​TWO BIG DAYS OF RACING COMING TO 5/8TH MILE BRIDGEPORT SPEEDWAY

 

 
​TWO BIG DAYS OF RACING COMING TO 5/8TH MILE BRIDGEPORT SPEEDWAY
 
​Two big days of racing are on tap at the Bridgeport Speedway in the coming week.  
 
On Sunday, the racing action will return to the 5/8th mile track at the Bridgeport Speedway for the final race of the Pre Season Point Championship.  
 
Speedway management decided to make the change from the 3/8th mile facility because of the Super DIRTcar event at the track just three days later.  Transitioning between to the two racing surfaces has proven to be more challenging than could have been anticipated when the season schedule was prepared.  Running the 5/8th mile track on Sunday will also give area race teams another chance to prepare for the Battle of the Bridge on May 16th.  
 
In addition to point money for the top finishing positions in points, the top thirteen drivers in each division will also receive a card for their 811 Dig Safely Poker Series hand with an Ace going to the top point man all the way down to a deuce for the thirteenth place finish in points.
 
After two events, Jeff Strunk is the leader in the Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds with 120 points over second place, Ryan Godown (98) and Duane Howard (92).  Tommy Scheetz, Sr. leads the way in the Stewart Stainless 602 Crate Sportsman with 90 points to Eric Kormann’s 88 points and Steve Kemery’s 84 points.  The Pennco Tech Outlaw Stocks have only competed once on the new surface with Jeramy Doerr leading the way with 90 points over Tom Wills, Jr. (56) and Spider Ensinger (52).  
 
Pit gates will open on Sunday at 3:30 with the grandstands opening at 4:30.  Grandstand admission is $20 with kids 10-15 for $10 and 9 and under are free.  Pit admission is $35.
 
Then just three days later, it’s the Battle of the Bridge as the Super DIRTcar series returns to the Bridgeport Speedway.  
 
This event will be the first race of the season in the Northeast for the Super DIRTcar series after inclimate weather caused the cancellation of the High Bank Holdup last month at the Fulton Speedway.  If this event compares to the 2017 race, it will be a night that no racing fan will want to miss!
 
Billy Pauch, Jr. was the early race leader in the 2017 event until Rick Laubach took command on lap three.  Ryan Watt had just taken the lead on lap ten when Laubach headed pitside for a tire change.  It was Watt all the way to the checkered with Billy Pauch trailing him to the checkered.  Peter Britten was the highest DIRTseries competitor with his third place finish.  After growing up watching ‘This Week on Dirt’, Watt found himself a race winner in the Super DIRTcar series event.  Forty-seven Big Block Modifieds were on hand for the first DIRTcar event to be held at Bridgeport since November 2005.
 
It was Matt Sheppard who was crowned as the 2017 Super DIRTcar Series champion over Billy Decker, Larry Wight, Pat Ward and Jimmy Phelps.  They will be on hand for the Battle of the Bridge at Bridgeport along with a host of Bridgeport regulars and invaders from throughout the Northeast when the Super DIRTcar Series makes it return.  
 
Pit gates will open at 3pm and grandstands at 5pm with racing getting underway at 7:15.  Grandstand admission is $30, $10 for kids 10-15, 9 and under are free.  Pit admission is $40.
 
As always, plan to arrive early and enjoy all that the Bridgeport Speedway has to offer!  Live music, great concessions, a Bounce House and a big wooden monster truck for the kids to play on and as always, rides to the pits on the Bandit Bus for a look behind the scenes before the racing gets underway.  Take home a Bridgeport Speedway souvenir or a copy of the Bridgeport Bullet, the official program of the Bridgeport Speedway.  
 
The Bridgeport Speedway continues to provide a safe, fun and family oriented environment for the world’s greatest racing entertainment.
 

Upcoming events

Sunday, May 13 – Pre-Season Championship Night – Big Block Modifieds, 602 Crate Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks & Rookies on the 5/8th mile, racing at 6pm

Wednesday, May 16 – Battle of the Bridge – Super DIRTcar Series event – DIRTcar Big Blocks and 602 Crate Sportsman, racing at 7:15  (Rain date – Thursday)

Tuesday, May 22 – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars & 602 Crate Sportsman on Design for Vision/Sunglass Central 3/8th mile – racing at 7:30 (Rain date –Wed 5/23)

Satruday, May 26 – 5/8 & 1/4 mile Double Header – Big Block Modifieds, 602 Crate Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks, Rookies, 270 & 600 Micro Sprints, racing at 6pm

Bridgeport’s May 13 Show Moved to 5/8 Track – 602 Crate Sportsman Championship Points Clarified

 

 

Bridgeport, NJ – The final ‘Preseason’ event at Bridgeport scheduled for this upcoming Sunday has been relocated to the 5/8 mile track.  Originally scheduled for the all-new Design for Vision/Sunglass Central 3/8 track, after much deliberation and strategy, track management felt best to host the event on the 5/8 mile.  “It’s much easier to sit back in January and make a plan or schedule on paper however, it’s a totally different ball game to execute that plan when that moment comes,” offered General Manager Danny Serrano.

