCES THEIR NEXT 4 RACES
Bridgeport, NJ – Bridgeport Motorsports Park has released their revised schedule for the next month starting this Saturday, July 18th (featuring the Foley Cat Modifieds, South Jersey Overhead Door 602 Sportsman, Sunbelt Rentals Street Stocks, MASS Sprints, 8 Cylinders, and Rookies), Saturday, July 25th (featuring the Foley Cat Modifieds, South Jersey Overhead Door 602 Sportsman, Sunbelt Rentals Street Stocks, and Rookies), Wednesday, July 29th – King of the Big Blocks (featuring the Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modifieds for 100 laps and the USAC All Pro SpeedSTRs), a scheduled off day on Saturday, August 1st, the FIRST EVER APPEARANCE OF THE USAC MIDGETS ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 6TH (they will be joined by the Foley Cat Modifieds), and racing again on Saturday, August 8th (featuring the South Jersey Overhead Door 602 Sportsman, Sunbelt Rentals Street Stocks, MASS Sprints, 8 Cylinders, 4 Cylinders, Rookies, and another appearance of the All Star Slingshots). We look forward to seeing everyone at this track over the next month for action packed racing all over the high banked 4/10s mile! Tickets for the Super DIRTcar Series event and this weekend can be purchased at the gate or online at bridgeportspeedway.thundertix.com!
LAUBACH, HITCHENS & WILLS, SR. ARE THREE NEWEST WINNERS AT BRIDGEPORT MOTORSPORTS PARK
Bridgeport, NJ – Week three of the 2020 racing season produced more great side by side racing as well as three new winners on a night of racing sponsored by the Delaware Auto Exchange!
Rick Laubach took the checkered flag in the Foley Cat Modifed feature that saw several drivers contend for the lead throughout the thirty lap feature event. Delaware’s Scott Hitchens achieved something that he has been trying to do for several seasons – win at the Bridgeport Speedway as he led the way to the finish line in the South Jersey Overhead Door 602 Sportsman feature event. Tom Wills, Sr. raced to his first win in the Sunbelt Rental Street Stocks – his first win since the 2015 season. The DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookies raced for the first time this season with Anthony Sisco capturing the win.
Two other divisions made special appearances in the Sunday evening show. The All Star Slingshots had their first afternoon matinee as they completed their qualifying events on the Spirit Speedway quarter mile before hot laps got underway for the new 4/10th mile track. Then they got to run their feature event in front of the Sunday evening crowd – many of whom have probably not ever seen a Slingshot event. Oley, PA driver, Brett Bieber took home the win in his first appearance on the revamped quarter mile. The 4 Cylinder competitors completed the race card with Justin Dunn taking the lead from his dad and then going on to pick up the win. Six feature events and the entire show was completed in just over three and a half hours!
Rick Laubach demonstrated that a Big Block Modified can win on the new 4/10th mile surface. Laubach picked up the win in the Hermann No. 7. Laubach raced the Small Block car just a week ago but found the Big Block much more to his liking. “I’m a big block guy. The small block just isn’t right for me,” Laubach explained.
It was Alex Yankowski who set the pace for much of the race in what was his first appearance at the new Bridgeport track. Yankowski drew the outside pole for his starting position and immediately grabbed the lead at the start of the race. Yankowski pulled away from the field as the feature went for twenty-two green flag laps before the caution waved for Jeff Strunk who slowed on the speedway. Yankowski restarted from inside the front row, electing to use the inside for the restart. Richie Pratt, Jr. grabbed the lead on the start but it was Laubach who charged ahead in turn three while Yankowski battled with Billy Pauch for third. With six laps to go, Ryan Watt was racing just outside of the top five but a few laps later, Watt was mounting a challenge for the lead.
At the end of thirty laps, it was Laubach who led the way to the checkered over Watt, Pauch, opening day winner, Ryan Godown and last week’s winner, Tim Buckwalter. Craig VonDohren finished sixth ahead of Ryan Krachun, Matt Stangle, Neal Williams and Louden Reimert. Yankowksi’s night ended just four laps from the finish.
2019 Track Champion, Matt Peck led the 602 Sportsman from the wave of the green. Peck led the way until through fourteen laps until Steve Kemery took over with five laps to go. Hitchens raced side by side with Kemery for the lead on lap fifteen and pulled ahead just one lap later.
Hitchens picked up the win over Kemery, Peck, Wayne Weaver and Ryan Godown, Jr. Joe Toth finished sixth followed by Brad Roberts, last week’s winner, Ryan Anderson, Eric Kormman and Tom Errico, Jr.
