Bridgeport Motorsports Park

Saturday Hand 1 of the  2019 Poker Series

602 Crates $1,000 to win 20 Laps, $100 to Start

Big Blocks ’60over Special-Doug Hoffman Memorial’ $4,400 to win 44 Laps

Schedule of Events:

12:00 p.m. – Pit gates open

12:15 p.m. – Safety Inspection begins

2:00 p.m. – Grandstand gates open

2:15 p.m. – Draw Opens

2:30 p.m. – Driver’s Meeting

2:50 p.m. – Call Drivers for Hot laps

3:00 p.m. – Track gates CLOSED

3:15 p.m. – Hot laps

• Outlaw Stock Cars
• 602 Crates
•   Big Block Modifieds

3:45 p.m. – Track Prep for heats

3:55 p.m. – Welcome/Invocation/National Anthem

4:00 p.m. – Racing begins

• Outlaw Stock Car Heats – 6 laps each
• Crate/Sportsman Heats – 8 laps each
• Big Block Modified Heats – 8 laps each **Driver Introductions**

• Outlaw Stock Car Feature – 15 laps
• Big Block Modified Consolation – 8 laps
• Crate/Sportsman Consolation – 8 laps

• Intermission/Track Prep

• Big Block Modified Feature–44 laps (Stage & Draw Behind Grandstands)
• Crate/Sportsman Feature – 20 laps

Michael and Doug’s plans to go racing did not receive a warm welcome from their dad who reluctantly allowed them to keep the car in an old chicken coop on the farm.  But, when the elder Hoffman saw that this race car kept his sons’ interest and had them at home working on the car every night, he decided maybe this wasn’t such a bad idea after all.  

It wasn’t long before Doug started to win races.  In just his third season of competition, Doug won the Dorney Park track championship.  The Hoffmans decided to move their racing onto the area dirt tracks the following year.  

Hoffman’s first dirt car was a former Frank Cozze Olsen chassis.  A trip to Olsen’s shop resulted in a long list of items that was needed for the race car.  That list was posted on the Hoffman family refrigerator – just like a Christmas list – where family and friends could select what piece they would purchase. 

Doug’s early dirt car racing wasn’t very successful.  After several wrecks, it was Budd Olsen who convinced Hoffman to come to Bridgeport.  Olsen maintained that it was good track to learn on.  Bridgeport’s 5/8th mile track was big and wide and gave a driver plenty of room to race.  And as they say – the rest is history.  By 1982, Hoffman’s career was really taking off.  Hoffman was winning races and attracting sponsors to support his racing efforts. 

Doug Hoffman earned 482 victories during his career while racing at around forty tracks in nine different states and two Canadian provinces.  Twenty-five times he was a track or series champion.  Hoffman won four Bridgeport titles and collected ninety-two Bridgeport feature wins – second only to Jimmy Horton. 

It was at Doug’s urging that led Keith from behind the scenes to behind the wheel, taking a second car out on a few occasions and then competing with the Rookies at Flemington during the 1990 season.

When both Doug and Keith were racing, they tried not to race against each other – at least not on a regular basis.

In 2001, Doug was the track champion at both East Windsor and Bridgeport.  Keith won the track titles at both Big Diamond and New Egypt.

Doug Hoffman had a second racing career as a promoter.  He took on the challenges of the Bridgeport Speedway for the 2012 season and breathed life back into the Logan Township racing facility.  The Poker Series was started by Hoffman during his years promoting the Mahoning Valley Speedway.  He introduced the Poker Series at Bridgeport and it was well received.  2019 will mark the eighth year of Bridgeport’s Poker Series with Hoffman’s Memorial Race being the first hand in the 2019 series.

The 60 Over – Doug Hoffman Memorial Race always attracts a stout field of cars to the Bridgeport opener.