 

“For starters, we’re really pleased with most aspects of our new endeavor, the 3/8, although we will continuously make efforts to improve upon it. We can certainly see the areas where it can shine.  That being said, there’s much more work that goes into preparing for the necessary transition between the two tracks than we anticipated.  Our original plan of three races in a row had to be abandoned because of our 1/4 mile Poker Series event this past Sunday (avoiding conflict with Action Track).  So, we kicked off the 5/8 point season and were going to have to switch back to the 3/8 this Sunday, only to transform the 5/8 back into racing shape in two short days for the Super DIRTcar Series event.  Unfortunately, that’s way to much work in a 48 hour window…and that’s without any unforeseen weather issues. Also, in the process we have uncovered, created and discovered new opportunities for improvements. Our mission remains the same and we are committed to tackling all opportunities presented. But, at this juncture, we must ensure the 5/8 mile is the best it can be for the upcoming DIRTcar show next Wednesday & then our attentions will return to the 3/8.  We apologize to the fans and race teams that were looking forward to the 3-race finale on the new track.  However, it’s in the best interest for us to maintain the integrity of the 5/8 track in order to host the best event possible for the Super DIRTcar race,” Serrano summarized.

 

This Sunday will be the final ‘Preseason’ points race where the top 5 Modifieds will receive $1,000, $800, $600, $400, & $300.  The top 602 Crate Sportsman will earn $500, $400, $300, $200, & $100 respectively.  The Outlaw Stock drivers will earn $250, $150, & $100.  The D.A.’s Auto Body Rookies will round out the show for their regularly schedule point race.  Sunday’s ‘pill draw’ race has no bearing on the traditional season-long point championship, just the ‘Preseason’ points.  Pit Gates will open at 3:30pm, Grandstands at 4:30pm with the first green flag waving at 6pm.

 

All 602 Crate Sportsman will receive 50 bonus points for competing in the May 16 Super DIRTcar Series event as well as the May 22 World of Outlaws event.  For more information please log onto www.bpspeedway.com or call the track at 856-467-4408.

PAUCH TRIUMPHS FOR 60TH CAREER VICTORY AT BRIDGEPORT SPEEDWAY

 

 
 
​After struggling through a winless season last year, Billy Pauch rallied the troops and raced to victory in the twenty-five lap Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modified feature at the Bridgeport Speedway on Saturday night.   
 
It was an emotional win for Pauch who has accumulated more than seven hundred victories throughout his career.   A wreck during a heat race in Friday night competition left Pauch’s K&A Excavating No. 1 questionable for a Saturday night race.  “We really wadded it up last night,” the winner explained.  “We even had my grandson hammering on the car.  Everybody worked so hard…”  Pauch credited his family, including his two year old grandson, and crew for their hard work in preparing the winning car.
 
Richie Pratt, Jr. took lead at the wave of the green and immediately began todistance himself from the field but multiple cautions kept the competition close.  Pratt led through the first six laps before Pauch raced into the lead on lap seven.  After starting twelfth, Ryan Watt raced into third on lap nine and then took over second with a pass by Neal Williams just before the half way mark.  Watt was closing on the leader before a lap fourteen caution set up a restart, putting Pauch and Watt side by side.
 
Pauch and Watt raced side by side on lap fifteen before the caution waved again.  Pauch raced to the green ahead of the field and was able to pull away as the next ten laps remained under green.  Pauch led Watt to the finish line to capture the 60th Bridgeport win of career.  Watt fell one spot short of setting a new Bridgeport record for six consecutive wins on the 5/8th mile track.  The record stands at five and is shared by Watt, Kenny Brightbill and Wade Hendrickson.  Williams finished third with Jim Britt racing to fourth after starting eleventh.  Pratt rounded out the top five at the checkered.
Brad Roberts led every lap of the twenty lap Stewart Stainless 602 Crate Sportsman feature event for his first Bridgeport win of the season.  Roberts is racing a throwback number and paint scheme to honor his grandfather,Ron Roberts this season, racing the Bailey’s Paving No. 123, just as his grandfather did some twenty seasons ago.  It was Roberts first win since the 2016 season.
 
Eric Kormann trailed Roberts to the checkered with Tom Moore taking over third late in the race.  Jeremy Harrington finishedfourth with Bobby Bracall crossing the line in fifth.
 
Jeramy Doerr raced to his second win of the season in the Pennco Tech Outlaw Stock feature.  Doerr took the lead from Andrew Joslin on the first lap and never looked back.  2017 Outlaw Champion, Tom Wills, Jr. finished second with Brian Ludwig racing into third in the closing laps.  Mike Creamer held off Lee Allen for fourth as they raced to the checkered.
 
Dave Hartman led every lap of the caution free DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookie feature but it was Sammy Martz Jr. who captured his first feature win with a pass by Hartman as the leaders raced out of turn four on the final lap.  Martz started deep in the field.  Hartman had a sizable lead by the time that Martz made his way past Parker Guildin to take over second.  The third generation racer, Martz took the victory over Hartman with Guldin finishing third.  
 
Racing action returns to the Design for Vision/Sunglass Central 3/8 mile track at Bridgeport next Sunday for the final race of the Pre-Season Points.  The Big Block Modifieds, 602 Crate Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks and Rookies will be in action with racing getting underway at 6pm.  

