Bridgeport Motorsports Park

 

 

 

Bridgeport, NJ, April 17 – Bridgeport Speedway clarifies ‘show up’ point race procedure for 2017 season.  There are five races that don’t fall under the ‘regular’ point system this season for the Big Blocks & Crate/Sportsman (April 23, April 30, May 28, June 8, and July 3).  Previously, a driver had to attend each race to receive the ’50 bonus points’  for each event that counted towards the year-long point-system.  This year’s ‘show up’ point system has been slightly altered for the Bridgeport drivers.

A driver MUST compete in at least three of the five previously listed dates.  If a driver competes in three, four, or five of the races, then they will receive the maximum 150 points.  In other words, a driver can only ‘max out’ at 150 points for the five shows.  If a driver only makes one or two races then that driver receives zero points.  The driver along with car must be registered and attempt to qualify (warmups count) to receive credit for the night.  “We do realize that not everyone can make a Sunday or midweek show,” offered general manager Danny Serrano.  “We tried to find a ‘happy-medium’ and work with of our drivers to ensure their participation for open shows, while also allowing them to miss a show or two for other possible obligations.”

The Outlaw Stocks have only three ‘show up’ point events, so their status hasn’t changed as they will be required to be present and attempt to qualify to receive the 50 race day points.  The Outlaw Stocks will ‘max out’ at 150 points as well in 2017.  If any driver has questions about the point system, please call the speedway or send an email to the race track.

 

 

 

On Saturday night, Rick Laubach drove to his first Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modified feature win for car owners, Lori and Gary Hermann in the first point race of the season.  Matt Stangle earned his first victory in the Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman division while Tom Wills, Jr. earned his first win of the year in the PennCo Tech Outlaw Stock main event.  The DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookie division produced a third first time winner when Tom Errico, Jr. took the win in the eight lap feature to open the night of racing.

2012 Bridgeport Champion, Laubach held off the challenges of a very persistent two time Bridgeport Champion in Ryan Watt to win the Big Block portion of Saturdaynight’s racing program.  Laubach drew the pole but had Watt to his outside for the start of the race.  Watt fought a tight race car at the start but battled back to second after losing several positions on the original start.  Several times, Watt got a nose under the leader but Laubach was able to pull away from his challenger as they raced down the backstretch.

“That’s the way these early (season) races go,” Laubach stated, making reference to the luck of the draw starting line-ups.  “I’ve been real lucky so far this season by drawing good starting positions.”  Laubach wanted to dedicate his win to Janet Ladner, a long time Bridgeport employee who passed away on Friday.  “I’ve been thinking about her all day today,” Laubach said of the woman who signed in the competitors each week at Bridgeport’s pit gate.  “This one is for her!”

Watt chased Laubach to the finish to take second with Neal Williams ending a very strong outing in Sal DeBruno’s Overhead Door No. 0 to finish third.  2015 Bridgeport Champion, Jamie Mills finished fourth with Brett Kressley taking a fifth place finish after starting in twelfth and then racing his way back from a mid-race incident. 

Brian Papiez led the first eleven laps of the Crate/Sportsman feature before being tracked down in lapped traffic by Stangle.  Stangle completed the pass for the lead on lap twelve and drove away from the field to capture his first win of the season – one week after setting a new one lap record for the Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman.  Papiez rebounded from a wreck one week earlier to finish second.  Dave Damiano finished third in his first outing of the new season.  Last week’s feature winner, Travis Hill finished fourth with Eric Kormann rounding out the top five
in his first race of the season.

Tom Wills, Jr. outgunned a hard charging Jeramy Doerr to take his first PennCo Tech Outlaw Stock feature of 2017.  Doerr, who was a late arrival, literally arrived at the track just in time for the feature.  He started at the pack of the pack but was there in the final laps to give Wills a run for the money.  Wills beat Doerr to the finish line with Brian Ludwig, who challenged Wills during the early laps of the race, finished third.  Jeff Dirkes and Ken Moren finished fourth and fifth, respectively.

Dave Izzi led the first five laps of the DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookie Feature before Tom Errico, Jr. raced his way into contention from his sixth place starting spot.  Errico took over the lead on lap six and went on to take the win in his red, white and blue X-Rated.  Izzi held on to finish second with Kevin Britt, the winner of the season opener, finishing in third.  Brett Belmont raced from a ninth place start to finish fourth with Jim Gallagher, Jr. rounding out the top five.

Bridgeport will host the third running of the South Jersey Shootout on Sunday, April 23rd.  Racing gets underway at 5pm for the second race of the season for the South Region of the Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series fueled by Velocita.  The Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman and Outlaw Stocks will take to the track with the Big Blocks racing for $5,000 to win in their forty lap main event.

