Bridgeport Motorsports Park

 

 

 

On a weekend that found virtually every racing event in the Northeast cancelled due to unseasonably cold temperatures and snow and rain showers, the Bridgeport Speedway overcame the odds and presented its second event of the 2016 season.
“It wasn’t just the wet track conditions that presented the problem,” Bridgeport Speedway owner, Brian Ramey explained.  “We’ve dealt with situations like that before.”  With an early start time of 4pm with cars scheduled to hit the track for warm-ups around 3pm, Bridgeport was presented with a steep challenge.  Could they prepare the track surface in time with very little help from the weather?  The management team met several times during the pre-noon hours.  By mid-day, Keith Hoffman and his track crew had the surface on its way to being race ready.   Pit gates opened on time and the show went on.

For the second year in a row, the United Racing Club opened their season at the Bridgeport Speedway with sponsorship from Bob Lilick’s BRB Contractors.  The URC competitors were anxious to get their season underway as they lined up at the pit gate at noon.

Twenty-two URC teams signed in in addition to thirty Big Block Modifieds, nearly thirty Crate/Sportsman and twelve Outlaw Stocks.  It was a great day of racing that kept the fans focused on the action and not on the temperature!

At the end of the day, several drivers had made history at the Bridgeport Speedway!

2014 URC
Champion, Davie Franek used a lap twelve restart to move ahead of nine time URC Champion, Curt Michael to take the lead in the twenty-five lap URC season opener.  Michael was dominant through the first eleven laps, building a sizeable lead over the competition.  While Michael raced through lapped traffic, Franek began to cut into Michael’s lead.  The restart positioned the two drivers side by side for the restart with Franek quickly moving into the lead.  Franek led Michael, Robbie Stillwaggon, Josh Weller and Randy West with just five laps to go.  The caution waved again with just one lap remaining for debris on the speedway.  On the restart, Weller moved up to third and then raced Michael and Franek for the lead in a three way battle.  Weller’s bid for the win came to an end when something broke in the front end of Weller’s No. 63, leaving him sitting in turn two.  The final restart was single file but that didn’t stop Michael from sliding by Franek to take the lead between the first and second turns.  However, Franek was not to be denied as he returned the favor and retook the lead as the field raced down the backstretch.

Franek picked up the win in the 2016 URC opener and his first ever win on the 5/8 mile Bridgeport Speedway.  Michael finished second with Robbie Stillwaggon in third.  Troy Betts rallied in the final laps to finish fourth with Nate Snyder finishing fifth in Tim Hogue’s No. 39.

The Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds were not to be outdone as young Brett Kressley led from the green fla
g to the checkered to claim his first ever win in Big Block Modified competition in only his third race in a Big Block.

Kressley drew the pole for the start of the twenty-five lap feature event and held 2015 Bridgeport Champion, Jamie Mills and Ryan Godown at bay to claim his first Big Block victory.  A late race caution put Mills alongside of Kressley for the restart with just seven laps to go but the young driver never wavered as he pulled away from the reigning track champion.  Young invader, Tyler Dippel made a late race challenge to move through the top five.

Kressley drove to the checkered flag followed by Mills, Dippel, Godown and Jeff Strunk.  With his third place finish, Ryan Godown is the current preseason point leader in the Big Block Modified division.  The pre-season points are sponsored by Oliver Engineering and Oliver Communications.

Steve Davis raced to his first win of the season in the Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman ranks after taking the lead from Steve Searock before the half way mark.  Searock went on to finish second followed by Brandon Grosso in third, Matt Stangle in fourth and Scott Hitchens rounding out the top five.

Davis’ fourth place finish in the opener, coupled with his most recent win, finds him on top of the leader board for the Crate/Sportsman pre-season points.

Ron Frees has left little doubt about who the pre-season point leader is in the PennCo Tech Outlaw Stock division as Frees picked up his second win of the season.  It was a three wide race to the checkered as TJ Henry and Jim Avery raced Frees to the finish line.

Frees picked up the win followed by Henry, Avery, Scott Dugan and Jack Beaumont.

It was the season opener for the DA’s Auto Body Rookie Class with Bridgeport newcomer, Chad Kohler taking the win over Chuck Sayres, Bob Hartman and Tom Terry.  Sayres led the early laps before Kohler took the lead.

The Short Track Super Series comes to the Bridgeport Speedway this Sunday for the second race of the 2016 season in the Southern Region.  In addition to the Big Block Modifieds, the Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks and Xcel 600 Modifieds will compete.  Rick Laubach won the inaugural event last season while Ryan Watt was crowned as the Southern Region champion at the conclusion of the five race series.

Seven races will make up the Southern Region competition this year.  Anthony Perrego won the first event of 2016 at the Georgetown Speedway and will be on hand to chase this year’s title along with many invaders and as well as the Bridgeport regulars.