SPIRIT AUTO CENTER BIG BLOCK MODIFIEDS (25 laps): 1. Billy Pauch, Sr., 2. Ryan Watt, 3. Neal Williams, 4. Jim Britt, 5. Richie Pratt, Jr., 6. Rick Laubach, 7. Tommy Beamer, 8. David Hunt, 9. Bucky Kell, 10. Wade Hendrickson, 11. Butch Tittle, 12. Roger Manning, 13. Tom Macherrone, 14. Ernie Miles, III, 15. Ron Roberts, 16. Dave Shirk, 17. Rusty Smith, 18. Jack Swain, 19. Jesse Hill, 20. Sam Martz

 

STEWART STAINLESS SUPPLY 602 CRATE SPORTSMAN (20 laps): 1. Brad Roberts, 2. Eric Kormann, 3. Tom Moore, 4. Jeremy Harrington, 5. Bobby Bracall, 6. Tommy Errico, 7. Frank Dorry, 8. Jim Gallagher, Jr., 9. Danny Buccafusca, 10. David Crossman, 11. John Micek, 12. Chris Jenkins, 13. Dave Damiano, 14. Sammy Martz, Jr., 15. Roger Gaskill, 16. Parker GuldIn, 17. David Hartman, 18. Ray Cost, 19. Tom Holding, 20. Howard Huepfel, 21. Tom Sherby, 22. Steve Kemery, 23. Seth Spayd, 24. Pete Serra, DNS – Wayne Weaver, DNQ – Charles Stone, Ernie Miles, Jr., Rich Wegner, Sr., Matt Luzi, Olivia Ingersoll

 

PENNCO TECH OUTLAW STOCKS (15 laps): 1. Jeramy Doerr, 2. Tom Wills, Jr., 3. Brian Ludwig, 4. Michael Creamer, 5. Lee Allen, 6. Darren Cox, 7. Gary Elliott, 8. Ken Moren, 9. Andrew Joslin, 10. Keith McKinley, 11. Eric Mattson, 12. Scott Hulmes, 13. Rich Stinson, Sr.

D.A.’S AUTO BODY AND REPAIR ROOKIES (8 laps): 1. Sammy Martz, Jr., 2. David Hartman, 3. Parker Gulden, 4. Seth Spayd, 5. Danny Buccafusca

Upcoming events

Sunday, May 13 – Pre-Season Championship Night – Big Block Modifieds, 602 Crate Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks & Rookies on the 3/8th mile, racing at 6pm

Wednesday, May 16 – Battle of the Bridge – Super DIRTcar Series event – DIRTcar Big Blocks and 602 Crate Sportsman, racing at 7:15  (Rain date – Thursday)

Tuesday, May 22 – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars & 602 Crate Sportsman on Design for Vision/Sunglass Central 3/8th mile – racing at 7:30 (Rain date –Wed 5/23)

Satruday, May 26 – 5/8 & 1/4 mile Double Header – Big Block Modifieds, 602 Crate Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks, Rookies, 270 & 600 Micro Sprints

​

STRUNK, SIMMONS & WAGNER SHARE GRAND OPENING VICTORIES ON BRIDGEPORT 3/8TH MILE

 

“Build it and they will come.”  Remember that great line from the classic film, Field of Dreams?

Well the Bridgeport Speedway built it and they came to the Grand Opening of the Design for Vision/Sunglass Central 3/8th mile track at the Bridgeport Speedway!

The Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds, the Stewart Stainless 602 Crate Sportsman, the Delaware Auto Exchange Mid Atlantic Sprint Series (MASS) and the DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookies each had their first crack at the new racing surface with Jeff Strunk, Ryan Simmons, Eddie Wagner and Danny Buccafusca writing their names in the history books as the first feature winners on the Design for Vision/Sunglass Central 3/8th mile track.

There was a lot of excitement to go around but the Big Block Modifieds had the fans on their feet as the field raced to the checkered flag!

Danny Bouc was the race’s early leader in the C&S Equipment No. 6, holding off challenges from Matt Stangle for the first six laps.  Stangle took the lead on lap seven but Bouc was back in front the next timearound.

Jeff Strunk was challenging for the runner-up spot prior to alap ten caution.  After starting outside row four, Strunk took over second on lap thirteen.  Bouc led the way with ten to go with Strunk, Stangle, Ryan Godown and Duane Howard in tow.

As the field headed through turns one and two on lap sixteen, Bouc spun in front of the back.  Everyone was able to get by as the field regrouped for the restart with Strunk out in front and Bouc restarting from the rear.  Strunk led with pressure from Stangle through a caution on lap nineteen when Billy Pauch Jr. slowed on the backstretch.  Stangle was on the throttle on the restart, taking the lead with seven laps to go.

Strunk wasn’t giving up as he raced after Stangle and challenged several times in the final laps but each time, Stangle prevailed.  Godown was right behind the leaders, just waiting for an opportunity.  Stangle and Strunk raced side by side as they took the white flag and the race was on to the checkered.  The fans were on their feet as Strunk put the Hyneman No. 126 on the inside of Stangle’s Ace Materials No. 6 in turn three.  It was anyone’s race as the leader’s exited turn four with Strunk winning the drag race to the checkered to be the first Modified feature winner on the new track.  Stangle finished second followed by Godown, Howard and Rick Laubach.

Former Rookie Champion, Steve Kemery took the lead in the 602 Crate Sportsman feature from Jeremy Harrington following a lap six restart.  Kemery ran the outside to take the lead but contact with Harrington between turns three and four sent both front runners spinning and then to the pits for repairs.  Ryan Simmons was the race’s new leader.