To date, Ryan Watt is the only driver who has repeated in this event.  Bobby Varin picked up the win in 2013 in the Atlas Trucking No. 66.  Watt’s first win came one year later with Ryan Godown picking up the win in 2015 behind the wheel of Bill Hewlett’s No. 901.  Dominick Buffalino put Pat Michael’s No. 51M in the Winner’s Circle in 2016 while Stewart Friesen collected the victory one year later.  Watt’s second 60 Over victory came last season.

Pit gates will open at noon on Saturday with the grandstand gates opening at 2pm.  Warm-ups will begin at 3 with racing getting underway at 4pm.  Grandstand admission will be $25 with children ages 10-15 at $10.  Children under ten years of age are admitted free.  Admission to the pits will be $35,

Come early and take advantage of all that the Bridgeport Speedway has to offer.  Free musical entertainment.  Ride the Bandit Bus to get a look behind the scenes as you ride through the pit area.  Enjoy the many delectable delights that the refreshment stands have to offer.  And don’t forget to pick up the latest in Bridgeport Speedway swag – new shirts will be available for the season opener.  You will want to add a copy of the official Bridgeport Speedway program – the Bridgeport Bullet – a welcome addition to any race fan’s collection.

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

 

 

The Bridgeport Speedway is pleased to welcome Sunbelt Rentals of  Swedesboro, New Jersey as the Division Sponsor of the Outlaw Stocks this season.

Sunbelt Rentals is one of the largest equipment rental companies in North America.  From their more than 825 locations, they are paving the way to serve the varied needs of their customers.  From front end loaders, lifts and back hoes to power washers, generators and woodsplitters, Sunbelt Rentals is paving the way to serve all of the needs of their customers, as varied and they may be.

Sunbelt Rentals hopes to reach the small contractors and local homeowners at the Bridgeport Speedway by fulfilling their equipment needs.

Sunbelt Rentals supports their customers with solutions to any project.  From the small projects to the industrial giants, planned and unplanned, Sunbelt Rentals is there to provide the equipment needed.

With the start of the 2019 season just around the corner, the Sunbelt Rental Outlaw Stocks will join the Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds and the South Jersey Overhead Doors 602 Crate Sportsman as they three regular divisions featured at the Bridgeport Speedway.  The Outlaw Stocks are Bridgeport’s full fender division.  They provide many thrills on any race night with their three wide racing and fender rubbing excitement.

All three divisions will be featured in Bridgeport’s Season Opener on Saturday, March 30th for the running of the 60 Over Special – the Doug Hoffman Memorial Race.

For your equipment rental needs, you can visit Sunbelt Rentals at 223 Paulsboro Road in Swedesboro, NJ or by calling (856) 467-9555.

It has never been a secret that a buyer was being sought for the Bridgeport Speedway.

Following the death of Doug Hoffman, Ramey brought together Keith Hoffman, Dave Adams and Danny Serrano to form a management team to oversee the operation of the track, starting with the 2013 racing season. Kolby Ramey, Brian’s son, and later his daughter, Hali, became integral members of the team that would bring in the Bridgeport Speedway into the forefront of dirt track racing in the tri-state area.

It was Ramey’s intent to show that the Bridgeport Speedway could be successfully run as a race track and then to attract a new owner.

During Sunday’s Annual Bridgeport Speedway Employee Meeting, that plan became a reality when Ramey introduced Doug Rose as the new owner of the Bridgeport Speedway.

Rose is no stranger to area racing.  A former racer in Modifieds, midgets and SpeedSTRs, Rose has been the co-owner of the Action Track USA at the Kutztown Fairgrounds since 2013 when Richie Tobias took on the quarter mile dirt track to return professional style racing to the Reading, PA area.  Rose has played a major role in the success of that operation and will bring his experience to the three tracks that make up the Bridgeport Speedway.