Racing gets underway at 4pm on Sunday.

 

 

United Racing Club Sprints (25 laps) – 1. Davie Franek, 2. Curt Michael, 3. Robbie Stillwaggon, 4. Troy Betts, 5. Nate Snyder, 6. Randy West, 7. Davey Sammons, 8. Kevin Darling, 9. Jason Clauss, 10. Mark Bittner, 11. Paulie Colasiovanni, 12. Art Liedl, 13. Josh Weller, 14. Ryan Stillwaggon, 15. Brad Franks, 16. Dave Brown, 17. Brett Michalski, 18. Ed Aiken, 19. Justin Whittal, 20. Jonathan Swanson, 21. Mark Sasso, DNS – Justin Hoffman

 

Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds (25 laps) – 1. Brett Kressley, 2. Jamie Mills, 3. Tyler Dippel, 4. Ryan Godown, 5. Jeff Strunk, 6. Rick Laubach, 7. Duane Howard, 8. Tommy Beamer, 9. Ryan Watt, 10. David Hunt, 11. Dominick Buffalino, 12. Travis Hill, 13. Jordan Watson, 14. Kyle Borror, 15. Ryan Krachun, 16. Jimmy Horton, 17. Richie Pratt, Jr., 18. Ron Roberts, 19. Jack Swain, 20. Stan Frankenfield, 21. Wade Hendrickson, 22. Mike Franz, 23. Tommy Scheetz, 24. Sam Martz, DNS – C.J. Jones DNQ – Ricky DiEva, Anthony Moran, Jesse Hill, Mike Barone, Kyle Merkle

 

Stewart Stainless Supply (20 laps) – 1.Steve Davis, 2. Steve Searock, 3. Brandon Grosso, 4. Matt Stangle, 5. Scott Hitchens, 6. Steve Kemery, 7. Clyde Cox, 8. Matthew Peck, 9. David Crossman, 10. Brad Roberts, 11. Harry Landis, 12. Scott Hulmes, 13. Fred Massey, 14. Nick Nicotra, 15. Billy Briggs, 16. John McGovern, 17. Chad Kohler, 18. Jason Rush, 19. Jeremy Harrington, 20. Tyler Hulmes, 21. Ernie Miles, III, 22. Pete Visconti, 23. Connor King, 24. Tom Princiotta, DNS – Jeramy Doerr, DNQ – Chuck Sayres, Kevin Belmont, Jim Kraus

 

PennCo Tech Outlaw Stocks (15 laps) – 1. Ron Frees, 2. T.J. Henry, 3. Jimmy Avery, 4. Scott Dugan, 5. Jack Beaumont, 6. Tom Wills, Jr., 7. Gary Klimeczak, 8. John Meyer, 9. Jeff Dirkes, 10. Brian Ludwig, 11. Cleve Riehl, 12. Spider Ensinger

 

D.A.’s Auto Body & Repair Rookies (8 laps) – 1. Chad Kohler, 2. Chuck Sayres, 3. Bob Hartman, 4. Thomas Terry

 

 

URC PLANS START TO EXCITING 2016 SEASON AT BRIDGEPORT SPEEDWAY

 

     The United Racing Club (URC) will open their 2016 season at the Bridgeport Speedway on Sunday, April 10th with racing getting underway at 4pm.  For the second year in a row, the Lilick family’s BRB Contractors will sponsor URC’s season opener.

     Bridgeport hosted the newly reformed URC opener a year ago and the winged sprint car competitors are looking forward to returning to Bridgeport for the start of the new season. 

     URC will see action on the Bridgeport 5/8 mile on two other occasions in 2016.  On Tuesday, August 16th, URC will join the Super Late Models and Small Block Modifieds for Bridgeport’s Three for All event, an event that was introduced last year.  URC/360 Sprints will wrap up their 2016 season with a two day event on November 4th & 5th.  URC has worked closely this season with the Empire State Sprints and Patriot Sprints from the North, with the three organizations working together to promote and support each other’s special events.  The Bridgeport Speedway offers the availability of camping as well as nearby hotels for the two day event.

     The November event will be billed as the URC/360 Sprints Big Track Classic and will run in conjunction with the  Crate/Sportsman Smackdown.  Details for this weekend will be forthcoming but there will be a special trophy dedicated to the late Midge Miller that will be presented to one of the sprint car competitors.  It will be the biggest race of the year for the Crate/Sportsman, paying $2500 to win and $250 to take the green.

     Nine time URC Champion, Curt Michael picked up his 50th career victory in the season opener last year and then returned to win a second URC event later in the season.  Michael’s win total currently stands at 55 to start the new season. 