Simmons had his hands full with Brad Roberts until the final lap when Roberts clipped the inside barrier in turn two and spun.  That put a very determined Eric Kormann on his bumper for the run to the checkered but Simmons prevailed for his first ever Bridgeport victory on the Design for Vision/Sunglass Central 3/8th mile track.  Kormann finished second followed by Joe Brown, Rookie, Danny Buccafusca and Tommy Sheetz, Sr.

Eddie Wagner came away with the win in the MASS Sprint Car feature and became the first driver to win on all three of the Bridgeport tracks.  Wagner has a 600 Micro win on the Spirit quarter mile and now winged sprint car wins on both the 5/8th and 3/8th mile speedways.

Rick Stief led the way for the MASS competitors until lapped traffic became a factor in the closing laps.  Wagner took the lead on lap eighteen as Mike Haggenbottom was on the move through the top five.  Haggenbottom was challenging for second before contact by Tyler Reinhardt sent the cars of Stief, Haggenbottom and Reinhart spinning between turns three and four on the final lap.  Wagner took the win over Dave Brown, Larry McVay, Brandon Poff and Logan Diehl.

Earlier in the day, Rockaway, NJ driver, Danny Buccafusca picked up the win in the DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookie Feature  – the first of the 2018 and the first feature to be run on the new 3/8th mile track.  Buccafusca, who has past experience in Slingshots and 600 Micros took the win over third generation driver, Sammy Martz Jr. making his first ever laps at Bridgeport.  Another Slingshot competitor, Seth Spayd finished third followed by Parker Guldin and David Hartman.  Buccafusca took the lead from Paige Brown as the two front row starters headed down the backstretch on lap one.  Buccafusca never looked back but Martz was closing fast in the final laps.

 

SPIRIT AUTO CENTER BIG BLOCK MODIFIEDS (25 laps): 1. Jeff Strunk, 2. Matt Stangle, 3. Ryan Godown, 4. Duane Howard, 5. Rick Laubach, 6. Jordan Watson, 7. Frank Cozze, 8. Jimmy Horton, 9. Wade Hendrickson, 10. Jim Britt, 11. Chris Grbac, 12. Danny Bouc, 13. Dillion Steuer, 14. Sam Martz, 15. Roger Manning, 16. Ryan Krachun, 17. Steve Davis, 18. Billy Pauch, Jr., 19. Ron Roberts, 20. Ricky DiEva, 21. David Hunt, 22. Ryan Watt, 23. Neal Williams, 24. Billy Pauch, Sr., DNQ – Tommy Beamer, Derek Krum, Bob Sarkisian, Richie Pratt, Jr.

 

 

STEWART STAINLESS SUPPLY 602 CRATE SPORTSMAN (20 laps): 1. Ryan Simmons, 2. Eric Kormann, 3. Joe Brown, 4. Danny Buccafusca, 5. Tom Scheetz, Sr., 6. Frank Dorry, 7. Bobby Bracall, 8. Wayne Weaver, 9. Steve Kemery, 10. Alonso Morales, 11. Sammy Martz, Jr., 12. Pete Serra, 13. Dave Hartman, 14. Ernie Miles, Jr., 15. John Cavallero, 16. Brad Roberts, 17. Tom Moore, 18. Jeremy Harrington, 19. Parker Gulden, 20. Seth Spayd, 21. Ray Cost

 

 

MASS 305 SPRINTS (20 laps): 1. Eddie Wagner, 2. Dave Brown, 3. Larry McVay, 4. Brendon Poff, 5. Logan Diehl, 6. Mark Bitner, 7. Jeff Geiges, 8. Tim Tanner, Jr., 9. Bryant Davis, 10. Samantha Lieberman, 11. C.J. Faison, 12. Jason Dunn, 13. Dom Melair, 14. Rick Stief, 15. Mike Haggenbottom, 16. Tyler Reinhardt, 17. David Bonner, 18. Zack Burd, 19. Joe Kay, 20. Dean Conk, Jr., 21. Ryan Stilwaggon, 22. Tom Carberry, Sr., 23. Austin Bishop, 24. Scott Frack, DNQ – Keith Anderson, Jon Haegele, Craig Pellegrini, Chad Conner, Dan Leaper

DA’S AUTO BODY & REPAIR ROOKIES (8 laps):  1. Danny Buccafusca, 2. Sammy Martz, Jr., 3. Seth Spayd, 4. Parker Guldin, 5. David Hartman, 6. Paige Brown

Upcoming events

Sunday, April 29 – Pre-Season #2 – South Jersey Shootout STSS – Big Blocks, 602 Crate Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks on 3/8th mile track, racing at 5pm

Saturday, May 5 – First Night of Points – Big Block Modifieds, 602 Crate Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks and Rookies, racing at 6pm

Sunday, May 13 – Pre-Season Championship Night – Big Block Modifieds, 602 Crate Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks & Rookies on the 3/8th mile, racing at 6pm

Wednesday, May 16 – Battle of the Bridge – Super DIRTcar Series event – DIRTcar Big Blocks and 602 Crate Sportsman, racing at 7:15  (Rain date – Thursday)

OPENING DAY IS SET FOR DESIGN FOR VISION/SUNGLASS CENTRAL 3/8 MILE AT THE BRIDGEPORT SPEEDWAY

 

 

So race fans – when was the last time that you attended the opening of a NEW race track?  Well that day has arrived!