 

 

 

SPIRIT AUTO CENTER BIG BLOCK MODIFIED FEATURE (25 laps): 1. Rick Laubach, 2. Ryan Watt, 3. Neal Williams, 4. Jamie Mills, 5. Brett Kressley, 6. Dominick Buffalino, 7. Wade Hendrickson, 8. Jim Britt, 9. Jimmy Horton, 10. Jesse Hill, 11. Mike Barone, 12. Tommy Beamer, 13. Pete Visconti, 14. Rusty Smith, 15. Ron Roberts, 16. Bob Sarkisian, 17. Dave Shirk, 18. Ricky DiEva, 19. Richie Pratt, Jr., 20. Sam Martz, 21. Billy Pauch, Sr. 22. Jack Swain, 23. Mike Franz, 24. Dave Hunt, DNQ – Bobby Firth

STEWART STAINLESS SUPPLY CRATE/SPORTSMAN FEATURE (20 laps): 1. Matt Stangle, 2. Brian Papiez, 3. Dave Damiano, 4. Travis Hill, 5. Eric Kormann, 6. Roger Manning, 7. Adam Cox, 8. Clyde Cox, 9. Jeremy Harrington, 10. Chris Jenkins, 11. Steve Kemery, 12. David Crossman, 13. Nick Nicotra, 14. Bobby Bracall, 15. John Gilroy, 16. Dave Izzi, 17. Roger Gaskill, 18. Matt Peck, 19. Matt Luzi, 20. Scott Kohler, 21. Brad Roberts, 22. Bill Briggs, 23. John Scarpati, 24. Andrew Belmont, 25. Tommy Errico. DNQ – Jim Gallagher, Jr., Brett Belmont, Melissa Scarpati, Chris Sammons, Tom Holding, Scott Hulmes

D.A.’S AUTO BODY & REPAIR ROOKIE FEATURE (8 laps): 1. Tommy Errico, 2. Dave Izzi, 3. Kevin Britt, 4. Brett Belmont, 5. Jim Gallagher, Jr., 6. Scott Kohler, 7. Matt Luzi, 8. Kyle Belmont, 9. Jim Cheesman, 10. Jeff Stuart, 11. Chris Sammons, 12. Ray Cost, 13. Erik Mattson

PENNCO TECH OUTLAW STOCK FEATURE (15 laps): 1. Tom Wills, Jr., 2. Jeramy Doerr, 3. Brian Ludwig, 4. Jeff Dirkes, 5. Ken Moren, 6. John Parker, 7. David Kramer, 8. Andrew Joslin, DNS – Michael Creamer, Bill O’Brien

 

Upcoming events

Sunday, April 23 – South Jersey Shootout, Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks – 5pm start

Sunday, April 30 – Bike Night presented by Joy Auto Parts, Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, MASS Sprint Cars, Rookies and Vintage, racing at 5pm

Saturday, May 6 – Kids Money Scramble, Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks and Rookies, racing at 6:30pm

Saturday, May 13 – No Racing

TueSday, May 16 – Super DIRT Series-Friends of Mike Finale for Big Block Modifieds plus Crate/Sportsman, racing at 7:15

 

Four drivers broke into the win column for the first time in the young 2017 racing season with wins on Sunday in Bridgeport Speedway racing action.

Oley, PA driver, Duane Howard picked up the first win of the season for his Norm Hansell No. 357 team in the Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modified twenty-five lap feature event.  Nine time United Racing Club Champion (URC), Curt Michael was the winner in the BRB Contractor sponsored opener for the oldest traveling sprint car series in the United States.  Former Crate/Sportsman Champion, Travis Hill, climbed behind the wheel of Brett Cogdill’s No. 98 and raced to the win in the Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman feature event.  Jim Cheesman was the winner in the second DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookie event of the 2017 season.

Howard drew the pole for the start of the Big Block Modified feature and then proceeded to lead from the green flag to the checkered for his first win of the 2017 season.  Howard held off Richie Pratt, Jr. on several restarts to capture his forty-sixth career win on Bridgeport’s 5/8 mile track.  Pratt was sidelined with mechanical issues in the closing laps, relinquishing his runner-up performance to 2015 Bridgeport Champion, Jamie Mills in his Blue Hen Racing No. 30.  Mike Barone finished third in his first start of the 2017 season, racing his family owned No 267.  Sam Martz rallied to capture fourth in his Izzi’s Trucking No. 3 ahead of Jeff Strunk in the Hyneman All Fab No. 126.  It was a red letter day for Bicknell Racing Chassis who captured the first four spots ahead of Strunk in a Teo chassis.

School was in session as Curt Michael drove his Bill Gallagher owned No. 5G into the lead in the closing laps, grabbing the lead and the win from reigning URC Champion, Davie Franek.  It was Michael’s tenth Bridgeport URC victory – a track rich in the URC history.  Franek trailed Michael to the checkered with Robbie Stillwaggon taking a third place finish over Derek Locke and Davey Sammons.

The Hill brothers, Jesse and Travis, haveeach had repeated victories in the Cogdill No. 98.  When Travis Hill’s racing schedule opened up for this weekend, the No. 98 was made available for Hill.   Hill took the lead on lap six after race leader, Roger Manning got out of shape, tangling with challenger, Brian Papiez.  Hill raced away from the field, taking the checkered ahead of Jeremy Harrington.  Harrington was later disqualified following a post race tech inspection.  2015 Rookie Champion, Stephen Kemery finished second followed by Brandon Grosso, Kevin Belmont and Davey Wenger.

After competing for the win in the first DA’sAuto Body & Repair rookie event of the season, Jim Cheesman made a strong statement, leading seven of the eight laps in the second Rookie feature of the year.  Jim Gallagher, Jr. crossed the finishline in second but was penalized two positions for his involvement in an on track incident.  Kevin Britt, with one Rookie feature win to his credit, finished second with second generation driver, Brett Belmont taking third.  Gallagher finished fourth with early race leader, Chris Sammons finishing fifth.

Racing action returns to the Bridgeport Speedway this Saturday for the start of the 2017 point season.  Racing gets underway at 6pm for the Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks and Rookies.

