Bridgeport Motorsports Park

It was Pennco Tech’s Scout Night and Back 2 School Night at the Bridgeport Speedway as Ryan Watt and Brian Papiez added to their season win totals and Ryan Stillwaggon picked up his first win of the season in Mid Atlantic Sprint Series (MASS) action.

Since 1973, Pennco Tech has been helping people achieve their goals – being the stepping stone people use to turn their dreams into reality.  With two locations in Blackwood, NJ and Bristol, PA, Pennco Tech offers studies in Automotive Technician, Medical Assistant, Air Conditioning & Heating as well as Pharmacy Technician studies.  Pennco Tech has been a division sponsor at the Bridgeport Speedway for several seasons as the title sponsor of the Outlaw Stocks.

In Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modified action, Mike Franz jumped out in front to lead the first six laps before Richie Pratt, Jr. raced his way into the lead from his seventh place start.  Franz slowed in turn three, drawing the caution on the next lap.  Pratt led the way over Ricky DiEva and Tommy Beamer before Rick Laubach raced into third on lap nine.  Watt raced into fourth one lap later.

Pratt dominated out front as Laubach looked to the inside of DiEva to challenge for second.  Watt caught up to the battle for second, choosing the outside lane for his move.  Watt was along side of Laubach as they raced into turn three and looking to challenge DiEva for second.  As the three drivers raced out of turn four, DiEva and Watt made incidental contact.  “I don’t even think he (DiEva) knew I was there,” Watt related.  “The contact with my right front sent me down into Rick (Laubach).  It’s a good thing he (Laubach) got out of the gas,” Watt added.  “He saved us both from a nasty wreck.”  Watt was able to regain control, now racing in third and chasing DiEva in second.  Watt took over second in turn three with Laubach moving into third at the start/finish line.

With ten to go, Pratt led Watt, Laubach, DiEva and Beamer but Watt took the lead one lap later.  Laubach had just taken over second on lap twenty when the Hermann No. 7 slowed.  The caution waved as Laubach was assisted to the pits.

There was plenty of action behind Watt as Beamer took over second on the restart and Jim Britt raced up the inside to take over third on the next lap.  After an early race incident, Dominick Buffalino raced back into the top five as fourth place Neal Williams challenged Britt for third.  Watt raced to the checkered flag for his seventh win while Beamer collected his best finish to date in second.  Williams finished third with Britt and Buffalino rounding out the top five.

After the action in the Big Blocks, the Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman were not to be outdone.  Rookie graduate, Tommy Ericco, led the way for the first six laps before Eric Kormann drove into the lead on lap seven and immediately pulled away from the field.  Kormann led through the halfway mark as point leader, Matt Stangle and Brian Papiez made their way through the top five.

Repeated cautions kept the field close but Kormann was holding off Stangle for the lead.  A lap sixteen restart saw Stangle challenge Korman but it was Papiez who was on the move on the outside, first making his way by Stangle and then racing Kormann out of turn four to take the lead with three laps to go.  Papiez took the win – his fifth of the season – and moved within eight points of Stangle in the championship hunt.  Kormann finished third after leading most of the way.  Roger Manning made a great comeback after an earlier incident to finish fourth with Tom Moore rounding out the top five.

Ryan Stillwaggon made only his fourth start of the 2017 season with the MASS 305 sprint cars but was the class of the field, setting fast time during warm-ups and his heat race.  Tommy Carberry took the lead on the initial start but it didn’t take Stillwaggon long to drive from his fourth place start and into the lead before the completion of the first lap.  Stillwaggon drove unchallenged to the win in the twenty lap feature event over Carberry.  Austin Bishop had another strong outing on the Bridgeport 5/8th mile to finish third with two time feature winner, Mark Bitner and Eddie Wagner rounding out the top five.

K&A Excavating’s Billy Pauch Fan Appreciation Night gets underway at 4:30 next Saturday before Bridgeport’s final points race of the season gets underway.  Pauch will be on hand with his No. 15 to meet with fans prior to the night’s event.  Any fan wearing their Billy Pauch t-shirt will receive a $5 discount on their admission to the races.  It is also the final Bike Night of the 2017 season with all riders on motorcycles being admitted free.  Several lucky boys and girls will go home with brand new bicycles at the end of the night.  Racing gets underway at 7pm.

SPIRIT AUTO CENTER BIG BLOCK MODIFIED FEATURE (25 laps): 1. Ryan Watt, 2. Tommy Beamer, 3. Neal Williams, 4. Jim Britt, 5. Dominick Buffalino, 6. Sam Martz, 7. Richie Pratt, Jr., 8. David Hunt, 9. Ricky DiEva, 10. Mike Frantz, 11. Jack Swain, 12. Dave Shirk, 13. Brett Ballard, 14. Ron Roberts, 15. Ernie Miles, III, 16. Tom Maccherone, 17. Rick Laubach, 18. Ryan Anderson, 19. Wesley Smith, 20. Matt Budd

STEWART STAINLESS SUPPLY CRATE/SPORTSMAN FEATURE (20 laps): 1. Brian Papiez, 2. Matt Stangle, 3. Eric Kormann, 4. Roger Manning, 5. Tom Moore, 6. Jeff Bubori, 7. Clyde Cox, 8. David Damiano, 9. Chris Jenkins, 10. Brett Belmont, 11. Melissa Scarpati, 12. Tom Holding, 13. Adam Cox, 14. Ray Cost, 15. Tomm Errico, 16. Kris Lilick, 17. John Scarpati, 18. Bill Briggs, 19. David Crossman