“Through my own business, I’ve always believed that if you plan properly, then you stand a chance to succeed,” Ramey told those in attendance. And that’s exactly what Ramey has planned with the transition with Rose.  Rose will work with Ramey and the Bridgeport team throughout the 2019 season as he learns the ins and outs of the management of the Bridgeport Speedway and then Rose will assume ownership in 2020. The Ramey family will remain involved until their support is no longer needed.

It is the intent to move forward and make Bridgeport “bigger and better than its been.”

“I really don’t haven’t made any specific plans so far,” Rose related.  “I want to see how everything is run.  What’s attracted me to Bridgeport is its infrastructure and the way that it’s been managed and run.  There is a strong foundation here.”

“The Modifieds are where my background lies,” Rose explained.  “But with the Action Track, I’ve had the chance to work with those divisions.  I feel that the 600s and Slingshots are the future of auto racing. I think the two tracks can really work well together.  That’s the goal – to grow both!”

Rose and his wife, Brittany, will begin this new venture as the 2019 season quickly approaches.  “She is just as much a part of this as I am,” Rose added.

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

The 2019 season is just around the corner with an open practice session planned for both the Spirit Speedway quarter mile and the 5/8^th mile track on Saturday, March 23.  The 60 Over Special, Doug Hoffman Memorial will go to the green flag to start the 2019 season just one week later on Saturday, March 30^th.

Bridgeport, NJ – The much anticipated 2019 racing season is just weeks away here in the Northeast.  Bridgeport Speedway will host their annual open practice on Saturday, March 23 for both 5/8 and 1/4 mile layouts.  A special 3/8 practice will be held on Friday night May 10, while the first race will take place on Saturday, March 30 for the 7th Annual 60over Special – Doug Hoffman Memorial event which will also be Hand #1 for the track’s ’19 Poker Series.

After much consideration and deliberation, the weekly qualifying format will be totally different than in years past which was based on the last three ‘point’ shows of money earned.  In 2019 a weekly draw for heat race and feature starting spots will be held just as it is for the micro sprint Friday program.  Drivers will draw each week for their heat race starting spots.  The drivers who make the ‘handicap’ will then redraw for their feature starting positions.  Just like Friday’s format, the only thing that will ‘carry over’ to following point show is if the winner from the previous point show makes the handicap they will start last amongst the handicapped cars.  If 2 heats are run, the top 5 from each heat race will redraw, where 3 heats will see the top 4 from each heat make the redraw.  Should the winner from the previous week make the redraw they would start 10th or 12th respectively just for that week.

All shows (15 Saturdays, 2 Poker, World of Outlaw show) starting on Saturday, May 4 through Saturday, September 7 will carry traditional points towards the 2019 track championship in the South Jersey Overhead Door 602 Crate Sportsman division.  “We usually have a couple of ‘show up’ point races during the year, but since everything will be a draw this season, it only makes sense to incorporate as many point shows as we can,” offered track manager Danny Serrano.  “There are 18 scheduled points shows this season.  Hopefully the weather won’t affect us like it did last year.”

There have been over a dozen new engines sealed this off-season by the authorized Bridgeport shops.  After a very successful ‘year one’ with the ‘Crate-Lock’ program, the future is extremely bright for Bridgeport’s 602 division.  “Last year we had 13 different winners, and I think we can easily match that number this season,” Serrano added.

The D.A.’s Auto Body Rookie Division is also seeking participants for the 2019 season.  Since 2013 the rookie class has produced champions such as Ian Humphries, Matt Peck, Steve Kemery, Chuck Sayres, Jim Gallagher Jr., and most recently Sammy Martz Jr.  $500 awaits the champion while second and third place will also place in the money.  Drivers that are interested in competing in the ’19 Rookie Series should call Danny Serrano (609-433-4487)to register.

For all the latest news and happenings at Bridgeport Speedway you can visit the track’s website at www.bpspeedway.com, call the track at 856-467-4408, or follow them on social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

 

 

The Bridgeport Speedway is pleased to announce that the Manning family’s Design for Vision Opticians and Sunglass Central businesses will again be the title sponsors for Bridgeport’s 3/8-mile track.