Tom Wills, Sr was behind the wheel of his old No. 57 – now owned by Joslin Motorsports. Wills, Sr. led every lap of the fifteen laps but he had a lot of pressure coming from a former Street Stock Champion, Ron Frees who was driving the No. 70 for Doug DeBray and Lee Allen who raced in second or third for much of the race.
Wills, Sr. took the popular win over Allen, Tom Wills, Jr., Jeff Dirkes and Rich Stinson, Jr. Frees dropped back to seventh after making contact with the wall on the final lap.
Anthony Sisco picked up the win in the first Rookie feature of the season over Harry Houdini, Tim Borror, George Piutz and Bill Schorr.
Brett Bieber made his first Bridgeport appearance of the season count as he picked up the win in the Slingshot matinee followed by CJ Fritz, Michael Beckett, Ryan Davey and Ryan Harris.
Justin Dunn was the 4 Cylinder winner over Neil Rutt, Scott Dunn, Mike Fox and Joe Garey, Sr.
Action returns to the Bridgeport Motorsports Park this Saturday with the Modifieds, 602 Sportsman, Street Stocks, Rookies, 8 Cylinders and the Mid Atlantic Sprint Series with racing getting underway at 7pm.
FOLEY CAT MODIFIEDS (30 laps) –
- Rick Laubach, 2. Ryan Watt, 3. Billy Pauch, Sr., 4. Ryan Godown, 5. Tim Buckwalter, 6. Craig VonDohren, 7. Ryan Krachun, 8. Matt Stangle, 9. Neal Williams, 10. Louden Reimert, 11. Briggs Danner, 12. Richie Pratt, Jr., 13. Dakota Kessler, 14. Stan Frankenfield, Jr., 15. Tommy Beamer, 16. Alex Yankowski, 17. Jordon Justice, 18. Jeff Strunk, 19. Jim Britt, 20. John Willman, 21. Ron Roberts, 22. Dillon Steuer, 23. Brandon Grosso, 24. Jack Swain, DNS – Jared Umbenhauer, DNQ – Jeramy Doerr, Andy Burkhart, Billy Lasko, Joseph Watson
SOUTH JERSEY OVERHEAD DOOR 602 SPORTSMAN (20 laps) –
- Scott Hitchens, 2. Steve Kemery, 3. Matt Peck, 4. Wayne Weaver, 5. Ryan Godown, Jr., 6. Joe Toth, 7. Brad Roberts, 8. Ryan Anderson, 9. Eric Kormann, 10. Tommy Errico, Jr., 11. Sammy Martz, Jr., 12. Jim Gallager, Jr., 13. Jonathan Swift, 14. David Crossman, 15. Nick VanWickle, 16. Steve Lyle, 17. Scott Hulmes, 18. Justin Grosso, 19. Erik McKinney, 20. Tim Borror, 21. Billy Chester, 22. Justin Easton, 23. John Stevenson, 24. Anthony Sisco, DNS – Erick Mattson, George Pultz, Harry Houdini,
D.A.’S AUTO BODY AND REPAIR ROOKIES (8 laps) –
- Anthony Sisco, 2. Harry Houdini, 3. Tim Borror, 4. George Pultz, 5. Bill Schorr
SUNBELT RENTALS STREET STOCKS (15 laps) –
- Tom Wills, Sr., 2. Lee Allen, 3. Tom Wills, Jr., 4. Jeff Dirkes, 5. Rich Stinson, Jr., 6. Brian Spencer, 7. Ron Frees, 8. John Parker, 9. Nick Sandone, III, 10. Paul Donahue, 11. Justin Nowlen, 12. Ken Moren, 13. Keith McKinley, DNS – Michael Creamer
FOUR CYLINDERS (20 laps) –
- Justin Dunn, 2. Neil Rutt, 3. Scott Dunn, 4. Mike Fox, 5. Joe Garey, Sr., 6. Sal Liguori, 7. Ryan Drews, 8. Joe Garey, Jr., 9. Everett Taylor, 10. Paul Hartwig, 11. Ashleigh Wroble
ALLSTAR SLINGSHOTS (20 laps) –
- Brett Bieber, 2. C.J. Fritz, 3. Michael Beckett, 4. Ryan Davey, 5. Ryan Harris, 6. Dave Morrell, 7. Shawn Mowery, 8. Joseph Hansen, 9. Tomas Mowery, 10. Amanda Angstadt, 11. Ashley Therien, 12. Dave McCullough