MASS 305 SPRINTS FEATURE (20 laps): 1. Ryan Stillwaggon, 2. Tommy Carberry, 3. Austin Bishop, 4. Mark Bitner, 5. Eddie Wagner, 6. Rick Stief, 7. Tim Tanner, Jr., 8. Jeff Geiges, 9. Jamie Kostic, 10. Brendon Poff, 11. Sydney Prince, 12. Dave Brown, 13. Bryant Davis, 14. Zack Burd, 15. Craig Pellegrini, 16. Keith Anderson, 17. John Webster, 18. Joe Kay, 19. Thomas Radivoy, 20. Harris Kohen, 21. Tom Carberry, Sr., DNS – Tim Smolenyak, Bobby Butler

Upcoming events

Saturday, August 26 – Pennco Tech Presents Back to School & Scout Night at the Races – Big Blocks, Crate/Sportsman and MASS Sprint Cars, racing at 7pm

Saturday, September 2 – K&A Excavating presents Billy Pauch Fan Appreciation – Final Night of Points plus Bike Night – Big Block Modifies, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks with racing getting underway at 7pm

Saturday, September 9, 16 – No Racing

Friday & Saturday, September 22 & 23 – King of the Big Blocks Weekend!

Ryan Watt, Matt Stangle and Jeramy Doerr raced to victory in Bridgeport action on Saturday night in a night of racing sponsored by All County Garage Door LLC of Carneys Point, NJ.  Track officials raced the pop-up line of storms that appeared on the radar as feature time neared.

It was Mike Franz and Jack Swain who led the Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds to the wave of the green flag but it was fourth place starter, Tommy Beamer who took the lead on the first lap of the twenty-five lap main.  Beamer drove away from the field that included Billy Pauch, Rick Laubach, Jim Britt and Jesse Hill through lap five.  Watt moved into the top five on lap seven as Beamer stretched his lead over Pauch and Laubach.

Laubach took over second on lap eleven with a move to the outside of Pauch with Watt moving into third two laps later.  Just as Beamer was faced with lapped traffic, the caution waved for the first time with fourteen laps complete for Ricky DiEva between turns three and four.  Laubach used the outside line on the restart to put the Hermann No. 7 into the lead.  Watt followed in second.

On lap sixteen, Watt put the Roberts Racing No. 14w on the inside and pulled even with Laubach as they raced down the backstretch.  The race had a new leader as the field crossed the start/finish line for lap sixteen.

The final caution waved on lap nineteen as last week’s feature winner, Neal Williams had smoke billowing from the Overhead Door No. 0.  The field realigned for the restart with Watt out in front.  Richie Pratt, Jr. broke into the top five on the restart while Dominick Buffalino challenged Laubach for second.

Watt led the way to the checkered for his sixth Bridgeport victory of the season over Laubach, Buffalino, Pauch and Pratt.  Britt, Hill, Beamer, Jordan Watson and David Hunt rounded out the top ten.

After thirteen consecutive top five finishes, Eric Kormann suffered his first DNF oneweek ago after an early race multi-car incident in Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman competition.  Kormann looked like he was back with a vengeance as he raced into the lead on lap one with a pass by David Crossman as the field exited turn four.  Kormann then drove away from the field, leaving the race for the top five positions.

Kormann took the halfway sign followed by Crossman, Clyde Cox, Stangle and Brian Papiez.  Kormann led the way through the race’s first restart as Stangle and Papiez battled behind Cox.  On lap twelve, Kormann’s No. 16s slowed off the pace on the backstretch, leaving the lead to Crossman.  Without warning, Kormann’s mount just shut off.

Crossman led the way for three times around the 5/8th mile track before Stangle took the lead as they crossed the line to complete lap sixteen.  One lap later, Papiez raced by Crossman to take second.

Stangle took the win – his ninth at Bridgeport this season – followed by Papiez, Crossman, Cox and Roger Manning.  Kris Lilick raced from deep in the pack in his first Crate/Sportsman race of the season to finish sixth with Wayne Weaver, Matt Peck, Chris Jenkins and Tom Sherby rounding out the top ten.

It was a clean sweep for Jeramy Doerr as he raised his win total in Pennco Tech Outlaw Stock competition to a career total of twenty-seven victories.  Doerr took the lead from Brian Ludwig on lap four for the win in the rained out feature event from June17th.  Ludwing finished second followed by Tom Wills, Jr., Spider Ensinger and David Kramer.

In the regular feature event, Andrew Joslin led the way for the first four laps before Darren Cox took the lead on the backstretch on lap five.  Cox led the field for two circuits before Doerr took the lead on lap seven.  Doerr picked up the win with Wills, Jr. finishing second after being involved in several on track incidents earlier in the race.  Darren Cox finished third followed by Ken Moren and Joslin.

Ernie Miles Jr., Jimmy Martin and Jeff Erbie picked up Mechanics Race wins at the end of the night in the Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman and Outlaw Stocks, respectively.

It’s Back to School and Scout Night at the Races next Saturday at the Bridgeport Speedway – sponsored by Pennco Tech.  The Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman and Mid Atlantic Sprint Series will compete with the first green flag at 7pm.

SPIRIT AUTO CENTER BIG BLOCK MODIFIED FEATURE (25 laps): 1. Ryan Watt, 2. Rick Laubach, 3. Dominick Buffalino, 4. Billy Pauch, Sr., 5. Richie Pratt, Jr., 6. Jim Britt, 7. Jesse Hill, 8. Tommy Beamer, 9. Jordan Watson, 10. David Hunt, 11. Sam Martz, 12. Ron Roberts, 13. Jack Swain, 14. Matt Hawkins, 15. Dave Shirk, 16. Ernie Miles, III, 17. Ricky DiEva, 18. J.R. Burritt, 19. Neal Williams, 20. Mike Franz, 21. H.J. Bunting, III, 22. Jimmy Horton, 23. Bob Bracall, DNS – Travis Hill, DNQ – Brett Ballard, Tom Maccherone, Wesley Smith, Bob Sarkisian