     There are plenty of competitors who have made it their mission this season to beat Michael and the Bill Gallagher owned, No. 5G.  Robbie Stillwagon finished second to Michael last season and hopes to improve upon that performance in 2016.  Stillwagon’s younger brother, Ryan, will trade in his crew chief role to run a part time schedule with URC.  Third in points a year ago, Josh Weller will run a part time schedule this season in his family owned No. 63.  Top ten competitors Davie Franek, Brad Franks and Troy Betts are just a few who are expected at Bridgeport opening day.

     Also racing on a part time schedule is multi-year TSRS Champion, Mike Haggenbottom and fellow competitor Tim Tanner.  Haggenbottom and Tanner will race in URC events as their schedule allows.  The same is true for 410 competitor Davey Sammons who has added a 360 Sprint Car to his arsenal.  The ever popular Ed Aiken returns to URC action this season as the driver of the Scott McClaren owned No. 21.  Second generation URC campaigner, Tim Hogue will return to action this season with driver, Nate Snyder behind the wheel of the Hogue No. 39.  Justin Whittall and Brett Michalski are among the other young talents to test the URC waters this season.

     This show will be the first of three Sunday shows at Bridgeport this season and part of the pre-season points sponsored by Oliver Construction Enterprises & Oliver Engineering, Inc.  The pre-season champions will be crowned at the conclusion of the April 24th show.  Dominick Buffalino, Jeremy Harrington and Ron Frees all started their 2016 seasons on a winning note by capturing wins in the 60 Over Special, Doug Hoffman Memorial for the Spirit Auto Center Big Block, Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman and PennTech Outlaw Stocks. 

     In addition to  URC, the Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman and Outlaw Stocks, the DA’s Auto Body Rookie class will see their first competition of the 2016 season.  Racing gets underway at 4pm on Sunday.   Come out early and enjoy the musical entertainment, the Bridgeport concession stands and take a ride with the Bridgeport Bandit on his Bandit Bus to get a closer look behind the scenes in the pit area.  Bridgeport is the only track in the state of New Jersey to offer Big Block Modifieds; we are committed to maintaining a safe, fun, family atmosphere, creating life-lasting memories of excitement.

Bridgeport Speedway Addresses Post-Race Tech

 

Bridgeport, NJ (March 30, 2016) – After the Bridgeport Speedway management team and head tech inspector Tommy Ballard metWednesday evening, certain items and situations were addressed and outlined regarding last Saturday’s post-race tech inspection (mainly in regards to the Crate/Sportsman division).

 

Speedway owner Brian Ramey wanted to go on the record for the actions that occurred on Saturday.  “I apologize to everyone especially Tommy Ballard on how things were handled after the Crate/Sportsman feature.  This year, we have put Tommy in the thankless position of enforcing the rules at Bridgeport Speedway.  Regretfully, I dropped the ball last week and I can assure you that this won’t happen again.  A few cars had minor infractions, but nonetheless they were infractions.  No penalties were handed out on Saturday but moving forward that will change.  We have the utmost confidence in Mr. Ballard and we will let him do his job from here on out,” explained Mr. Ramey.

 

Starting on April 10, if a car is found in violation of Bridgeport Speedway’s rulebook, penalties/disqualifications will be assessed.  If a driver is concerned or thinks they have something questionable with their racecar (engine rules, body measurements, ect.), that driver should present his/her concerns and questions to tech inspector Tommy Ballard (856-812-8303).

 

*Rule update:  Non-Quick Change Rears in the ‘Sportsman’ are NOT permitted.  Bridgeport does honor NES/Big Diamond/Grandview rules regarding Sportsman cars with the exception of this rule.

 

*Rule update:  Outlaw Stock division – Rear spoilers are permitted (6 inch max height -OEM & Fabricated Spoilers Permitted)

 

 

 

BRIDGEPORT, NJ – The Velocita South Region of the Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series (STSS) Fueled By VP stormed out of the gate at Delaware’s Georgetown Speedway in mid-March.

Now, the series ventures to South Jersey for Round No. 2 at Bridgeport Speedway.

The second annual ‘South Jersey Shootout’ is set for Sunday, April 17 at the spacious five-eighths-mile oval, standing out as the richest race of the spring in the Garden State. There is a rain date of April 24 in place.

A purse structure of more than $25,000 is on the line, including $5,000 to the winner, $1,000 for 10^th-place and $400 just to take the green flag for 40 laps of big-block/small-block Modified action. And there is more: lap money, bonus awards and contingencies from more than 20 different companies are always part of the equation at STSS events.

New York’s Anthony Perrego was tops at Georgetown March 12 with a stout performance, besting a field of 43 Modifieds to snag the early STSS Velocita South Region point lead. Perrego finished second in the South standings to champion Ryan Watt a year ago.

Perrego’s Gary Mann-owned No. 55 led David Van Horn Jr., Andy Bachetti, Ryan Godown and Jordan Watson across the Georgetown stripe. All five drivers – and many more – plan to file through the Bridgeport gates on the 17^th.