Photos by: JCAIV Imagery

SPIRIT AUTO CENTER BIG BLOCKMODIFIED FEATURE ( 25 laps): 1. Duane Howard, 2. Jamie Mills, 3. Mike Barone, 4. Sam Martz, 5. Jeff Strunk, 6. Dominick Buffalino, 7. Bill Pauch, Jr., 8. Ryan Godown, 9. Tommy Beamer, 10. Craig VonDohren, 11. Brett Kressley, 12. Rick Laubach, 13. Rusty Smith, 14. Dave Hunt, 15. Mike Franz, 16. Bob Sarkisian, 17. Ron Roberts, 18. Richie Pratt, Jr., 19. Jack Swain, 20. Neal Williams, 21. Ryan Watt, 22. Pete Visconti, 23. Hendrickson, 24. Jesse Hill, 25. Jordan Watson, 26. Ryan Krachun, DNQ – Ricky DiEva, Dave Shirk, P.J. Oliver, Ryan Anderson, Ernie Miles, Ryan Grim.

CAPITOL RENEGADE URC SPRINT CAR FEATURE (25 LAPS) – 1. Curt Michael, 2. Davie Franek, 3. Robbie Stillwaggon, 4. Derek Locke, 5. Davey Sammons, 6. Josh Weller, 7. Kevin Nagy, 8. Bill Unglert, 9. Steve Buckwalter, 10. Brett Michalski, 11. Ed Aiken, 12. Kris Lilick, 13. Travis Radivoy, 14. Mike Haggenbottom, 15. Paulie Colagiovanni, 16. Chris Coyle, 17. Matt Tanner, 18. Jonathan Swanson, 19. Andy Best, 20. Mark Bitner, 21. Chris Allen, 22. Bobby Scherff, 23. Troy Betts, 24. Justin Whittal, 25. Adam Carberry

STEWART STAINLESS CRATE/SPORTSMAN FEATURE (20 laps): 1. Travis Hill, 2. Steve Kemery, 3. Brandon Grosso, 4. Kevin Belmont, 5. Rich Wegner, 6. Matt Peck, 7. David Crossman, 8. Bobby Bracall, 9. Billy Briggs, 10. Harry Landis, 11. Jeremy Martino, 12. Chuck Sayers, 13. Scott Kohler, 14. Scott Hulmes, 15. Jim Gallager, Jr., 16. Joe Brown, 17. Roger Gaskill, 18. Jim Cheesman, 19. Matt Stangle, 20. Roger Manning, 21. Brian Papiez, 22. Andrew Belmont, 23. Nick Nicotra, 24. Tom Sherby, DQ – Jeremy Harrington, DNQ – Tyler Hulmes, Tommy Errico, Ray Cost, Chris Sammons, David Banko, Pete Serra, Jeff Bubori, Brett Belmont, Dave Izzi, Matt Luzi, Olivia Ingersoll

D.A.’S AUTO BODY & REPAIR ROOKIE FEATURE (8 laps): 1. Jim Cheesman, 2. Kevin Britt, 3. Brett Belmont, 4. Jim Gallagher, Jr., 5. Chris Sammons, 6. Jeff Stuart, 7. Trent Brewbaker, 8. Joe Brown, 9. Dave Izzi, 10. Matt Luzi, 11. Scott Kohler, 12. Ray Cost, 13. Tommy Errico, 14. Eric Mattson, 15. Olivia Ingersoll, 16. Keith McKinley

 

 

Upcoming events

Saturday, April 15 – 2017 Season Opener, Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks and Rookies, 6pm start – 1st night of points

Sunday, April 23 – South Jersey Shootout, Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks – 5pm start

Sunday, April 30 – Bike Night presented by Joy Auto Parts, Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, MASS Sprint Cars, Rookies and Vintage, racing at 5pm

Saturday, May 6 – Kids Money Scramble, Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks and Rookies, racing at 6:30pm

Bridgeport, NJ – In less than 6 weeks, the 12th and final Friends of Mike event will be held on Tuesday, May 16 at Bridgeport Speedway.  The stars and cars of the Big Block Super DIRTcar series will be towing south to the Garden State for the first time in over a decade.  Event organizer Danny Serrano wants the final F.O.M. race to be one that will be remembered.  “We’ve had all kinds of formats and purses for this race, but this will be the first time that it will D.I.R.T. sanctioned.  One of the disconnects that Big Block modified racing suffers is the separation from the NJ/PA/DE drivers and the D.I.R.T. racers that mainly hail from NY.  I wanted all the best drivers at this race and I’m confident that will happen here at Bridgeport in early May,” explained Serrano.

Racers are required to purchase a DIRTcar membership license for race competition in the Super DIRTcar Series.  “We realize that most of our drivers don’t have a DIRT license which is needed to compete for Friends of Mike,” pointed out the General Manager.  “We want to encourage everyone to be part of F.O.M VII, so we decided to offer a loyalty reward heading into this race.  If any of our drivers compete in all of our four ‘point’ shows leading up to F.O.M., Bridgeport will then purchase their DIRTcar license for May 16,” added Serrano.  The four shows consist of two ‘traditional’ point shows (April 15 and May 6) and two ‘show up’ point events (April 23 and April 30).

All Big Block drivers who compete in these four races will earn their DIRTcar membership courtesy of Bridgeport Speedway.  “We know it’s hard enough to come to the track and compete, let alone adding another expense for the racers.  Hopefully, this well help out Bridgeport’s own for this big race.”  The Friends of Mike Finale will take place at 7:15pm on Tuesday, May 16.  Joining the Big Blocks will be the Stuart Stainless Crate/Sportsman, which will race under the track’s ‘Poker Series’ rules that evening.  For more information you can log onto www.bp.speedway.com, call the track office at 856-467-4408, or call Danny Serrano at 609-433-4487.