STEWART STAINLESS SUPPLY CRATE/SPORTSMAN FEATURE (20 laps): 1. Matt Stangle, 2. Brian Papiez, 3. David Crossman, 4. Clyde Cox, 5. Roger Manning, 6. Kris Lilick, 7. Wayne Weaver, 8. Matthew Peck, 9. Chris Jenkins, 10. Tom Sherby, 11. Bill Briggs, 12. Chuck Sayres, 13. Jason Rush, 14. Tom Holding, 15. Adam Cox, 16. Kevin Belmont, 17. Eric Kormann, 18. Tom Errico (Sr), 19. John Laren, DNS – Jim Gallagher, Jr., David Banko

PENNCO TECH OUTLAW STOCK MAKE-UP FEATURE FROM 6/17 (15 laps): 1. Jeramy Doerr, 2. Brian Ludwig, 3. Tom Wills, Jr., 4. Spider Ensinger, 5. David Kramer, 6. John Parker, 7. Darren Cox, 8. Rich Stinson, 9. Mike Creamer, 10. Ken Moren, 11. Andrew Joslin, 12. Steven Land, 13. Doug DeBray, 14. Paul Donahue

PENNCO TECH OUTLAW STOCK FEATURE (15 laps): 1. Jeramy Doerr, 2. Tom Wills, Jr., 3. Darren Cox, 4. Ken Moren, 5. Andrew Joslin, 6. Mike Creamer, 7. Steven Land, 8. David Kramer, 9. Brian Ludwig, 10. John Parker, 11. Rich Stinson, 12. Doug Debray, 13. Spider Ensinger, DNS –  Paul Donahue

MECHINICS RACES

BIG BLOCK MODIFIEDS (8 laps): 1. Ernie Miles, Jr., 2. Don Thornton

CRATE/SPORTSMAN (8 laps): 1. Jimmy Martin, 2. Mike Crispo, 3. Tom Ballard, 4. John D’Augustine, 5. Sam Martz, Jr., 6. Jim Lange, 7. Britt Williams

ROADRUNNER (6 laps): 1. Jeff Erbie

Upcoming events

Saturday, August 26 – Pennco Tech Presents Back to School & Scout Night at the Races – Big Blocks, Crate/Sportsman and MASS Sprint Cars, racing at 7pm

Saturday, September 2 – K&A Excavating presents Billy Pauch Fan Appreciation – Final Night of Points plus Bike Night – Big Block Modifies, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks with racing getting underway at 7pm

Saturday, September 9, 16 – No Racing

Friday & Saturday, September 22 & 23 – King of the Big Blocks Weekend!

Upcoming events

Saturday, August 19 – All County Garage Door sponsors Quarter Midget & Mechanics Night – Big Blocks, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks, racing at 7pm

Saturday, August 26 – PennCo Tech Presents Scout Night & Back to School Night in association with Geiswite Creations  – Big Blocks, Crate/Sportsman and MASS Sprint Cars, racing at 7pmSeptem

Saturday, September 2 – K&A Excavating presents Billy Pauch Fan Appreciation – Final Night of Points plus Bike Night – Big Block Modifies, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks with racing getting underway at 7pm

Another full night of racing is headed your way at the Bridgeport Speedway on Saturday, August 19th.

All County Garage Door LLC of Carney’s Point, NJ will sponsor this year’s Quarter Midget Night at the Bridgeport Speedway.  Quarter Midget Night has become a very popular event at the track in recent seasons.   Children – both boys and girls – can start to race quarter midgets at the age of five.  Quarter midget organizations exist throughout the country.  Several of these organizations will be represented during Bridgeport’s event including Montgomery County, ATCO and Blackbird.  These young race car drivers will proudly display their cars behind the main grandstand before the night of racing gets underway.  Later in the evening, they will have the chance to take a few laps around the quarter mile track to showcase their abilities.  This is a big night for the quarter midget competitors who have the opportunity to come to a big race track and watch some of their favorite drivers in action.

The families of Big Block Modified drivers, Ryan Watt and Sam Martz, as well as Crate/Sportsman driver, Eric Kormann, have all been involved in area quarter midget racing with their families.  Logan Watt competes weekly at Montgomery County Quarter Midget Racing Club while Angelica and Sammy Martz, Jr. are past competitors at ATCO.  Hannah Kormann just started racing at Wall this season.

All County Garage Door LLC is a newly formed garage door company, offering both residential and commercial door services.  Focusing on high quality installations, expert repairs and general maintenance programs, All County Garage Door offers you the tools you need to complete your project from start to finish and keep your system operational year after year.  The co-owners – father and son, Tom and Brett Ballard – are no strangers to the Bridgeport Speedway having been involved in Modified and Crate/Sportsman competition on the 5/8th mile speedway.  This father and son team combine for more than thirty-seven years of experience in garage door installation and repair experience.

The Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds, Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman and PennCo Tech Outlaw Stocks will be in competition on Saturday night.  As the summer nights wind down, our championship battles are heating up with just a few points separating the top positions in all three divisions.  It’s going to be an exciting run to the 2017 Bridgeport Championships!  The guys behind the scenes will also have a chance to compete on this night as the Mechanics Races will take place on the quarter mile track following the last checkered flag on the 5/8th mile track.

Racing gets underway at 7pm but come out early and spend some time with the quarter midget drivers, enjoy the musical entertainment and some of the tasty offerings from the Bridgeport Speedway concessions.  Take a ride on the Bandit Bus to get a look at the action behind the scenes in the pit area.  Pick up a copy of the Bridgeport Bullet – the official program of the Bridgeport Speedway – and catch up with all of the track’s recent action as well as point standings and driver rosters.  The program is a great place to collect those autographs that you gather throughout the night.