A busy day of racing will take place at Bridgeport on April 17, with the Sportsman (Bridgeport rules, $750 to win) and Outlaw Stocks racing on the five-eighths-mile and the XCel 600 Modifieds, $1,000 to win, racing on the inner quarter-mile.

The STSS Modified purse structure is noted as the strongest in the area. The complete ‘South Jersey Shootout’ breakdown is as follows: 1. $5,000; 2. $3,000; 3. $2,000; 4. $1,500; 5. $1,400; 6. $1,150; 7. $1,125; 8. $1,100; 9. $1,050; 10. $1,000; 11. $750; 12. $650; 13. $550; 14. $450; 15. $425; 16. $415; 17. $405; 18-last $400.

On the 17^th, it gates will open at noon, with grandstand gates unlocked at 1 p.m. The drivers’ meeting takes place at 2:30 p.m., hot laps get underway at 3 p.m. and racing begins at 4 p.m.

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.

Last year, Rick Laubach of Hellertown, Pa., earned top ‘South Jersey Shootout’ laurels, with David Van Horn Jr., Craig Von Dohren, a rim-riding Ryan Watt and Jack Swain completing the front five.

To learn more about the Short Track Super Series or BD Motorsports Media LLC, visit www.shortttracksuperseries.com orwww.bdmotorsportsmedia.com, call 845.728.2781 or e-mail [email protected].  “Like” Short Track Super Series on Facebook or follow @ShortTrackSS on Twitter.

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.

The 2016 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, Kirkey Racing Fabrication, Race Pro Weekly, Racing Optics, Teo-Pro Car, Vahlco Wheels & Velocita

 

 

2016 Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series Fueled By VP Velocita South Region Schedule

Saturday, March 12 – Georgetown Speedway/Georgetown, DE – Melvin L. Joseph Memorial – WINNER: ANTHONY PERREGO

Sunday, April 17 (Rain Date: April 24) – Bridgeport Speedway/Bridgeport, NJ – South Jersey Shootout

Tuesday, May 10 (Rain Date: May 17) – Big Diamond Speedway/Minersville, PA – Anthracite Assault (Combo)

Thursday, May 26 (Rain Date: TBA) – Delaware International Speedway/Delmar, DE – Diamond State 50

Tuesday, June 14 (Rain Date: June 15) – New Egypt Speedway/New Egypt, NJ – Dirty Jersey 4 – $10,000 to win!

Sunday, July 31 (Rain Date: Aug. 7) – Susquehanna Speedway Park/Newberrytown, PA – York County Nationals

Tuesday, Aug. 30 (Rain Date: Aug. 31) – Georgetown Speedway/Georgetown, DE – Blast at the Beach – Championship Points

Short Track Super Series Fueled By VP South Region Point Fund (*based on 7 events): 1. $8,500; 2. $4,500; 3. $3,000; 4. $2,000; 5. $1,500; 6. $1,250; 7. $1,200; 8. $1,150; 9. $1,100; 10. $1,050

*Drivers with perfect attendance outside the top-10 will receive $250 at year-end.

     

     The Bridgeport Speedway swung open the gates on the 5/8 mile track and the 2016 season with the 60 Over Special Doug Hoffman Memorial Race and produced a show that would have made the past champion and promoter very proud.

     Dominick Buffalino came away with the big win, dominating a field of some thirty-five Big Block Modifieds to win the biggest race of his career to date! 

     Buffalino raced into the lead on lap three, taking over the point from Jimmy Horton, the most successful driver in the history of the Bridgeport Speedway.  Horton, the race’s polesitter, was awarded the pole in a revenge draw – a position actually drawn by Bridgeport invader, Brett Hearn. 

     Buffalino dominated the race that ran for thirty-one laps without a caution flag.  That caution was needed when Craig VonDohren and the Dick Biever owned, No. 14s came to a stop at the end of the backstretch. 

     On the restart, Ryan Godown raced into second, emerging from a three wide battle with Jesse Hill and Stewart Friesen.  Hill raced to the high line around the track and retook second on the next lap.  2012 Bridgeport Champion, Rick Laubach raced into the top five to challenge Friesen. 

     New York invader, Anthony Perrego drew the caution with just seven laps to go and again the field was realigned for the double file restart.  Godown made his way by Hill who had his hands full with a challenge from Laubach.  2013 Bridgeport Champion, Ryan Watt challenged Friesen for a top five position after racing his way from an eighteenth place starting spot. 

 

     Buffalino was flawless as he led the competition to the checkered flag after forty-four laps.  Godown, the winner of last year’s event, finished second followed by Laubach.  Friesen got my Watt at the end to finish fourth with Watt rounding out the top five.  Jordan Watson, Brett Hearn, reigning Bridgeport Champion, J
amie Mills, Sam Martz and Doug Manmiller rounded out the top ten.  After spending most of the event racing in second, Hill made hard contact in turn four on the final lap while the field raced to the finish.