The grand opening of the Design for Vision/Sunglass Central 3/8th mile track at the Bridgeport Speedway is coming this Sunday as four divisions of racing will take place on the new racing surface in the first event of the Pre-Season points.  The Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds, Stewart Stainless 602 Crate Sportsman, Pennco Tech Outlaw Stocks, DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookies and the Mid-Atlantic Sprint Car Series will compete in  their first events on Bridgeport’s third track.  The Vintage Cars will also take part in this great event.

More than fifty cars participated in the practice session held just two weeks before the opener as drivers prepared for the tracking opening to be followed by the Short Track Super Series event one week later on Sunday, April 29th.   For many, this Sunday will be their first attempt on the new track.  As the first race of the Pre-Season, the race winner will also earn an extra card for their 811 Dig Safely Poker Series hand.

Our new Miss Bridgeport Speedway, Angelica Martz, along with Bridgeport Speedway management will be hosting Bridgeport Goes Blue this Sunday as FACES 4 Autism will be in attendance for the new track opening.  Having worked with children with disabilities, Angelica wanted to use her Miss Bridgeport title to make a difference.  Everyone is being asked to wear there blue to the track on Sunday, April 22nd.  Fans are being asked to make a $1 donation at the gate for FACES 4 Autism with the Speedway matching the donations received.  

Racing gets underway at 5pm on Sunday but come early to enjoy all that the Bridgeport Speedway has to offer.  There will be live music, great concessions and as always, rides to the pits for the behind the scene action on the Bandit Bus.  

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

THE CAPITOL RENEGADE UNITED RACING CLUB SPRINT CARS COME TO BRIDGEPORT SPEEDWAY PRESENTED  BY BRB CONTRACTORS 

 

The Bridgeport Speedway will host its first big Sunday show of the season this Sunday as they host the season opener for the United Racing Club Sprint Cars for the fourth consecutive season.

The Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds will take to the 5/8th mile track for their regular show along with the Stewart Stainless 602 Crate Sportsman  and the DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookies.

Sunday’s racing will be brought to the fans by BRB Contractors out of King of Prussia, PA.  Bob Lilick the owner and operator of BRB Contractors has been involved in racing for many years and has fielded multiple cars in different divisions for his sons.   BRB Contractor’s is an Industrial, Commercial, and Residential Demolition, Excavation & Paving Company and has been in business for over 16 years. Contact BRB Contractors for all your Construction needs.

Ryan Watt has already picked up where he left off last season as he raced to the win in the 60 Over Special – Doug Hoffman Memorial

Race earlier this month.  The first 602 Crate Sportsman feature of the season was won by invader, Adam McAuliffe over Eric Kormann who closed in to challenge the leader in the final laps.  This event will be the first race of the season for the Rookies who have only had the opportunity to practice so far this season.

While this will be the first race of the season for URC competitors, several drivers started their season a week early by traveling to Carolina Speedway to compete in the North (URC) vs South (USCS) event that saw Mertztown, PA driver, Josh Weller capture the win – taking his first ever season opener.  Weller will be in the field Sunday when the Capitol Renegade United Racing Club throws the green flag on their 71st season.  Curt Michael and the Bill Gallagher No. 5G will be on hand to defend his title along with Troy Betts, Justin Whittall, Mark Bitner, Adam Carberry, Chris Coyle and more.

Racing will get underway at 5pm.  Come early and enjoy the many concessions offered by the Bridgeport Speedway as well as the free musical entertainment.  Take a ride on the Bandit Bus and get a close up look at the action in the pits before the racing action gets underway.  Pick up a copy of the Bridgeport Bullet – the official program of the Bridgeport Speedway.

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

Upcoming events

Sunday, April 15 – URC Sprints, Big Block Modifieds, 602 Crate Sportsman & Rookies

Sunday, April 22 – Pre-Season #1 Big Blocks, 602 Crate Sportsman, MASS Sprints, Vintage Cars and Rookies on 3/8th mile track

Sunday, April 29 – Pre-Season #2 – South Jersey Shootout STSS – Big Blocks, 602 Crate Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks on 3/8th mile track

WATT IS FIRST REPEAT WINNER IN 60 OVER SPECIAL AS BRIDGEPORT OPENS 2018 SEASON

 

 

In spite of Mother Nature’s unrelenting grip on winter weather, the Bridgeport Speedway welcomed a host of dedicated racing fans and officially opened their 2018 season with the 60 Over Special – Doug Hoffman Memorial  Event on Saturday.  The start of the season was greatly anticipated by both fans and competitors alike as they lined up to gain entrance to the grandstands and pit area for this event.

More than forty Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds, 29 Stewart Stainless 602 Crate Sportsman and 16 Pennco Tech Outlaw Stocks, filed into the pit area for the first day of racing.

The fans were not disappointed as the race teams rose to the occasion to deliver a great day of racing.  Ryan Watt became the first driver to repeat in the 60 Over Special – having won the 2014 event and now adding the win in the new season.   Adam McAuliffe traveled some five hours from his home in upstate New York to capture the victory in the first 602 Crate Sportsman feature in his first ever Bridgeport appearance.  Rich Stinson Jr. took his father’s Outlaw Stock to Victory Lane to open the new season.