Upcoming events

Saturday, August 19 – All County Garage Door sponsors Quarter Midget & Mechanics Night – Big Blocks, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks, racing at 7pm

Saturday, August 26 – PennCo Tech Presents Scout Night & Back to School – Big Blocks, Crate/Sportsman and MASS Sprint Cars, racing at 7pmSeptem

Saturday, September 2 – K&A Excavating presents Billy Pauch Fan Appreciation – Final Night of Points plus Bike Night – Big Block Modifies, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks with racing getting underway at 7pm

He’s led laps and he’s finished second on a number of occasions but on Saturday night, Neal Williams drove the Sal DeBruno owned Overhead Door No. 0 to victory in the Race for Ron John sponsored by Bill Misocki at the Bridgeport Speedway.  Williams drove a brand new Teo Pro car with Morrison horsepower into the Winner’s Circle on the car’s maiden voyage in the twenty-five lap Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modified feature event.  It was Williams’ first Big Block Modified win at the Bridgeport Speedway and his first Big Block win since returning to DeBruno’s No. 0 just a little more than a year ago.

Matt Stangle drove to his eighth win of the season in Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman action in a wild twenty lap feature event while Jeramy Doerr raced ahead of current point leader, Tom Wills, Jr. to earn his fourth win of the season in the PennCo Tech Outlaw Stock main event.

Ron John Koczon is a former Modified stock car driver who has been battling cancer this last year.  Koczon is truly one of racing’s Mr. Nice Guys and it showed through the support of this event.  More than $5,000 was raised through a Chinese Auction, Bake Sale and donations during the night of racing.  “This was all about Ron John,” sponsor Bill Misocki stated.  “I am happy that I could do this for him.”

In his last four races, Williams has had an engine blow, flipped and then had more engine issues when he raced the team’s Small Block Modified a week ago.  On Saturday night, everything finally went Williams’ way.  “I was really hoping that it would rainout,” Williams admitted.  “I wanted to get on the track with the car, run some hot laps and then take it home and see what we could do to make it better.”  But against the odds, the Bridgeport Speedway won the battle with Mother Nature while Williams won the battle against the field of twenty-five Big Block Modifieds.

After winning the second qualifying heat, Williams started third for the main event.  Polesitter, Dave Shirk led the first three laps before Billy Pauch took the lead on lap four with his K&A Excavating No. 15.  Williams closed in on Pauch on lap ten and had the lead as the field exited turn four to complete the circuit.  Williams then proceeded to drive away from the competition.  A restart on lap seventeen, brought the field back to Williams who elected to restart from the outside with Pauch, Ryan Watt and Dominick Buffalino right behind.  The race was for second as Watt took the position on lap eighteen but Williams had already driven away.

Williams drove to the checkered flag for the win over Watt, Buffalino, Rick Laubach and Pauch.  Richie Pratt, Jr., Jim Britt, Jesse Hill, David Hunt and Tommy Beamer rounded out the top ten.

Several multi-car incidents marred the start of the Crate/Sportsman feature sending the cars of championship contenders Matt Stangle, Brian Papiez and Eric Kormann to the pits before one lap could be completed.  The damage on Kormann’s No. 16 was too extensive for Kormann to extend his thirteen top five finishes but Stangle and Papiez returned to the rear of the field.

Adam Cox led the way for the eleven laps, withstanding challenges from Roger Manning just before the halfway point.  Stangle raced back into contention, first taking second from Manning and then setting his sights on Cox.  Stangle became the race leader on lap twelve and led the field to the checkered flag at the end of twenty laps.  Manning finished second with Cox gaining his best finish of the season in third.  Tom Sherby also collected a season best finish to take fourth over Papiez who rebounded to a fifth place finish.

Brian Ludwig has been in the thick of every feature event this season and led the way until just before the half way mark on Saturday night when Jeramy Doerr put his No. 3D into the lead.  Tom Wills, Jr. raced from his tenth place start to finish second with Ludwig taking third.  Jeff Dirkes races across the line in fourth with Rich Stinson rounding out the top five at the finish.

Fay Lancaster, Paige Brown and Colleen Dirkes picked up wins in the Lady’s Powder Puff races for the Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman and Outlaw Stocks.

Action returns to the Bridgeport Speedway next Saturday night as All County Garage Door LLC sponsors 1/4 Midget Night at the Bridgeport Speedway.  Quarter midget drivers will have their cars on display prior to the start of racing and will be happy to talk to the fans about their racing experience.  The Outlaw Stocks will compete in two feature events in addition to a full show of Big Block Modifieds and Crate/Sportsman.  The guys behind the scenes – the mechanics – will have their chance to get behind the wheel and compete in special Mechanics races at the end of the night.  Racing gets underway at 7pm.

SPIRIT AUTO CENTER BIG BLOCK MODIFIED FEATURE (25 laps): 1. Neal Williams, 2. Ryan Watt, 3. Dominick Buffalino, 4. Rick Laubach, 5. Billy Pauch, Sr., 6. Richie Pratt, Jr., 7. Jim Britt, 8. Jesse Hill, 9. David Hunt, 10. Tommy Beamer, 11. Dave Shirk, 12. Ron Roberts, 13. Ryan Forte, 14. Ricky DiEva, 15. Lou Cicconi, 16. Bobby Drayton, 17. Sam Martz, 18. Mike Franz, 19. Ernie Miles, III, 20. Ryan Godown, 21. Bobby Firth, 22. Matt Budd, 23. Jack Swain, DNS – Tom Maccherone, Anthony Moran

STEWART STAINLESS SUPPLY CRATE/SPORTSMAN FEATURE (20 laps): 1. Matt Stangle, 2. Roger Manning, 3. Adam Cox, 4. Tom Sherby, 5. Brian Papiez, 6. Kevin Belmont, 7. Bill Briggs, 8. Jeremy Martino, 9. David Crossman, 10. Scott Hulmes, 11. Matthew Luzi, 12. Joseph Brown, 13. Wayne Weaver, 14. Frank Dorry, 15. Dave Damiano, 16. Tom Moore, 17. Rich Wegner, Jr., 18. Pete Serra, 19. Brett Belmont, 20. Olivia Ingersoll, 21. Andrew Belmont, 22. Tommy Errico, 23. Eric Kormann, 24. Jeff Bubori, 25. Keith McKinley