     The season opener was also the first race of the 2016 811 Dig Safely Poker Series  – an event that Hoffman himself introduced to the Bridgeport Speedway.  Buffalino’s win gave him an Ace to start this season’s competition.

     The 60 Over event was the first race of four to be included in the pre-season point chase, sponsored by Oliver Construction Enterprises and Oliver Communications Group, Inc.  The top three drivers in points during the four race pre-season in each of the three divisions – Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds, Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman and PennCo Tech Outlaw Stocks – will be rewarded for their efforts.  The top driver in each division will receive $500, with $300 and $200 awarded to second and third, respectively. 

     Jeremy Harrington also earned an Ace as he picked up the season opener in the Crate/Sportsman main event.  Harrington and Travis Hill, driving the Cogdill No. 98, put on quite a show as they battled for the lead throughout the twenty lap event but it was Brad Roberts who trailed Harrington at the checkered by virtue of a last lap pass for second.  Hill finished third followed by Steve Davis and 2015 Rookie Champion, Steve Kemery.

     Ron Frees resumed his winning ways at the Bridgeport Speedway.  The 2014 Outlaw Stock Poker Champion, earned his first Ace with his win.  Scott Dugan and Frees battled for the lead, lap after lap, until Dugan got tangled with TJ Henry while racing for position.  Both Dugan and Henry restarted from the rear and as Frees took the checkered flag, both found themselves with top five finishes.

     Frees led 2015 Poker Champion, Tom Wills, Jr. to the checkered with Henry taking third.  2014 Champion, Jim Avery finished fourth followed by Dugan at the finish line.

     The Bridgeport Speedway and Spirit Auto Center Speedway will be open for a test and tune session on Saturday, April 2nd, starting at 5pm.  Racing action returns to Bridgeport on Sunday, April 10th when the United Racing Club returns to the 5/8 mile track to open their 2016 season, joined by the Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks and the 2016 DA’s Auto Body Rookie Class.  Racing will get underway at 4pm.

2016 811 DIG SAFELY POKER SERIES

SPIRIT AUTO CENTERS BIG BLOCK MODIFIEDS (44 LAPS) 1. Dominick Buffalino, 2. Ryan Godown, 3. Rick Laubach, 4. Stewart Friesen, 5. Ryan Watt, 6. Jordan Watson, 7. Brett Hearn, 8. Jamie Mills, 9. Sam Martz, 10. Doug Manmiller, 11. Billy Pauch, Jr. 12. Tommy Beamer, 13. Richie Pratt, 14. Jeff Strunk, 15. Brett Kressley, 16. Jesse Hill, 17. Ryan Krachun, 18. Mike Franz, 19. Jim Britt, 20. Ron Roberts, 21. Anthony Perrego, 22. Craig VonDohren, 23. Matt Sheppard, 24. Jerry Higbie, 25. David Hunt, 26. Jimmy Horton

STEWART STAINLESS CRATE/SPORTSMAN (20 LAPS) 1. Jeremy Harrington, 2. Brad Roberts, 3. Travis Hill, 4. Steve Davis, 5. Steve Kemery, 6. Scott Hitchens, 7. Frank Dorry, Jr., 8. Clyde Cox, 9. Brandon Grosso, 10. Dylan Betts, 11. Adam Cox, 12. Jeff Bubori, 13. Scott Hulmes, 14. Ernie Miles, III, 15. Tyler Hulmes, 16. Eric Hitz, 17. John Micek, 18. David Crossman, 19. Matt Budd, 20. Kevin Belmont, 21. Freddie Massey, 22. Pete Serra, 23. Frank Venezia, 24. Mike Mammana, 25. Matt Stangle

PENNCO TECH OUTLAW STOCKS (15 LAPS) 1. Ron Frees, 2. Tom Wills, Jr., 3. TJ Henry, 4. Jimmy Avery, 5. Scott Dugan, 6. Billy Wroble, 7. Jeff Dirkes, 8. Spider Ensinger, 9. Gary Klimeczak, 10. Joe Meron, 11. Bob Firth, 12. Vern McLaughlin, 13. Ken Watson, Jr., 14. Steven Land, 15. John Mayer, 16. Brian Ludwig, 17. Sean Smith, 18. Art Avery

BRIDGEPORT 60 OVER SPECIAL

60 OVER MODIFIED FEATURE

1 – Dom Buffalino, 2 – Ryan Godown, 3 – Rick Laubach, 4 – Stewart Friesen, 5 – Ryan Watt, 6 – Jordan Watson, 7 – Brett Hearn, 8 – Jamie Mills, 9 – Sammy Martz, 10 – Doug Manmiller, 11 – Billy Pauch Jr., 12 – Tommy Beamer, 13 – Riche Pratt Jr., 14 – Jeff Strunk, 15 – Brett Kressley, 16 – Jesse Hill, 17 – Ryan Krachun, 18 – Mike Franz, 19 – Jim Britt, 20 – Ron Roberts, 21 – Anthony Perrago, 22 – Craig Von Dohren, 23 – Matt Sheppard, 24 – Jerry Higbie, 25 – David Hunt, 26 – Jimmy Horton