 

Action returns to the Bridgeport Speedway this weekend as the winged warriors of the United Racing Club return to the 5/8^th mile speedway in addition to the Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds, Stewart Stainless Crate Sportsman and DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookies.

URC welcomes title sponsor, Capitol Renegade for the 2017 season.   Capitol Renegade – “The Headquarters” for all you Race Transport Needs – is a good match for the traveling sprint car club who is celebrating their 70^th Anniversary season as America’s oldest traveling sprint car series.  This will be the third consecutive year that URC has opened their season at the Bridgeport Speedway.

2016 URC Champion, Davie Franek picked up his first of seven wins in the Bridgeport opener on his way to his second career URC Championship.

Josh Weller is looking forward to returning to Bridgeport where he picked up one his four wins last season during Bridgeport’s Three for All event during mid-season.  Weller returned to the cockpit of his family owned equipment in 2016 and had a momentous season.  Weller is hoping to carry that momentum into the new season.

With nine URC titles to his credit, Curt Michael is looking forward to the season opener.  Michael picked up a Brideport win last year during URC’s Big Track Classic weekend, winning the Friday night event while Lucas Wolfe earned his win on the next night.  Bridgeport is special to Michael who won the 2015 season opener  to celebrate his 50^th win in URC competition.

There will be one URC competitor who will be very familiar to Bridgeport Speedway fans as Kris Lilick has made the switch from Crate/Sportsman competition to sprint cars for the 2017 season.  Lilick tried his hand in a second Haggenbottom No. 24 during the Big Track Classic weekend and will race full time with URC this season.

Stewart Friesen was the feature winner of the only Big Block Modified race so far this season after capturing the win in the 60 Over Special/Doug Hoffman Memorial, taking the lead from Jeff Strunk in the final laps of the forty-four lap event.  Strunk will be in the field Sunday, looking for his first ever Bridgeport Big Block Modified feature win but he has his work cut out for him.

Two time Bridgeport Big Block Champion, Ryan Watt had his Roberts Racing No. 14w in mid-season form during the opener but his efforts were derailed twice by flat tires.  Watt had raced up to third before making his first visit to the pits.  After restarting at the rear of the field, Watt had just raced back into the top five when fate struck once again.

Other Bridgeport regulars will be on hand to defend their home turf against the invaders.  Sam Martz was one of the three drivers to lead laps in the season opener.  Rick Laubach was sidelined with mechanical ills with the Gary & Lori Hermann No. 7 during the opener, after picking up the win in the Small Block Modifed event the night before.  Dominick Buffalino made his presence known during the opening weekend and will certainly be looking for his first checkered flag of the season in addition to Neal Williams, Richie Pratt, Jr., Wade Hendrickson,  Tommy Beamer, David Hunt, Jamie Mills, Ron Roberts, Jesse Hill and a host of others.

Brian Papiez picked up the Crate/Sportsman win during the 60 Over weekend  and will be looking forward to continuing his winning ways.  Chris Jenkins had his best ever finish during the 60 Over Weekend.  After leading the  first half of last week’s race, Jenkins will be looking for that first checkered flag in the races to come.  Roger Manning and Kevin Belmont debuted new equipment during the first weekend of the season and will be competing for their share of the purse as will Stephen Kemery, Brad Roberts, Matt Stangle, Billy Briggs, Scott Hulmes and others.

DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookies division is one of the biggest to date.  There were three lead changes during their first eight lap feature event, promising a very exciting Rookie season in 2017.  Kevin Britt, brother of Modified driver, Jim Britt, picked up the win after Eric Mattson and Tom Errico Jr. both led several laps.

The green flag will wave on the Bridgeport Speedway at 4pm on Sunday with four divisions of racing coming your way.  Come early and enjoy the musical entertainment as well as the delectable offerings of the Bridgeport Speedway concession stands.  Or take a ride on the Bandit Bus and view the behind the scenes action in the pit area while the competitors prepare for the racing program.  Keep up to date with the latest news with the Bridgeport Bullet, the official program of the Bridgeport Speedway.

The Bridgeport Speedway is committed to maintaining a safe, fun, family atmosphere, creating life-lasting memories.

Upcoming events

Sunday, April 9 – United Racing Club season opener, Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman and Rookies, start time 5pm

Saturday, April 15 – 2017 Season Opener, Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks and Rookies, 6pm start – 1st night of points

Sunday, April 23 – South Jersey Shootout, Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks – 5pm start

 

The Bridgeport Speedway is pleased to announce the continuing support of several sponsors for the 2017 season.

Bridgeport’s Director of Marketing, Kolby Ramey stated, “Sponsors are vital to the success of Bridgeport Speedway both as a business and as a speedway.  They make up thirty per cent of our annual income.”

Colonial Pipeline’s 811 Call Before You Dig program returns as the title sponsor of the 2017 Poker Series for the Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman and Outlaw Stocks.  Colonial’s relationship with the Bridgeport Speedway goes back to the 2012 season when Doug Hoffman promoted the race events.