PENNCO TECH OUTLAW STOCK FEATURE (15 laps): 1. Jeramy Doerr, 2. Tom Wills, Jr., 3. Brian Ludwig, 4. Jeff Dirkes, 5. Rich Stinson, 6. Spider Ensinger, 7. John Parker, 8. Darren Cox, 9. Mike Creamer, 10. Steven Land, 11. David Kramer, 12. Andrew Joslin, 13. Ken Moren, 14. Paul Donahue

Upcoming events

Saturday, August 19 – All County Garage Door sponsors Quarter Midget & Mechanics Night – Big Blocks, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks, racing at 7pm

Saturday, August 26 – PennCo Tech Presents Scout Night & Back to School – Big Blocks, Crate/Sportsman and MASS Sprint Cars, racing at 7pmSeptem

Saturday, September 2 – K&A Excavating presents Billy Pauch Fan Appreciation – Final Night of Points plus Bike Night – Big Block Modifies, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks with racing getting underway at 7pm

Saturday, September 9 – No Racing

For just the second time this season, reigning Bridgeport Champion Ryan Watt raced for the win in the Saturday night twenty-five lap Spirit Auto Center Big Block Feature.  Matt Stangle and Brian Papiez each picked up Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman feature win with Stangle winning the rained out from mid-June while Papiez captured the win in the regular twenty lap main event.  Tom Wills, Jr. led the PennCo Tech Outlaw Stocks to the finish line, in front of a three way battle for second at the end of fifteen laps.

Sam Martz led the way for the first seventeen laps of the Big Block feature event in a race that went caution free until three laps remained.

Martz caught the back of the field on lap ten as he raced well ahead of Jesse Hill, Watt, Rick Laubach and David Hunt.  Hill and Watt closed the distance on the leader as they raced through lapped traffic.  Hill crossed the start/finish line on Martz’s back bumper on lap fourteen but by the time the leaders made another circuit, Watt had moved into second.  Two laps later, Martz and Watt crossed the line side by side with taking over the top spot on lap eighteen.

With Watt out in front, it was a three way battle for third as Martz, Hill and Laubach raced for position.  Laubach got by Hill for third but Hill raced right back to reclaim the position on the next lap.  Watt took the checkered flag over Martz, Hill, Laubach and Dominick Buffalino whose late race charge gained a top five finish for the No. 51m.

The race was Watt’s fifth Bridgeport win of the season but only his second Saturday night victory.  Watt and the Roberts Racing No. 14w arrived at the track just before warm-ups after encountering a encountering first engine than rear-end issues with the No. 14w as they prepared for the night of  racing.

Rookie Champion, Jim Gallagher, Jr. led the first twelve laps of the Crate/Sportsman feature held-over from June 17th before running into problems in turn two.  Second place competitor, Roger Manning was unable to avoid the car spinning in front of him but was able to continue without losing position.  Manning became the race leader on lap thirteen when green flag racing resumed.  With just two laps to go, Matt Stangle challenged Manning on the outside, taking the lead.  Stangle drove to his seventh Bridgeport victory while Manning finished second followed by Brian Papiez, Eric Kormann and David Crossman.

In the regular feature event, Papiez avoided an early race multi-car incident, taking the lead on the restart and leading every lap for his fourth Bridgeport feature win.   In this event, it was rookie, Andrew Belmont who raced his way by Manning with just less than five laps remaining to take over second.  Belmont was able to cut into the lead that Papaiez had built but was not able to get close enough to mount a challenge.  Manning finished third followed by Korman and Gallagher, Jr.

Tom Wills, Jr. raced to his fourth win of the season in PennCo Tech Outlaw Stock competition.  By halfway, Wills was fending off the challenges of Brian Ludwig who in turn was holding off the advances of Jeramy Doerr.  With less than one lap remaining, the caution was needed for the disabled car of David Kramer, setting up a one lap shootout for the win.  Wills held the lead while Ludwig, Doerr and now Jeff Dirkes raced for the runner-up spot.  Wills raced to the checkered with Doerr crossing the line in second.  Dirkes finished third followed by Ludwig and Jim Avery.

A full night of racing is planned for the Bridgeport Speedway next Saturday night with Racing for Ron John m.Night that will include the Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman and Outlaw Stocks, Driver Appreciation Night and Powder Puff races!  Lots of fun and surprises!  Racing gets underway at 7pm.

SPIRIT AUTO CENTER BIG BLOCK MODIFIED FEATURE (25 laps): 1. Ryan Watt, 2. Sam Martz, 3. Jesse Hill, 4. Rick Laubach, 5. Dominick Buffalino, 6. Dave Hunt, 7. Jim Britt, 8. Richie Pratt, Jr., 9. Tommy Beamer, 10. Travis Hill, 11. Dave Shirk, 12. Ricky DiEva, 13. Billy Pauch, Sr., 14. Rocco Infante, 15. Ron Roberts, 16. Jack Swain, 17. Westley Smith, 18. Neal Williams, 19. Ernie Miles, III, 20. Bob Sarkisian, 21. Tom Maccherone, DNS – Mike Franz

STEWART STAINLESS SUPPLY CRATE/SPORTSMAN 6/17 MAKE-UP FEATURE (20 laps): 1. Matt Stangle, 2. Roger Manning, 3. Brian Papiez, 4. Eric Kormann, 5. David Crossman, 6. Adam Cox, 7. Chuck Sayres, 8. Matthew Peck, 9. Steve Kemery, 10. Bobby Bracall, 11. Tommy Errico, 12. Jim Gallagher, Jr., 13. Pete Serra, 14. Tom Holding, 15. Olivia Ingersoll, 16. Scott Hulmes