CRATE/SPORTSMAN FEATURE

1 – Jeremy Harrington, 2 – Brad Roberts, 3 – Travis Hill, 4 – Steve Davis, 5 – Steve Kemery, 6 – Scott Hitchins, 7 – Frank Dorry Jr. 8 – Clyde Cox, 9 – Brandon Grosso, 10 – Dylan Betts, 11 – Adam Cox, 12 – Jeff Bubori, 13 – Scott Humes, 14 – Ernie Miles III, 15 – Tyler Humes, 16 – Eric Hitz, 17 – John Micek, 18 – David Crossman, 19 – Matt Budd, 20 – Kevin Belmont, 21 – Freddie Massey, 22 – Pete Serra, 23 – Frank Venezia, 24 – Mike Mammana, 25 – Matt Stangle

OUTLAW STOCK FEATURE

1 – Ron Frees, 2 – Tom Wills Jr., 3 – TJ Henry, 4 – Jimmy Avery, 5 – Scott Dugan, 6 – Billy Wroble, 7 – Jeff Dirkes, 8 – Spider Ensinger, 9 – Gary Klimeczak, 10 – Joe Meron, 11 – Bob Firth, 12 – Vern McLaughlin, 13 – Ken Watson Jr, 14 – Steven Land, 15 – John Mayer, 16 – Brian Ludwig, 17 – Sean Smith, 18 – Art Avery

 

 

The silence is almost deafening!  However, no need to worry my friends.  The silence will be shattered very soon if you know what I mean.  Engines.  Grinders.  Drills.  Air guns.  Air compressors.  Water trucks packing the moist clay.  Announcers.  Kids playing.  Adults conversing.  Duct tape ripping to save those seats.  Music in the parking lot.  Deep fryers in the kitchen.  Sounds like music to my ears, how bout you?

There’s just something about that fourth Saturday in March that just gets the blood pumping faster, gives you goose bumps, makes the hair on your arms stand straight.  It’s Bridgeport’s Opening Day, that we all have circled on our calendars.  It can’t come soon enough!  Like I said, no need to fret, it will be here before you know it.

The ’60over Special’ is just what is says…SPECIAL.  I’ll never forget the first year how race day played out.  The sun was shining on a decent, early Spring Saturday afternoon and the vibe was once again, special.  Actually, the night before, when we had an open practice was when it all started  to sink in.  When Pat Ward pulled up  late Friday afternoon, I thought “Here’s the first one and he’s a good one!”  On Saturday I was nervous, excited,  and sad all at the same time.  Nervous, because it was my first race working at Bridgeport.  Excited, because of what was actually going on in the pit area and on the grandstand side.  Sad, because of why we were actually paying tribute.  I’m pretty sure I’ll feel all three of those emotions again on March 26.

The talent that showed up for the inaugural ’60over Special’ was second to none!  Sheppard, Friesen, Hearn, Decker, Ward, Laubach, Watt, Godown,  Horton, Pratt, Cozze, VonDohren, Howard, Higbie, Wight, Blewett, Mahaney, Johnson…I can keep going on.  The man that stood tall over all that talent was New York’s Bobby Varin.  Personally, I was very excited to see Bobby win the race.  He was one of the drivers that actually raced a lot with Doug over the years.  So, even he knew it was special to win that race.

The atmosphere was electric, I can remember. I hadn’t seen Bridgeport that packed in years.  I remember running out of food half way through the event.  We were scrambling everywhere to make ends meet.  At one point I was unloading all of the soda machines and bringing them back to the concession stands.  I’ll never forget seeing Brian (Ramey) jump into the pit concession and cutting up what was supposed to be meatloaf into hamburgers, just to put them on a hot dog bun.  Garbage cans were over flowing non-stop.  Like I said, it was nuts on both sides of the track that day.  I’ll never forget the cleanup after that race either…what a mess!

For the past two seasons the ’60over Special’ event was held with Ryan Watt and Ryan Godown coming out the victors.  However, both shows were held on Easter Sunday afternoons.  Obviously, less than ideal circumstances to work with.  The ’14 and ’15 races were rained out in March pushing the show into April.  A nice Saturday afternoon is what I’m sure all of us are wishing for come March 26.  I know that Bridgeport’s made a ton of new fans since that first race that would love to see the ‘Doug Hoffman Memorial’ come back bigger than ever.  Not mention some drivers that itching to cash in who weren’t able to attend the first ’60over Special’ too.