The opening day event was also the first hand in the 811 Dig Safely 2018 Poker Series.  Aces were earned by the three race winners – Watt, McAuliffe and Stinson – as the 2018 competition gets underway.  Drivers finishing second through thirteenth will receive cards of a King through a deuce, respective of their finishing positions of second through thirteenth.

The top twelve qualifiers in the Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds participated in a revenge draw to determine the line-up for the forty-four lap 60 Over Special.  Ricky DiEva drew the outside pole and gave that position to Bridgeport regular, Tommy Beamer who promptly outgunned Mike Gular at the wave of the green flag to lead the twenty-six car field at the start.  Beamer led the way with Gular, Anthony Perrego, Craig VonDohren and Jim Britt in tow.

Making his way through the field from his eighth place start was Watt who had made his way to fourth by the second lap.  Perrego fell to Watt’s challenge a lap later as Gular was next on Watt’s radar.

Beamer had the Thornton Gulf No. 31 well out in front when the first caution waved on lap seven as Roger Manning limped to the pits with a left rear flag.  Watt raced by Gular on the restart and then, using the outside, Watt raced by Beamer to take the lead on lap eight.

Watt pulled away from the field while Beamer continued his hold on to the runner-up spot through a lap sixteen restart.   2017 60 Over winner, Stewart Friesen was on the move from his eleventh place start as he raced into fourth and began to pressure Perrego for third.  First Perrego and then Friesen completed the pass by Beamer to take over second and third.  Watt led Perrego, Friesen, Beamer and Bachetti through half way.  By lap twenty-seven, Watt was making his way through lapped traffic.

With less than fifteen laps remaining, Ryan Godown broke into the top five after racing his way from twelfth.  With Watt well out in front, Friesen continued to pressure Perrego while Godown chased Beamer for position.  Friesen won the position in the closing laps while Godown was able to best Beamer for fourth.

Watt led the way to the checkered flag followed by Friesen, Perrego, Godown and Beamer.  Bachetti, Duane Howard, Jim Britt, Jeff Strunk and Craig VonDohren rounded out the top ten at the finish.

Invader, Adam McAuliffe led the field of Stewart Stainless 602 Crate Sportsman to the start but it was third place starter, Jeremy Harrington who raced into the lead on the first lap.  A lap six caution was a game changer for the race as Harrington headed to the pits for a tire change.  Harrington’s misfortune moved second place competitor, Dave Schilling into the lead but Schilling never had the chance to lead a lap as he, too, headed to the pits with a tire issue.  McAuliffe became the new leader.  McAuliffe led the way to the checkered flag with a hard charging Eric Kormann closing the gap in the final laps to finish second.  Chris Jenkins finished third with Frank Dorry and Scott Kohler rounding out the top five.

Rich Stinson, Jr. took the field of Pennco Tech Outlaw Stocks to the green flag, leading every lap until 2017 Outlaw Stock Champion, Tom Wills, Jr. completed the pass for the lead on lap ten.  Two laps later, Wills, Jr. slowed with a right front flat, putting Stinson back out in front.  Stinson raced to the win over Spider Ensinger.  Mike Creamer recovered from a first lap spin to finish third over Lee Allen with Wills, Jr. racing back for a top five finish

Big Block Modified heat winners Duane Howard, Ricky DiEva, Ryan Godown and Mike Mahaney each received $50 courtesy of Mike Dise and the Mini Shed.  Stewart Friesen received a $200 bonus as the race’s Hard Charger from Precision Hydraulics & Oil.

Competitors will have the opportunity to practice on the Design for Vision/Sunglass Central 3/8 th mile track as well as the Spirit Auto Center quarter mile on Saturday, April 7th.  Racing action returns to the 5/8 mile track on Sunday, April 15th for the 2018 season opener for the United Racing Club Sprint Car season opener in addition to the Big Block Modifieds, 602 Crate Sportsman and Rookies.

SUMMARY – 60 Over Special – Doug Hoffman Memorial 811 Dig Safely Poker Series Hand #1

Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modified (44 laps): 1. Ryan Watt, 2. Stewart Friesen, 3. Anthony Perrego, 4. Ryan Godown, 5. Tommy Beamer, 6. Andy Bachetti, 7. Duane Howard, 8. Jim Britt, 9. Jeff Strunk, 10. Craig VonDohren, 11. Billy Pauch, Jr., 12. Jimmy Horton, 13. Wade Hendrickson, 14. Dominick Buffalino, 15. Davey Sammons, 16. Mike Mahaney, 17. Roger Manning, 18. Richie Pratt, Jr., 19. Rick Laubach, 20. Danny Bouc, 21. Brett Kressley, 22. Rick DiEva, 23. Billy Pauch, Sr., 24. Mike Gular, 25. Ron Roberts, 26. Neal Williams, DNQ – Sam Martz, Doug Manmiller, Butch Tittle, Dillon Steuer, Ernie Miles, III, Matt Stangle, Brian Papiez, Rusty Smith, Bob Sarkisian, Travis Hill, Mike Franz, Stan Frankenfield, Jesse Hill, J.R. Burritt, P.J. Oliver