“Our relationship with the Bridgeport Speedway has been great over the years” said Rob Andersen of Colonial Pipeline.  “It’s been very productive in getting out to the general public our “Dial 8-1-1 before you dig” message. “  Andersen is looking forward to a great 2017 season as Colonial Pipeline has added a the much anticipated night of the Monster Trucks to their schedule this season. Rob believes this will only serve to expand the audience that receives the important 811 Call before You Dig Message!

Colonial wishes  you to call 811 before you dig!  Any project – large or small – you are not only encouraged but, it’s also the law.  A call should be placed three working days prior to any digging project.  The call center will then notify any utility companies that may be affected and a professional locator will visit the dig site to mark the location of any underground utility lines prior to your work.

Spirit Auto Center has been a sponsor of the Bridgeport Speedway Big Block Modifieds  since the 2014 season and became the title sponsor of the Bridgeport quarter mile speedway last season.  The track how has its own identity as the Spirit Auto Center Speedway.

Spirit Chrysler Dodge Jeep and Ram has been serving South Jersey and the Philadelphia metro area since 1991 and is in its second generation of a family owned business.  Spirit offers a family atmosphere and friendly staff to create a fun and relaxed car buying experience for all of their customers.  The Bridgeport Speedway is an extension of that family atmosphere with several models of Spirit’s cars on display at the race track on any given night.

“The Bridgeport Speedway has been phenomenal relationship for us, really and truly,” stated Mike Baus of Spirit Auto Center.  “It has really helped us to bring new light to the surrounding communities.”

Stewart Stainless Supply will continue to support the Crate/Sportsman division at the Bridgeport Speedway this season.

Stewart Stainless provides quality stainless steel to a wide variety of industries across the country.  Stewart Stainless is continually looking for creative ways to provide information about their product and services.

Pennco Tech returns as the title sponsor of the Outlaw Stock Division.

Pennco Tech is a technical school located in both Blackwood, NJ and Bristol, PA where they offer career training in automotive technology, medical assistance, air conditioning and heating as well as pharmacy technician training.  The Pennco Tech advisors work with individuals to create a plan to achieve their goals and then provide both the training as well as assistance in locating employment opportunities at the completion of the training program.

Sponsorship opportunities are a two way street at the Bridgeport Speedway.  “We want to build a relationship with the companies that are sponsors at the Bridgeport Speedway,” Ramey continues.  We want to do all we can do to sell their products and we want to do a darn good job of it too.  No one wants to pay for advertising that doesn’t have a return on investment. We feel that’s why these sponsors have returned with their support for the 2017 season.”

Racing action returns to the Bridgeport Speedway this weekend with the 2017 season opener of the Spirit Auto Center quarter mile on Friday night where 600 wingless and 270 winged micro sprints will be featured along Slingshots and the 4 Cylinder Enduro cars.  Racing gets underway at 8pm.  On Sunday, racing action moves to the lightning fast 5/8 mile track where the winged warriors of the United Racing Club (URC) will join the Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds, Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman and DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookies.  It will URC’s first race of the 2017. Racing gets underway on Sunday at 5pm.

 

Upcoming events

Saturday, April 15 – 2017 Season Opener, Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks and Rookies, 6pm start – 1st night of points

Sunday, April 23 – South Jersey Shootout, Short Track Super Series, Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks – 5pm start

 

 

Bridgeport, NJ – After already losing March 18’s open practice, ‘Mother Nature’ decided to rear her ugly head again for the second scheduled practice at the Bridgeport/Spirit Speedway’s South Jersey complex.  Heavy rains from this past Tuesday, along with today’s all-day rain have both tracks and pit areas saturated for this weekend’s practice.  “It’s unfortunate that we’ve had to cancel both our practices this year, as we know guys like the extra seat time dialing in their race cars before the season starts,” offered general manager Danny Serrano.  “Technically we dodged a big bullet last weekend with our Doug Hoffman Memorial event, as we even had to fight off the weather that day too.  We’ve even had to cancel the Kenny Wallace Driving Experience that was going to take place on this Sunday.  Hopefully the weather will be cooperate much more next week and we’ll have another great racing weekend for the drivers and fans,” Serrano added.

 

Anyone that was signed up for the KWDRE on Sunday should contact them at 855-722-3347 or visit http://dirtracewithkenny.com/ about rescheduling.  The Kenny Wallace Dirt Racing Experience will be back at Bridgeport on Sunday, June 11.

 

Next weekend will see both the Spirit Auto Center Speedway and Bridgeport Speedway in action.  The 1/4 mile Spirit Speedway will have its opening night on Friday, April 7 featuring the wingless 600 micros, winged 270 micros, I2M Solutions Four-Cylinders, and the Speedway All-Star Bagel Stop Slingshots.  The first green flag will wave at 8pm.  Gates will open an hour early at 4:30pm for safety inspection.

 

Then on Sunday, the 5/8 mile Bridgeport Speedway will roar back to live with the invasion of the URC Sprint Cars.  The winged warriors will make their first of four appearances on the 5/8 next Sunday, April 9.  Joining the 360 Sprints will be the Spirit Auto Center Big Blocks, Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman, and the D.A.’s Auto Body Rookies.  Pit gates will open at 1pm, hot laps at 4pm, and racing at 5pm.

 

For all the latest information about the Bridgeport and Spirit Auto Center Speedway you can locate them on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, or log onto their websites at www.bpspeedway.com and www.spiritspeedway.com.

BRIDGEPORT, NJ – The second round of the 2017 Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series (STSS) Fueled By VP Velocita South Region takes place in the Garden State.