So, who’s gonna come out for the ’60over Special’ Tribute?  Who’s gonna be tailgating?  Who’s gonna bring their children to see the Easter Bunny and bea part of the Easter Egg Hunt?  Who’s gonna be that ‘Pat Ward’?  Who’s gonna win?  Who’s gonna wear their Doug Hoffman gear andrepresent?  What food will the track run outta first?  Who’s gonna save that first seat?  Who’s gonna be the first camper to pull in?  Who’s gonna be the first person to wear the all new ’60over Special’ apparel?  Who or What is gonna make March 26 ‘SPECIAL’ once again?  The answers are simple.  All you gotta do is show up and see for yourself.

The names Brett Hearn and Doug Hoffman absolutely go ‘hand in hand’ with each other.  Arguably, two of the best modified chauffeurs to ever strap into a race car have raced thousands of times against each other throughout their illustrious careers.  The 8-time Mr. DIRT champion had one of the fiercest battles in Super Dirt Car Series history back in 1996.  Hearn edged Doug Hoffman for the Mr. Dirt title by a mere 3 points.  Doug Hoffman won two of the battles that year by winning at Syracuse and the Bridgeport 200, however it was Brett ‘The Jet’ who won the war.

The Sussex, NJ driver has visited Bridgeport’s victory lane twice in his Big Block career.  Hearn won a season opener back in the 90’s era while also capturing the USNA 200 back in 2000.  Hearn’s last competition at the 5/8 mile clay oval came in August of ’13 during the 8th Annual Friends of Mike event.  Hearn is not known to step outside of his familiar No. 20 machines, but this coming Saturday he’ll be steering for one of the toughest teams in the Northeast, in the Mike Petruska-owned Atlas Paving No. 66.  Ironically, it was the Atlas Team that stood in the winner’s circle during the first ever ’60over Special’ with Bobby Varin as their driver and would like nothing short of the same results three years later.

The three-division program all goes down this Saturday, March 26 at 4pm.  The Big Blocks will compete in Hand #1 of the ‘811 Dig Safe’ Poker Series in the 44-lap $4,000 to win event.  The Crate/Sportsman 20-lap race will see the victor take home a cool $1,000, while the Pennco Tech Outlaw Stocks battle it out for $500 in their 15-lap affair.  An open practice will take place the night before from 7 to 10pm.  Teams can leave their haulers overnight if they prefer, while the pit gates open 11am on Saturday.  For all race day information please visitwww.bpspeedway.com, check out Bridgeport Speedway’s official Facebook page, or call the track hotline at 856-467-4408.

 

 

Bridgeport, NJ – Who says that ‘pre-season’ doesn’t count?  Not Bridgeport Speedway, and certainly not the Oliver Communications Group or Oliver Construction Enterprises.  While Bridgeport’s ‘traditional’ points towards the 2016 track championships won’t start until Saturday, April 30, the ’16 schedule consists of four racing programs prior to that date.  The Oliver Companies of Bordentown, NJ have signed on as the title sponsor for the four-race pre-season point championship series.

“How it will work is pretty simple,” offered track manager Danny Serrano.  Opening Day, Saturday, March 26 will be the first leg of the 2016 ‘811 Dig Safe Poker Series’.  Then Sundays, April 10, 17(South Jersey Shootout), and 24 will round out the ‘Oliver Companies Pre-Season Point Series.’  It should be noted that Sunday, April 24 will offer 50 ‘show up’ points toward the 2016 track title for any driver/car that registers and is present in the Spirit Auto Center Big Block, Crate/Sportsman, and Pennco  Tech Outlaw Stock divisions.  “The traditional Saturday night point system will be used in these four races in all three divisions, and we’ll crown three pre-season point champions on Sunday, April 24.  All four of these races are ‘draw’ races with no handicapping system.  The champions will receive $500 each, while second will take home $300, and third place will earn $200.  I think it’s a pretty neat deal to offer the drivers a little something different and extra.  Hopefully, it will give some guys some incentive to want to come race at Bridgeport before our regular point season kicks off.  I’ve known the Oliver Family for some time now, and they are a great asset to our sport and I’m just proud to have them be a part of Bridgeport this year,” summarized Serrano.

 

The Oliver Companies are actually two completely separate operations both out of Bordentown, NJ.  The Oliver Communications Group, formed in 1992, has been servicing the expanding industry of telecommunications.  They provide a complete line of telecommunication cabling services from project engineering through final testing.  Their installations include voice, data, audio, video, running copper, fiber, coax, or any type of media required.  Oliver Communications Group installs both inside and outside plant projects holding electrical licenses in NJ, MD, DE, and VA.  ‘OCG’ also has a knowledgeable support staff of Estimators, Salesman, Project Managers, and RCDD and on-site Cad operations.  “We’re glad to be a part of this series,’ offered Phil Oliver, the man behind it all.  “Anytime we go to Bridgeport, we always feel welcomed and we like to support dirt track racing in any way we can,’ Oliver added.  For more information on ‘OCG’ you can visit www.olivercomm.com or call609-324-1750.