It was Donald Manning, Sr. who started the optical business, learning his trade in the military as well as in the labs of New York City.  The Manning patriarch opened the first Design for Vision location in February of 1955 in Morrisville.  Some twenty years later, the Langhorne location was opened, operated by Don Manning, Jr.  More stores were added as the business grew with now in New Hope, Newtown, Jamison and Levittown.  Design for Vision provides a selection of over 2000 frames in each location and provides eye exams and contact lenses by independent optometrists.  A few years ago, Sunglass Central was added to the Newtown, Jamison and New Hope locations.  Sunglass Central specializes in the area of both prescription and non-prescription sport sunglasses, sold for both fashion and function alike. Sunglass Central carries all major brands such as Oakley, Gucci, Costa, Maui Jim, Ray Ban, Tiffany Wiley X, Silhouette, Oliver Peoples and more.  All eye wear is still produced in the Manning’s state of the art lab in Morrisville for better quality control as well as delivery time.

Don Manning, Jr. was a competitor here at Bridgeport in the late 80s and early 90s, running in the Small Block Modified division.  Manning has eight feature wins to his credit.  Don and his son, Roger returned to racing at Bridgeport during the 2016 season.  Racing in the Crate/Sportsman division, Roger earned his first victory in the partial season and backed it up with another win and a third-place finish in the point standings for the 2017 season.  The Manning’s made the move into the Big Block Modified ranks in 2018 and will continue to compete in this division this season.

“We’re happy to do this again,” Don Manning stated.  “We want to support Bridgeport and we’re happy that we have a company that enables us to do just that.”  The Manning’s have supported the Bridgeport Speedway and in return, the many of the fans and competitors have looked to the Manning family to fulfill their eyewear needs.

The Design for Vision/Sunglass Central Speedway will see action for the first time on Saturday, May 11th when the Big Block Modifieds and 602 Crate Sportsman are joined by the 305 sprints cars of the Mid Atlantic Sprint Series, the Rookies and Vintage stock cars.  The Big Block Modifieds, 602 Crate Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks and Rookies return to the 3/8th on the following Saturday, May 18th.  Then the World of Outlaws will take their first laps on the Design for Vision/Sunglass Central Speedway on Tuesday, May 21st when they are joined by the 602 Crate Sportsman for the doubleheader show.

On Sunday, May 26th the Design for Vision/Sunglass Central Speedway will host its first Poker Series event when the All American 40 comes to the 3/8th mile surface.  The USAC East Coast Wingless Sprint Cars will join the Big Block Modifieds and 602 Crate Sportsman for this tripleheader event.

Saturday night racing returns to the Design for Vision/Sunglass Central Speedway for the next two Saturday nights.  On the first of June, the Big Block Modifieds, 602 Crate Sportsman, Rookies, MASS 305 Sprint Cars and Vintage will be featured on Bridgeport’s third speedway.  One week later the Outlaw Stocks join the Big Block Modifieds, 602 Crate Sportsman and Rookies for a show on Saturday night, June 8th.  Then on Wednesday, June 12, the Eastern Storm returns with the wingless USAC 410 Sprint Cars that put on a great race just a year ago when they made their first appearance.  Winged 600 Micro Sprints will also compete during this mid-week show.

The Bridgeport Speedway continues to provide a safe, fun and family oriented environment for the world’s greatest racing entertainment.

Upcoming events

Opening Day 2019 – March 30, 2019 – 60 Over Special – Doug Hoffman Memorial (Rain Date – Sunday, March 31 if needed)

Sunday, April 14 – United Racing Club season opener with Big Block Modifieds and 602 Crate Sportsman

Tickets on Sale Now for World of Outlaws NOS Energy Sprint Cars at Bridgeport

BRIDGEPORT, NJ — February 2, 2019 — It may have taken an extra year, but the winged warriors from the World of Outlaw NOS® Energy Drink Sprint Car Series are set to invade Bridgeport Speedway’s 3/8-mile Design for Vision/Sun Glass Central Speedway on Tuesday, May 21.