Bridgeport Speedway, the spacious five-eighths-mile facility, plays host to the ‘South Jersey Shootout’ on Sunday, April 23. STSS big-block/small-block Modifieds headline the program in the richest event of the spring at Bridgeport, paying $5,000 to the winner, $1,000 for 10^th and $400 just to take the green flag. The total payout is a massive $25,170.

The ‘South Jersey Shootout’ is set for its third April running at Bridgeport as a co-promotion involving speedway management and BD Motorsports Media LLC.

The inaugural event, in 2015, saw Rick Laubach of Hellertown, Pa., take the triumph over David Van Horn Jr., Craig Von Dohren, Ryan Watt and Jack Swain. A year ago, in April 2016, the ‘Flying Farmer’ Wade Hendrickson of Lawrenceville, N.J., bested Billy Pauch Sr., Stewart Friesen, David Hunt and Ryan Godown en route to the checkered.

The Bridgeport showdown serves as Race No. 2 of the STSS Velocita South Region. The series opened March 11 at Del.’s Georgetown Speedway with Neshanic Station, N.J., veteran Jimmy Horton securing his first-ever STSS triumph over Watt, Pauch Sr., Duane Howard and Van Horn.

This season, the STSS South Region champion will receive $10,000 for their efforts, the most lucrative title in the series’ three-year history. Horton plans to chase the title with the Halmar International team and has the early jump on the eight-race series.

An added bonus for drivers is the event’s status as an American Racer Cup Challenge event, offering bonus points toward the Cup’s Insinger Performance regional battle (South).

The ‘South Jersey Shootout’ is topped by a 40-lap STSS Modified main. Joining the series on the card are Sportsman (under Bridgeport weekly rules) and Outlaw Stocks.

Pit gates will open at 1 p.m. Grandstand gates unlock at 2 p.m. The drivers’ meeting takes place at 3:30 p.m., with 4 p.m. hot laps and 5 p.m. racing.

Adult grandstand admission is $25. Students (ages 10-15) pay $10 and Kids 9 and under are FREE. Pit admission is $35, with no license required.

In the event of rain, the program will be run April 30.

Complete race info can be found at the following link: http://bdmotorsportsmedia.com/south-jersey-shootout-rules-prices-general-info/

The STSS Modified purse structure is as follows: http://bdmotorsportsmedia.com/south-jersey-shootout-stss-modified-pay-structure/

Located in South Jersey, just minutes from Pennsylvania and Delaware at I-295 Exit 14, Bridgeport Speedway is a spacious five-eighths-mile clay oval with a quarter-mile embedded in the center. Bridgeport Speedway provides a safe and secure family atmosphere, free parking, giveaways and fan participation. To learn more, visit www.bpspeedway.com.

To learn more about the Short Track Super Series Fueled By VP or BD Motorsports Media LLC, visitwww.shorttracksuperseries.com or www.bdmotorsportsmedia.com, call 845.728.2781 during business hours, e-mail[email protected], “like” Short Track Super Series on Facebook or follow @ShortTrackSS on Twitter.

The 2017 Short Track Super Series is presented by American Racer/Lias Tire, VP Racing Fuel, Bob Hilbert Sportswear, Halmar International, Allstar Performance, ATL Racing Fuel Cells, Behrent’s Performance Warehouse, Bicknell Racing Products, Dirt Track Digest, Fast Axle, Fox Racing Shocks, Hig Fab, Henry’s Exhaust, HyperCo, Keizer Wheels, Kirkey Racing Fabrication, K&N, QA1, Race Pro Weekly, Racing Optics, Teo-Pro Car, Velocita & Wilwood.

 

Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series Fueled By VP Velocita South Region Schedule

Saturday, March 11 – Georgetown Speedway/Georgetown Del. – Melvin L. Joseph Memorial – WINNER: JIMMY HORTON

Sunday, April 23 – Bridgeport Speedway/Bridgeport, N.J. (Five-Eighths-Mile) – South Jersey Shootout (Rain Date: April 30) –AMERICAN RACER CUP CHALLENGE EVENT

Thursday, May 25 – Delaware International Speedway/Delmar, Del. – Diamond State 50 (Rain Date: TBA) – AMERICAN RACER CUP CHALLENGE EVENT

Tuesday, June 6 – Big Diamond Speedway/Minersville, Pa. – ‘Anthracite Assault’ – COMBO (Rain Date: TBA)

Sunday, July 30 – Susquehanna Speedway/Newberrytown, Pa. – York County Nationals $10,000 to win (Rain Date: TBA)

Tuesday, August 29 – Georgetown Speedway/Georgetown, Del. – Blast at the Beach 4 (Rain Date: August 30)

Saturday, September 30 – Bridgeport Speedway/Bridgeport, N.J. (Three-Eighths-Mile) – Dirty Jersey (Rain Date: October 1)

Friday-Saturday, October 27-28 – Georgetown Speedway/Georgetown, Del. – Mid-Atlantic Championship (Rain Date: Oct. 29) – CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS

 

 

 

The Bridgeport Speedway presented thefifth annual 60 Over Special/Doug Hoffman Memorial and the first hand of the 811 Dig Safely 2017 Poker Series that saw Stewart Friesen, Brian Papiez and Jon Meyer pick up an Ace for their Poker hands in addition to their wins in their respected divisions.

Rain fell after the hea t races and Penn Co Tech Outlaw Stock feature had been run.  After several showers passed through the area, the trackcrew – led by Keith Hoffman – went to work and restored the racing surface so that the event could be completed.