 

On the other hand, Phil’s son is the founder and president of Oliver Construction Enterprises.  In 2011, young entrepreneur and racing enthusiast PJ Oliver decided to form his own business and has been busy ever since.  ‘OCE’ is also a telecommunications operation that installs fiber optics and data cabling for commercial, industrial, school, and hospital industries.  They offer both inside and outside plant work and specialize in directional boring and excavation.  “I learned a lot and gained valuable experience working for my Dad and I’m proud to have my own business now,” relayed the current small/big block Cream Ridge, NJ driver.  “I think the series is a pretty cool deal myself, especially in the support divisions.  I know that every little bit can help when you’re driving an Outlaw Stock or Crate/Sportsman,” Oliver added.  Although not a weekly regular at the 5/8 mile South Jersey oval, PJ Oliver does have Bridgeport circled on his calendar quite often in 2016.  “We’ll be getting our Big Block back from Morrison real soon, and we’ll race at Bridgeport every opportunity we get this year,” admitted the former Outlaw Stock champion.  For more information on Oliver Construction Enterprises you can reach them at 609-324-1753 or email them at[email protected].

 

The 2016 season all starts this coming Saturday, March 19 with an open-house practice.  Gates open at 9am for early-bird inspection while cars will hit the track at noon sharp.  Practice sessions on the 5/8 mile will conclude at 4pm.  Racecars of all divisions are welcomed to the first of three pre-season practices.  The second practice will take place on Friday, March 25 from 7pm to 10pm:  the evening before the ‘Fourth Annual Doug Hoffman Memorial-60over Special”.  Then on Saturday, April 2 the final practice session hits the track from 5pm to 9pm.  For more information on the upcoming Bridgeport Speedway season please visit www.bpspeedway.com and don’t forget to sign up for their newsletter and follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Bridgeport, NJ – The 2016 racing season at the Gloucester County oval is quickly approaching.  March 26 marks the ’16 Opening Day featuring the ‘Fourth Annual Doug Hoffman Memorial 60over Special’.  The marquee season lid-lifter honors the late Doug Hoffman and everything he did for and meant to Bridgeport Speedway.

Practice Sessions:  There are three scheduled practices early in the season.  The first practice will be held Saturday, March 19 from 12pm to 4pm.  Drivers and cars of any division are welcomed to shake down their equipment.  Gates open at 9am for early-bird safety inspection held by track Safety Inspector Ed Olsen.  The Spirit Auto Center Speedway 1/4 mile will also be practicing from 3pm to 6pm (3pm to 4pmalternating tracks).  New Head Tech Inspector Tommy Ballard will be on hand to answer all technical questions as well as inspect race cars.  Grandstands will offer free admission while it will be $25 to enter the pit area.  A reminder to all minors 16 and 17 years old:  Please have a copy of your birth certificate available as well as a parent or guardian to sign the minor release form.  This applies to all Spirit Auto Center Speedway drivers 14 through 17 as well.  A rain date of Sunday, March 20 will be used if needed (same times).

Practice #2 will take place on Friday evening March 25 on the 5/8 mile only.  Gates open at 4pm with cars slated to hit the track from 7pm to 10pm.  Teams are welcomed to leave their haulers in the pits overnight before the ’60over Special’.

Practice #3 will take place on Saturday, April 2 in the twilight hours from 5pm to 9pm.  Both 5/8 and 1/4 mile venues will be practicing in this final preparation for the 2016 season.

2016 Points:  There are three different point funds in 2016;  Regular Season Points, 811 Dig Safely Poker Series Points, and The Oliver Companies ‘Pre-Season’ Point Series

Poker Series Points:  All drivers placing in the top 13 in their respective divisions will receive playing cards.  A driver or car must be present and register for the evening’s race to be eligible for the Poker Series point fund.  A driver must be compete in 5 of the 6 schedule events in order to be eligible to collect Poker Series point fund money.  All Poker Series events will have a $10 car entry fee just as in previous years.

Show Up Points:  There are 4 designated races that offer ‘track show up points’ that go towards the 2016 track championship.  Sunday, April 24, Wednesday, May 25, Wednesday, June 15, and Sunday, July 3.  The driver or car must be present and register for the evening to receive the 50 points.

2016 Tire Rules:  For all Poker, pre-season, and post-season races any modified-style American Stamped Racing Tires are allowed within the correct compounds (33 or harder on fronts, 44 or harder on LR, and 48 or harder on RR).  During regular season point races drivers must have Bridgeport Stamped tires under the correct compounds (44 or harder on fronts, 44 or harder on LR, and 48, 53 (now offered), 56 or Bridgeport Hard on RR).  All drivers will be given a maximum of FOUR races to comply with using Bridgeport Stamped tires.