STEWART STAINLESS SUPPLY CRATE/SPORTSMAN FEATURE (20 laps): 1. Brian Papiez, 2. Andrew Belmont, 3. Roger Manning, 4. Eric Kormann, 5. Jim Gallagher, Jr., 6. Tom Moore, 7. Matthew Peck, 8. Bobby Bracall, 9. Tommy Errico, 10. Tom Sherby, 11. Chuck Sayres, 12. Chris Jenkins, 13. Adam Cox, 14. Pete Serra, 15. Scott Hulmes, 16. Howard Huepfel, 17. Matt Stangle, 18. Harry Landis, 19. Dave Damiano, 20. Brett Belmont, 21. Jeff Bubori, 22. Clyde Cox, 23. Steve Kemery, 24. David Crossman, DNQ – Tom Holding, Olivia Ingersoll, Keith McKinley, Roger Gaskill, Kevin Belmont, Mark Forte

PENNCO TECH OUTLAW STOCK FEATURE (15 laps): 1. Tom Wills, Jr., 2. Jeramy Doerr, 3. Jeff Dirkes, 4. Brian Ludwig, 5. Jim Avery, 6. Darren Cox, 7. Rich Stinson, 8. Mike Creamer, 9. John Parker, 10. Ken Moren, 11. David Kramer, 12. Paul Donahue, 13. Andrew Joslin, 14. Spider Ensinger, 15. Doug DeBray

Upcoming events

Saturday, August 12 – Racing for RonJohn – Big Blocks, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks & Vintage Cars, Powder Puff Races & Driver Appreciation night,  racing at 7pm

Saturday, August 19 – All County Garage Door sponsors Quarter Midget & Mechanics Night – Big Blocks, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks, racing at 7pm

Saturday, August 26 – PennCo Tech Presents Scout Night & Back to School – Big Blocks, Crate/Sportsman and MASS Sprint Cars, racing at 7pmSeptem

Saturday, September 2 – K&A Excavating presents Billy Pauch Fan Appreciation – Final Night of Points plus Bike Night – Big Block Modifies, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks with racing getting underway at 7pm

Bridgeport, NJ – Even though the D.A.’S Auto Body Rookie class of 2017 has graduated, that doesn’t mean that the fun has to stop for these drivers of the future. The rookies will now be racing for their own ‘Poker Series’ hands starting this Saturday, August 5th. The next five programs will count towards the driver’s earning the best ‘poker hand’ that they can build. The highest finishing rookie will receive an ‘Ace’, second a ‘King’ and so on within the Crate/Sportsman feature event. The final hand will be dealt on final points night September 2. The champion will receive $300, with second taking home $200, and third $100. All the drivers that have competed in the rookie series throughout the season are eligible for the Poker Series.  This will give drivers a 5 card Poker Hand at the end of this Rookie Mini Poker Series.

This Saturday night at Bridgeport will see the mighty Spirit Auto Center Big Blocks, Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman, and Pennco Tech Outlaw Stocks in action. Pit Gates open 4:30, Grandstands 5:30 and racing gets underway at 7pm.

Bridgeport, NJ – As the racing season hits the ‘home stretch’ part of the season, August will be an exciting and busy month for the racers and fans of Bridgeport Speedway.  “This will be a great stretch of Saturday night racing for everyone at Bridgeport over the next month,” stated General Manager Danny Serrano.  “We’ve got a lot things planned each and every week to along with our great stock car racing.”

Aug 5 – Bike Night – All Motorcycle riders receive FREE admission to the races.  6 bicycles will be won by 6 lucky young fans during intermission courtesy of the Bridgeport Speedway drivers.

Aug 5 – Double Crate/Sportsman Features – 6/17 Make up plus Regular Race

Local short track racing personality Bill Miscoski has jumped on board to sponsor the August 12 program at Bridgeport.  “I like what Bridgeport has been doing the past few years and I just wanted to bring some of my racing and business friends to be part of one of their weekly shows,” Miscoski offered.  “I also wanted to do something for my good friend Ron John Koczon, so I thought this was the perfect opportunity.”

Aug 12 – Racing for Ron John:  Last summer local dirt track racer Ron John Koczon was unfortunately diagnosed with cancer.  After going through surgery last fall, Koczon has had his ups and downs and continues to be a fighter in this long process to recovery.  The treatments and doctor visits are continuous which can certainly wear on a family’s every-day routine.  Ron John’s infectious smile and positive attitude are just a couple of things that race fans and friends have come to know him for.  “He’s got so many friends that want to support him and wish him the best of luck.  I’ve already received over $1,500 pledges to help take some of life’s everyday burdens off of Ron and his family, and I know we can raise a lot more at Bridgeport that night,” added Miscoski

Aug 12 Fundraiser:  There will be plenty of ways to be a part of the ‘Racing for Ron John’ cause on Aug 12.  Special T-shirts will be on sale that evening along with decal stickers made by Dan Fleming of Xtreme Graphics.  A Bake Sale will be taking place where fans can purchase delicious sweets during the races.  A small Chinese Auction will also be taking place where fans can win gifts a la Friends of Mike style.

Aug 12 Driver’s Appreciation BBQ:  With the July 22 cancellation, the Driver’s pre-race FREE BBQ will now take place on Saturday, Aug 12.  The pre-race festivities will take place from 4-5:30pm as all the racing teams, owners, and crews are invited to take part in Bobby Dixon Jr’s scrumptious BBQ.  The night will feature the Spirit Auto Center Big Blocks, Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman, Pennco Tech Outlaw Stocks, and the Vintage Cars.

Aug 12 Powder Puffs:  At the conclusion of the evening, the ladies will then jump behind the wheel of the race cars on the ¼ mile as wives, sisters, girlfriends, cousins, neighbors, and friends of the drivers have their chance in annual Powder Puff races.  There will be first place trophies for all the winners of the powder puff events as well.