“I’ve always wanted to win one of these races (Hoffman Memorials)”, Friesen stated following his win in the Spirit Auto Center Big Block fofty-four lap main event.  “Doug was a friend of my family’s – my uncle and grandfather so this means a lot,” Friesen continued.  Friesen led only the final two laps but it was the all that was needed to capture the prestigious win.

Fourteen drivers participated in the revenge redraw to determine the race’s starting line-up – the top four qualifiers in each of the three qualifying heats and Friesen and Jamie Mills who set fast times in their timed hot lap sessions during Friday night’s event.  It was Ryan Watt who drew the pole but he then passed his draw on to Sam Martz.  Friesen drew the third spot but passed that spot onto Jeff Strunk.  Watt started tenth and Friesen started fourteenth.

Martz took command at the wave of Kenny Golden Jr.’s green flag with Strunk and outside polesitter, BillyPauch Sr. trailing.  Jamie Mills, Duane Howard and Ryan Watt made their way past by Pauch on lap three.  Pauch slowed and headed to the pits on the next lap.

Strunk was closing on the leader before the first caution waved for Mills who came to a stop in turn four with mechanical woes.  Strunk pulled ahead of Martz on the restart to become the new race leader on lap fourteen.   At half way, Strunk led Friesen, Howard, Martz and Billy Pauch, Jr.

Strunk was able to pull away from the field and appeared to be on his way to his first ever Big Block Modified win at the Bridgeport Speedway.  With less than ten laps to go, Strunk visibly slowed, allowing Friesen to close in.  Strunk’s All Fab sponsored, Hyneman owned No. 126 had a different sound to it as Friesen pressured Strunk for the lead.  Friesen was able to run the inside into the corners and pull along side of Strunk who was then able to power off the outside to maintain his advantage.

Strunk and Friesen raced side by side to complete lap forty-two with Strunk pulling ahead off turn two before the final caution flag waved.  Strunk went to the restart as the leader but Friesen had the advantage when the pair exited off of turn two.  Friesen led the way to the checkered as Strunk was able to hold off Howard to finish second.  Pauch Jr. finished fourth with Neal Williams rounding out the top five.

Brian Papiez started eighth in the Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman feature event and raced by race leader, Chris Jenkins to take the half way sign at the front of the field.  Papiez then drove away from the competition to capture his second Bridgeport feature win of his young career.  “I plan to run the Poker Series so it was great to come away with an Ace right away,” the race winner stated.  Jordan Henn passed Jenkins for second in the closing laps.  Jenkins picked up his best ever finish in third with Jeremy Harrington and Frank Dorry completing the top five at the line.

Jon Meyer closed out the 2016 season with a third and then second place finish in PennCo Tech Outlaw Stock competition for his best finishes to date.  He opened the new season with a win after Jeramy Doerr, who took the checkered flag, failed to pass post race tech.  The win gave Meyer an Ace to start out the 811 Dig Safely Poker Series.  Tom Wills, Jr. finished second followed by Brian Ludwig, Vern McLaughlin and Jeff Dirkes.

It was a full day of fast paced racing that paid tribute to past champion and promoter, Doug Hoffman.

The Bridgeport Speedway will run a practice session on Saturday on both the Spirit Auto Center quarter mile and 5/8th mile tracks.  Practice is open to all divisions and will get underway at noon.

60 Over/Doug Hoffman Memorial Results

Hand #1 of the 811 Dig Safely Poker Series

SPIRIT AUTO CENTER BIG BLOCK MODIFIED FEATURE (44 laps): 1. Stewart Friesen, 2. Jeff Strunk, 3. Duane Howard, 4. Billy Pauch, Jr., 5. Neal Williams, 6. David Hunt, 7. Jordan Watson, 8. Jimmy Horton, 9. David Van Horn, 10. Frank Cozze, 11. Ryan Watt, 12. Travis Hill, 13. Danny Johnson, 14. PJ Oliver, 15. Sammy Martz, 16. Dominick Buffalino, 17. Wade Hendrickson, 18. Ryan Godown, 19. Jamie Mills, 20. Tommy Beamer, 21. Bob Sarkisian, 22. Richie Pratt, Jr., 23. Billy Pauch, Sr., 24. Jesse Hill, DNQ – Ryan Anderson, 2. Ron Roberts, 3. Jim Britt, 4. Mike Franz, Shawn Ward, Rick Laubach, Brett Kressley

STEWART STAINLESS CRATE/SPORTSMAN FEATURE (20 laps): 1. Brian Papiez, 2. Jordan Henn, 3. Chris Jenkins, 4. Jeremy Harrington, 5. Frank Dorry, 6. Craig Whitmoyer, 7. Roger Manning, 8. Matt Stangle, 9. Jesse Landis, 10. John Aumick, 11. Cale Ross, 12. Steve Kemery, 13. Jeremy Martino, 14. Adam Cox, 15. Clyde Cox, 16. Joe Nappi, 17. Bill Briggs, 18. Matthew Peck, 19. Bobby Bracall, 20. John Gilroy, 21. Jim Gallagher, Sr., 22. Brad Roberts, 23. Scott Hulmes, 24. Kevin Belmont, DNQ – Roger Gaskill, Andrew Belmont, Jim Cheeeman, Brett Belmont, Scott Kohler, Pete Serra, Pat Wall