Stewart Stainless 602 Crate Sportsman (20 laps): 1. Adam McAuliffe, 2. Eric Kormann, 3. Chris Jenkins, 4. Frank Dorry, 5. Scott Kohler, 6. Ryan Simmons, 7. John Criscion, 8. David Crossman, 9. Pete Serra, 10. Tom Creed, 11. Kevin Borden, 12. Mark Clauss, 13. Paul Hartwig, 14. David Schillings, 15. Tom Moore, 16. Jeremy Harrington, 17. Joe Brown, 18. Brad Roberts, 19. Wayne Weaver, 20. Steve Kemery, 21. Tommy Errico, 22. Rich Wenger, Jr., 23. Melissa Scarpati, 24. Parker Gulden, DNS – John Cavallero, Ernie Miles, Jr., Jim Gallagher, Jr., Ricky Thompson, Ray Cost

Pennco Tech Outlaw Stocks (15 laps): 1. Rich Stinson, 2. Spider Ensinger, 3. Mike Creamer, 4. Lee Allen, 5. Tom Wills, Jr., 6. Brian Ludwig, 7. Billy Wroble, 8. John Parker, 9. Andrew Joslin, 10. Gary Klimeczak, 11. Keith McKinley, 12. Jeramy Doerr, 13. Bill Liedtka, 14. Paul Donahue, 15. John Meyer, 16. Scott Hulmes

Upcoming events

Saturday, April 7 – Practice on 3/8 and 1/4 mile

Sunday, April 15 – URC Sprintsd, Big Block Modifieds, 602 Crate Sportsman & Rookies

Sunday, April 22 – Pre-Season #1 Big Blocks, 602 Crate Sportsman, MASS Sprints, Vintage Cars and Rookies

Wet Grounds Force Postponement of Bridgeport’s Practice…Next Weekend’s Schedule Adjusted

Bridgeport, NJ – Bridgeport Speedway’s open practice for this weekend has been postponed due to the residuals left behind from this week’s Nor’easter ‘Toby’.  “We were all set to start the season off with a great practice and then next week’s opener,” offered track owner Brian Ramey.  “After everything just dried out last week, this storm put us back where we were.  However, all next week looks pretty dry so we should be good for the Doug Hoffman Memorial.”

With this weekend’s change of plans, the schedule for next weekend has been slightly altered.  Friday’s 358 small block program has been cancelled in order to host a more detailed practice for all of 5/8 mile race teams.  The first scheduled D.A.’s Auto Body Rookie race will now be held the following week on Saturday, April 7.   Spirit Auto Center’s ¼ mile first practice will now take place on Saturday, April 7, which was already on the schedule for that day.  “It’s not ideal to shift things around so early in the season but, we truly feel having a safe, sound and solid practice before our first race, is important to for all the racers and staff involved at the speedway,” assessed Ramey.

Tomorrow’s scheduled practice will now shift to next Friday, March 30.  All fans who purchased a weekend pass for both days will be reimbursed $15 on Saturday.  All 5/8 competitors are welcomed to come test and tune for the upcoming season.  The Big Blocks, 602 Crate Sportsman, and Outlaw Stocks will still be vying for two ‘fast time’ redraw spots for Saturday’s feature events as previously planned.

Pit Gates will open at 3pm for Friday’s practice with safety inspection starting shortly after.  Grandstand admission will remain FREE to the public.  Cars will hit the track at 7pm for first of several rounds of hot lap sessions.  Then on Saturday, March 31the 6th Annual ‘60over Special’ will kick off the 2018 season at Bridgeport.  The Spirit Auto Center Big Blocks will race 44 laps and for $4,400 in the first hand of the 811 Dig Safe Poker Series.  The Stewart Stainless 602 Crate Sportsman will compete in a $1,000 to win 20 lapper, while the Pennco Tech Outlaw Stocks battle it out for a 15-lap $500 first place prize.  Pit Gates will open at noon with grandstand gates unlocking at 2pm.  The first green flag will fly at 4pm.  For more information please log onto www.bpspeedway.com or call the speedway at 856-467-4408

60 Over Special | Doug Hoffman Memorial Race Info

Friday – Camping Opens (FREE/No Hookups)

Hotel Accomodations:  Please try Holiday Inn first we have a ‘track rate’ with them.  856-467-3322 

Hampton Inn – 856-467-6200……Towne Place Suites – 856-241-9900

All Hotels are located at exit 10 just 5 minutes from the speedway.

Friday
358 Small Blocks 25 Laps  $2,500 to Win ($500-10th)
D.A.’s Auto Body 602 Crate Rookie Race #1 – 8 Laps (Bport Tire Stamp & Compound 44 three corners/48 RR)
Big Blocks will have three hot lap sessions (last two sessions will be on the clock) …Top (2 total) fastest timer of each session gets locked into Saturday’s Redraw
 Stewart Stainless 602 Crates will have three hot lap sessions (last two sessions will be on the clock) ….Top (2 total) fastest timer of each session gets locked into Saturday’s Redraw
Pennco Tech Outlaw Stocks will have three hot lap sessions  (last two sessions will be on the clock) ….Top (2 total) fastest timer of each session gets locked into Saturday’s Redraw
Pit Gates Open 3pm
Grandstands 6pm
Racing Begins 7:30
358 MODIFIED RULES FOR FRIDAY NIGHT
• Spec Head Engine on Alcohol: 2,350lbs.
• Spec Head Engine on Gas: 2,275lbs.
   NO Oxygenated Fuel
• Standard Bodies No Sail Panels
• Stewart Stainless 602 Crates (2350lbs – Aluminum Wheels & 6200 Chip)
Mahoning Valley Street Stock Rules Apply for Mahoning Cars for Outlaw Stocks
Tire Rules: American Racer Any Stamp(For 602 Crate, Small Blocks, & Big Blocks) • Fronts 33 or Harder Compound  • L/R 44 or Harder Compound • R/R 48 or Harder Compound
Saturday Hand No. 1  for Poker Series
Pennco Tech Outlaw Stocks $500 to win 15 Laps 
Stewart Stainless 602 Crate/Sportsman $1,000 to win 20 Laps, $100 to Start
Spirit Auto Center Big Block ’60over Special’ $4,400 to win 44 Laps ($500-10th…$300-Start)
Pit Gates Open Noon
Grandstands 2pm
Racing Begins 4pm