Aug 19 – Mechanics Night:  Every year the people that turn the wrenches on the race cars get their moment to shine behind the wheel.  All County Garage will be sponsoring Mechanics Night as the crew chiefs show their drivers just what they have on the ¼ mile.  The Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, & Outlaw Stocks are on the schedule.

Aug 19 – Quarter Midget Night:  Originally scheduled for July 22, the Quarter Midgets will be on display on Aug 19 as well.  The racers of tomorrow will showcase their cars before having their chance on the ¼ mile track for their annual exhibition event.

Aug 19 – Double Outlaw Stock Features:  6/17 Make Up plus Regular Race

Aug 26 – Scout Night:  Pennco Tech will sponsoring the evening as ALL Scouts (Boy, Girl, Cub, Eagle) will receive FREE admission to the races featuring Big Blocks, Crate/Sportsman & MASS 305 Sprints.

Aug 26 – Back to School Night:  FREE backpack raffle and school supply giveaways will be happening all night courtesy of the Bridgeport Speedway drivers and the help of Geiswite Creations.

For all the latest information you can visit Bridgeport’s official website at www.bpspeedway.com or check out them out on facebook, follow them on twitter, Instagram, and snap chat.  You may also call the speedway directly and leave a message at 856-467-4408.

It’s a family tradition!  Doing as their fathers have done before them, Richie Pratt, Jr. and Jim Gallagher, Jr. followed the lead set by their fathers as both drivers raced to victory in their respected divisions in Saturday night action at the Bridgeport Speedway.  Mark Bitner earned his second win of the season by winning the Mid Atlantice Sprint Series (MASS) feature event.

Just as his father and uncles have done in the past, Richie Pratt, Jr. raced to his first victory of the season in the family owned No. 28 to capture the Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modified feature event on Saturday night, winning a wheel to wheel battle with Dominick Buffalino.  It was Big Block Modified racing at its best with Pratt taking the lead from Dave Shirk on lap six.  Pratt then led the way through lap ten before Buffalino raced to the outside on a lap eleven restart to become the new race leader.  Several times, Pratt raced through the turns with Buffalino but each time, Buffalino pulled ahead exiting the corner.  That is until lap eighteen when Pratt crossed the start/finish line side by side with Buffalino.

The two drivers raced door to door for more than two laps – no banging, no sparks – just good clean racing by two drivers who have a long history in racing.  Leading the field to take the five to go sign, Pratt was able to pull ahead, using the inside line to regain the lead.  “How did he get that fast?”, was the question Buffalino had as Pratt took the lead.  The question was soon answered as Buffalino followed Pratt’s line with just a few laps to go.  Pratt pulled away as he drove to the checkered flag and his 24^th career Bridgeport Big Block Modified win.

Buffalino finished second followed by Rick Laubach in third.  Ryan Watt rebounded from an earlier incident to drive from the rear to finish fourth while Jim Britt had a strong run to finish fifth.

Pratt shared his victory with his family and sponsors.  “Please support the names that you see on these race cars,” Pratt told the fans.  “Everybody says it but it is true – if it weren’t for our sponsors, there wouldn’t be any racing!”

After capturing the DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookie Championship earlier this season, Jim Gallagher, Jr. captured his first Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman feature win, leading from the green flag to the checkered in a caution riddled event.

The first caution came before the first lap could be scored when Brian Papiez drew the yellow.  Gallagher prevailed in spite of all of the cautions that tightened up the field and brought his competition to his rub rails and bumpers.

Gallagher concentrated on hitting his marks and being smooth as he led all twenty laps to the checkered followed by David Crossman and Eric Kormann.  Jeff Bubori had a strong outing to finish fourth with Matt Stangle using a late race pass to crack the top five.

“The Twister”, Mark Bitner, took the lead from Eddie Wagner on lap three – using a smooth move to the inside of turn two to lead the field of MASS Sprint Cars.  Bitner never looked back as he raced to the finish for his second Bridgeport win of the season over Wagner.  Bryant Davis finished third after capturing his first 305 Sprint Car win just one week earlier.  Dave Brown raced home in fourth with Brendon Poff rounding out the top five.

Bitner and the Brian Nixon owned No. 202 are proof of the old adage that races are won and lost in the garage as their hours of dedication have resulted in strong finishes for the team this year.

Racing action returns to the Bridgeport Speedway at 7pm Saturday night with Big Block Modifieds, Crate Sportsman and Outlaw Stock action.

SPIRIT AUTO CENTER BIG BLOCK MODIFIED FEATURE (25 laps): 1. Richie Pratt, Jr., 2. Dominick Buffalino, 3. Rick Laubach, 4. Ryan Watt, 5. Jim Britt, 6. Billy Pauch, Jr., 7. Jesse Hill, 8. Ron Roberts, 9. Sam Martz, 10. Mike Franz, 11. Tommy Beamer, 12. David Hunt, 13. Jack Swain, 14. Dave Shirk, 15. Don Hallowell, 16. Bob Sarkisian, 17. Neal Williams, 18. Billy Pauch, Sr., 19. Stan Frankenfield, 20. Anthony Moran, 21. J.R. Burritt, 22. Tom Maccherone, 23. P.J. Oliver, DNS – Ernie Miles, III

STEWART STAINLESS SUPPLY CRATE/SPORTSMAN FEATURE (20 laps): 1. Jim Gallagher, Jr., 2. David Crossman, 3. Eric Kormann, 4. Jeff Bubori, 5. Matt Stangle, 6. Roger Manning, 7. Clyde Cox, 8. Tom Tanner, 9. Kevin Belmont, 10. Adam Cox, 11. Ryan Simmons, 12. Jeremy Martino, 13. Tom Holding, 14. Dave Damiano, 15. Matthew Peck, 16. Keith McKinley, 17. Tom Moore, 18. John Scarpati, 19. Steve Kemery, 20. Rich Wegner, Jr., 21. Wayne Weaver, 22. Ray Cost, 23. Brian Papiez, DNS – Chris Jenkins