This year will mark the first time since 2003 the Outlaws have raced at Bridgeport. The previous seven races at Bridgeport were on the track’s 5/8-mile oval, where Sammy Swindell won five times, Steve Kinser won once and Johnny Herrera won once. This year’s event will be on the track’s 3/8-mile surface, more conducive to the high-speed, side-by-side, wheel-to-wheel action that fans can’t see enough.

“One of the reasons we built the 3/8-mile track was to have big events, and there’s nothing bigger than a World of Outlaws race,” Bridgeport’s Kolby Ramey said. “We can’t wait to see drivers like Donny Schatz and Brad Sweet and all of the Outlaws come to Bridgeport and take on our local racers plus the top stars from Pennsylvania.”

Tickets for the Outlaws only stop this year in New Jersey are now on sale at WorldofOutlaws.com/tix, or call 844-DIRT-TIX.

For more on the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars, make sure to follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or check out WorldofOutlaws.com.

Written by Chris Dolack – World Racing Group

The Bridgeport Speedway welcomes the return of Spirit Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram of Swedesboro for the 2019 racing season.

The Bridgeport Speedway and Spirit Auto Center have formed a successful relationship that will start its sixth year when the cars take to the Logan Township track at the end of March.

Spirit came on board six years ago as the division sponsor of the track’s headlining division – the Big Block Modifieds.  Two years later, Spirit also became the primary sponsor of the Bridgeport Speedway quarter mile track now known as Spirit Speedway.

“We have such a great partnership with Spirit Chrysler Dodge Jeep  and Ram of Swedesboro,” states Bridgeport Speedway owner, Brian Ramey.  “Our goal every year is to grow our relationship and evolve so that we are continuing to offer their product to our fans in an all new rich and unique way.  We are excited to have them back on board for the 2019 race season and can’t wait to see what this season brings for both of us.”

Spirit has a host of vehicles on display every weekend, allowing fans to view the cars, trucks and jeeps in a relaxed environment.  Spirit’s Dan Stephens, Spirit’s Promotion and Events Coordinator,  is on hand to answer any questions that the race fans may have.  The vehicles are accessible so interested parties can try them out for size!  “We have an incredible relationship with track management, staff, race crews and fans.  I enjoy talking to all that come through the gates at the track,” Stephens relates.  “It is so much more enjoyable to talk with folks about our wide range of vehicles in a non-threatening environment.  Folks can look over, climb in and have questions answered in a very relaxed setting.”  And while Stephens doesn’t proclaim to know all the answers, he works throughout the year to have all of the latest information at his fingertips and he has a great support system for those occasions when he might not know the answer.  “This year I am excited to share the 2019 Motor Trend Truck of the Year – the Ram 1500 and the 2019 Motor Trend SUV of the Year – the Jeep Wrangler,” Stephens added.  “Talking with and getting to know the race fans is the best part of my job.”  Fans who take Stephens’ business card to Spirit when they purchase a vehicle will receive a 2019 season pass to the Bridgeport Speedway.

This season, Spirit will also sponsor two nights of racing  – First Responders Night (date to be announced) and the fourth annual King of the Big Blocks in September.

For the first time, a Spirit Sportsmanship Award will be presented at season’s end, honoring the driver and race team that have portrayed the best spirit of sportsmanship throughout the season.  Two awards will be presented – one for the 5/8th mile speedway and one for the quarter mile Spirit Speedway.  The award will be selected by vote by the drivers and will be presented at the awards banquet at the end of the season.

The Bridgeport Speedway is very pleased to welcome Spirit Chrysler Dodge Jeep  and Ram of Swedesboro as part of our racing family – back again in 2019!