PENNCO TECH OUTLAW STOCK FEATURE (15 laps): 1. John Meyer, 2. Tom Wills, Jr. 3. Brian Ludwig, 4. Vern McLaughlin, 5. Jeff Dirkes, 6. Billy Wroble, 7. Gary Klimesczek, 8. Andrew Joslin, DQ – Jeramy Doerr DNS – Ron Frees, John Parker

 

 

Upcoming events

Saturday, April 1 – Open practice on both 5/8 and quarter mile track, 2nd DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookie event, starts at noon

Sunday, April 9 – United Racing Club season opener, Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman and Rookies, start time 4pm

Saturday, April 15 – 2017 Season Opener, Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks and Rookies, 6pm start – 1st night of points

Sunday, April 23 – South Jersey Shootout, Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks – 5pm start

 

 

The Bridgeport Speedway opens their season with the 60 Over Special/Doug Hoffman Memorial  – a two day event for the first time this year.  New clay and a well prepared racing surface made for the exciting side by side racing that Bridgeport is known for and the first event of the season was no exception!

Hellertown, PA driver, Rick Laubach came away with his first win of the season after a heated battle with Ryan Watt and Frank Cozze who each had a win in 2016 Bridgeport Speedway Small Block Modified competition.

Laubach, the 2012 Bridgeport Track Champion, was behind the wheel of the Ryan Kerr owned No. 1K with sponsorship form Touch of Green, Pine Creek Holdings and Earl’s Factory Air.

Polesitter, Ryan Watt led the field to the green flag and received his first challenge from Dominick Buffalino in turn two but the reigning Big Block Modified Champion pulled away from the field.  With five laps scored, Watt led Buffalino, Frank Cozze, Wade Hendrickson and Brett Kressley around the 5/8th mile speedway.  Kressley moved up to fourth one lap later as the top three remained unchanged through lap ten.

Watt closed in on lapped traffic by the midway point.  On lap sixteen, while Watt was working a lapped car, Buffalino applied the pressure and slid into the lead as the field headed into turn three.  Unfortunately for Buffalino, another lapped car was just around the corner.  When the other car slid off the inside, the two cars made contact with Buffalino getting air time before somehow saving the car from the concrete wall.  Watt went back out front with Cozze taking over second.  Jim Britt slowed bringing out the yellow with just seven laps remaining.

Watt led Cozze, Buffalino, Laubach and Hendrickson to the green flag with Cozze using the outside line to jump out in front with the Renaldo No. 401 after the first restart was called back.  Cozze took the five to go sign with Watt in tow.  Laubach moved into third and began to pressure Watt for second.  Laubach won the spot and set his sights on Cozze.  On lap twenty-three, Laubach went to the inside and took the lead off of turn two.  He led the final three circuits to lead the way to the checkered over Cozze, Watt, Billy Pauch Jr. and Stewart Friesen who raced his way from his twenty-first starting spot to gain a top five finish.

The DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookies made their first start of the 2017 season and made quite a first impression with three lead changes during their eight lap feature.  Chris Sammons led the way to the green but it was Eric Mattson who was out in front by the time lap one was scored.  Mattson led the way through lap four when Tommy Errico complete the pass for the lead.  Errico pulled away from the field before having trouble negotiating turn two.  Kevin Britt seized the opportunity with Bobby Bracall’s No. 28 and took the lead.  Britt led the final two laps to the checkered with Jim Gallagher, Jr. taking second over Ericco.  Mattson finished fourth with Jim Cheeseman claiming fifth at the flag.

Timed hot lap sessions earned several drivers guaranteed spots in the draws for Saturday nights main events.  Tom Wills, Jr. was the fastest in the PennCo Tech Outlaw Stocks, Steve Kemery in the Crates and Kevin Belmont in the Sportsman.  Stewart Friesen not only set fast time in the first session for the Big Block Modifieds but set a new one lap track record, previously held by Duane Howard from the 2008 season.  Jamie Mills earned a spot in the draw with his time from the second hot lap session.

FRIDAY NIGHT RESULTS

SMALL BLOCK MODIFIED FEATURE (25 laps): 1. Rick Laubach, 2. Frank Cozze, 3. Ryan Watt, 4. Billy Pauch, Jr., 5. Stewart Friesen, 6. Duane Howard, 7. Jeff Strunk, 8. Ryan Godown, 9. Danny Bouc, 10. Jesse Hill, 11. Bob Sarkisian, 12. Roger Manning, 13. John Pakenham, 14. Dominick Buffalino, 15. Wade Hendrickson, 16. Kyle Borror, 17. Jim Britt, 18. Brett Kressley, 19. Ron Roberts, 20. Justin Grim, 21. Matt Stangle, 22. Kevin Sockriter, 23. Clyde Cox, 24. Ryan Grim

DA’S AUTO BODY & REPAIR ROOKIE FEATURE (8 laps): 1. Kevin Britt, 2. Jim Gallagher, Jr., 3. Tommy Errico, 4. Eric Mattson, 5. Jim Cheesean, 6. Brett Belmont, 7. Olivia Ingersoll, 8. Jeff Stuart, 9. Chris Sammons, 10. Matt Luzi, DNS – Keith McKinley

 

 

Upcoming events

Saturday, April 1 – Open practice on both 5/8 and quarter mile track, 2nd DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookie event, starts at noon

Sunday, April 9 – United Racing Club season opener, Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman and Rookies, start time 4pm

Saturday, April 15 – 2017 Season Opener, Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks and Rookies, 6pm start – 1st night of points

Sunday, April 23 – South Jersey Shootout, Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks – 5pm start