MASS 305 SPRINTS FEATURE (20 laps): 1. Mark Bitner, 2. Eddie Wagner, 3. Bryant Davis, 4. Dave Brown, 5. Brendon Poff, 6. Tommy Carberry, 7. Jeff Geiges, 8. Scott Frack, 9. Austin Bishop, 10. Tom Carberry, Sr., 11. Bobby Butler, 12. Keith Anderson, 13. Craig Pellegrini, 14. Rick Stief, 15. Joe Kay, DNS – Tim Tanner, John Webster, Gabe Fox

When Rick Laubach picked up his third Big Block Modified win on Saturday night at the Bridgeport Speedway on First Responder’s Night sponsored, by Spirit Auto Center, it was much more than just another win for the Hellertown, PA driver.  .  Laubach reached a landmark that only four other drivers share

Saturday night’s win was Laubach’s 50th Big Block Modified victory on the 5/8thmile speedway – a status that he now shares with Jimmy Horton, the late Doug Hoffman, Billy Pauch and Wade Hendrickson.  Laubach remains fifth on the All Time Feature Winners list.

It was a three wide battle for the lead when the green flag waved that saw Tommy Beamer come out on top over David Hunt and Dave Shirk.  Before a lap could be completed, the caution waved when Sam Martz made contact in turn two.  The complete restart produced the same results with Beamer leading the first lap.

Hunt raced into the lead following a lap two restart and immediately began to pull away from the field.

It was all Hunt through lap twenty when Laubach made his way through lapped traffic to challenge Hunt for the lead.  Laubach took the lead with a move to the outside of Hunt on lap twenty-one.  Laubach led the remaining circuits, taking the win over Hunt and Richie Pratt, Jr. who had another strong outing in the No. 28.  Ryan Watt made a late race pass by Neal Williams to take fourth.

Wayne Weaver has three Big Block Modified wins at Bridgeport but on Saturday night, Weaver made his first trip to Bridgeport’s Victory Lane since 1989 – this time, behind the wheel of the Overhead Door Crate/Sportsman.  Weaver combined his efforts with those of car owner, Sal DeBruno, earlier this season.  After just a handful of races, Weaver picked up his first win in Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman action.

Weaver took the lead from Andrew Belmont on a lap two restart and never looked back as he raced to the win over Dave Damiano.  Belmont finished third followed by Eric Kormann who made his tenth consecutive top five finish.  Matt Stangle picked up the ride in the Gallagher No. 31 when mechanical woes sidelined his own No. 6 and drove to a fifth place finish after starting at the rear of the field.

Jeramy Doerr picked up two wins in PennCo Tech Outlaw Stock competition, winning both fifteen lap feature events including a rained out hand of the 811 Dig Safely 2017 Poker Series.  Brian Ludwig gave Doerr a sizeable challenge in the first event, leading the first ten laps before Doerr took over.  Ludwig finished second followed by Tom Wills, Jr., Rich Stinson and Mike Creamer.

In the second feature event, Darren Cox led the first three laps before Wills, Jr. took over through lap six.  It was Doerr to the front on lap seven.  Wills, Jr. finished second followed by Jeff Dirkes in third.  Stinson finished fourth with Cox rounding out the top five.  It was Doerr’s first Ace of the 2017 Poker Series.

It’s Driver Appreciation Night at the Bridgeport Speedway next Saturday when the Big Block Modifeds, Crate/Sportsman and Outlaw Stocks return to action at 7pm.

SPIRIT AUTO CENTER BIG BLOCK MODIFIEDS (25 LAPS) 1. Rick Laubach, 2. David Hunt, 3. Richie Pratt, Jr. 4. Ryan Watt, 5. Neal Williams, 6. Tommy Beamer, 7. Dominick Buffalino, 8. Ron Roberts, 9. Ricky DiEva, 10. Ernie Miles, Jr., 11. Dave Shirk, 12. Anthony Moran, 13. Wade Hendrickson, 14. Jim Britt, 15. Don Hallowell, 16. Bob Sarkisian, 17. Sam Martz

STEWART STAINLESS CRATE/SPORTSMAN (20 LAPS) 1. Wayne Weaver, 2. Dave Damiano, 3. Andrew Belmont, 4. Eric Kormann, 5. Matt Stangle, 6. Brian Papiez, 7. Adam Cox, 8. Clyde Cox, 9. John Micek, 10. Matthew Peck, 11. Roger Manning, 12. Brett Belmont, 13. Melissa Scarpatti, 14. David Crossman

PENNCO TECH OUTLAW STOCKS (15 LAPS) 1. Jeramy Doerr, 2. Brian Ludwig, 3. Tom Wills, Jr. 4. Rich Stinson, 5. Mike Creamer, 6. Darren Cox, 7. Jeff Dirkes, 8. Jon Meyer, 9. John Parker, 10. Jimmy Avery, 11. David Kramer, 12. Ken Moren, 13. Andrew Joslin, 14. Paul Donahue, 15. Sean Smith

PENNCO TECH OUTLAW STOCKS (15 LAPS – MAKE UP FEATURE FROM 5/28) 1. Jeramy Doerr, 2. Tom Wills, Jr. 3. Jeff Dirkes, 4. Rich Stinson, 5. Darren Cox, 6. Brian Ludwig, 7. Jimmy Avery, 8. Mike Creamer, 9. Ken Moren, 10. John Parker, 11. David Kramer, 12. Paul Donahue, 13. Jon Meyer, 14. Andrew Joslin

Upcoming events

Saturday, July 22 – Driver Appreciation Night  – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks, racing at 7pm

Saturday, July 29 –  Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & MASS Sprint Cars, racing at 7pm

Saturday, August 5 – Bike Night – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks, racing at 7pm

Saturday, August 12 – Ladies Powder Puff Races – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks & Vintage, racing at 7pm