 

FRIESEN TO DEFEND 60 OVER SPECIAL – HOFFMAN MEMORIAL TITLE

 

When the Bridgeport Speedway throws open their gates for the start of the 2018 racing season, Stewart Friesen and his Halmar No. 44 team will be on hand to defend their title in the 60 Over Special – Doug Hoffman Memorial event.

 

Just one year ago, Friesen picked up his first win in this prestigious event  – a race that the accomplished driver from Sprakers, NY had had on his radar for some time.  “I’ve always wanted to win one of these races (60 Over Special – Doug Hoffman Memorial),” Friesen said after taking the checkered flag in the forty-four lap event.  “Doug was a friend of my family’s so this really means a lot.”

The connection between Friesen and Hoffman runs deep.  “I was always a fan,” Friesen went on to explain.  “Doug would run the DIRTcar races and come up to Ransomville.”  The Friesen family promoted races at the Ransomville Speedway.  “And, of course, we’d see him on the Pennsylvania swing when we’d come to Grandview and  then at Syracuse.”  Friesen’s uncle, Alex Friesen, had a long term working relationship with Doug Hoffman.  The two driver/promoters co-promoted together for a while at the Mahoning Valley Speedway.  “As a matter of fact, my uncle ran Doug’s car at Syracuse the year Doug won (the Fay’s 300).  Doug raced Billy Taylor’s car that year and Alex ran Doug’s car so he got to share in that celebration.”  “Doug’s memorial race was a big one on our hit list,” Friesen added.

Friesen has also worn the promoter’s hat in the past.  Those experiences have given Friesen some insight and respect for the role that race promoters play.  “I definitely appreciate what these guys put into it.  It’s a thankless job,” Friesen said of promoting races.  It was clear that he prefers his job behind the wheel.

These days, Stewart Friesen divides his track time between the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and his dirt track commitments.   In February, Friesen went back and forth between the Daytona International Speedway to compete with his Halimar Truck team and Volusia Speedway for the DIRTcar series.  His 2018 season has started out on a high note as Friesen as made giant steps in the Camping World Series so far.  Most recently at the Las Vegas Speedway, Friesen set second fastest time, won the second stage of the race and finished fifth at the checkered flag.  “We finally have competitve equipment,” Friesen explained.  “We’ve learned more in these last few races…”  His ability to be competitive in both the trucks and on dirt is due to the people behind the scenes according to Friesen.  “I have two great race teams.  I don’t have to worry about anything.  I just have to get in there and do my job.”

Freisen came close to winning the inaugural 60 Over Special.  He had the lead on the final lap but his Marty Burdick owned mount ran low on fuel as the field headed into the final turn.  It was a mad dash to the finish as cars were crashing as they came down the homestretch but it was Bobby Varin who raced to the finish line for the victory.

Last year’s event held its own level of excitement as Jeff Strunk raced into the lead on lap fourteen in the Hyneman No 126.  With just ten laps to go, the No. 126 lost some of its speed as the tone of the engine changed.  A restart with just two laps to go was Strunk’s undoing as as Friesen raced into the lead with just a little more than a lap to go.  Strunk held on to finish second with Duane Howard in third.

Friesen has a large fan following – and even more so since his move into the NASCAR ranks.  Friesen took time to spend with the fans at Bridgeport last season – staying behind the grandstand until every last fan had had their chance for autographs and conversation.

The 60 Over Special – Doug Hoffman Memorial is a two day event.  On Friday, March 30th, racing will get underway at 7:30pm as the Small Block Modifieds are featured along with the Pennco Tech Outlaw Stocks and first race for the 2018 DA’s Auto Body & Repairs Rookies.  There will also be an open practice session for the Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds and 602 Crate Sportsman.

The next day, on Saturday, March 31st, race time is 4pm for the Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds, Stewart Stainless 602 Crate Sportsman and Pennco Tech Outlaw Stocks in the first hand of the 2018 811 Dig Safe Poker Series.

The Bridgeport Speedway will be open for practice at noon, this Saturday.  Practice sessions will take place on both the 5/8th mile and quarter mile speedways.  A Sunday rain date is in place for this practice session.

Upcoming events

Saturday, March 24 – Practice on 5/8 and 1/4 mile

Friday & Saturday, March 30, 31 – 60 Over Weekend, Doug Hoffman Memorial, Poker Series Hand #1

Saturday, April 7 – Practice on 3/8 and 1/4 mile, Rookie Race #2

 

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