Bridgeport Motorsports Park

For the 5th consecutive year D.A.’s Auto Body & Repair will be sponsoring the Crate/Sportsman division at the Bridgeport Speedway.  “The rookie division is important not only to the racers but, it’s important to the track as well,” explained Dave Adams owner of D.A.’s.  “The more new blood we get to come into the sport, the better if it will be in the long run,” Adams added.  The top 3 point finishers will be honored at the year-end banquet for the Bridgeport Speedway drivers.  Along with point fund money, the champion will receive a championship trophy and plaque and champion jackets courtesy of American Racer and Insinger Performance/Sunoco Fuels.  The 11-race series will kick off on Friday night, March 24 as part of the 60over Special ‘Doug Hoffman Memorial’ Weekend.  A champion will be crowned as the class graduates on Saturday, June 24 before moving up ‘officially’ into the Crate/Sportsman division.

Past champions include Ian Humphreys (’13), Matt Peck (’14), Steve Kemery (’15), and Chuck Sayres (’16).  The first driver looking to join that group is Oliva Ingersoll.  As of now, Olivia seems to be the only female entry in this year’s rookie field (Shannon Marshall placed third in last year’s rookie points).  Ingersoll got her introduction to racing just three short years ago by helping fellow friend and Big Block racer Mike Franz.  “Once I started coming to the race track, I just fell in love with everything and really wanted to race,” expressed Ingersoll.  Olivia tried her hand at a couple of ‘Powder Puff’ races on the 1/4 mile and all that did was increase her desire even more to try it ‘for real’.  So she went out and purchased an ’06 Teo car that will carry No. 95, along with a 602 crate engine.  Ingersoll was able to get two late practice sessions in last season in the final two events at Bridgeport.  The 21 year-old Gibbstown, NJ resident works on the car all by herself.  “I don’t really have a crew other than Mike’s crew to help at the track, and if I have a question, I usually ask Mike for advice.”  Although the odds may look stacked against this young lady, you can never count out hard work and determination.

The second driver to officially declare themselves eligible for the 2017 D.A.’s rookie class is Keith McKinley.  Although a rookie driver, Keith is no stranger to Bridgeport as he has been racing in the 4-cylinder class the past few seasons on the Spirit Auto Center 1/4 mile on Friday nights.  “I just wanted to move up really.  The 4-cylinders were fun but I was ready for a change,” offered McKinley.  The 40 year-old Deptford, NJ driver purchased an ’08 Dirt Wheels chassis this off-season so he could participate in the ’17 rookie series.  McKinley is currently working on securing some sponsorship for his No. 9 Sportsman to help aid him in his rookie quest.  His girlfriend Jennifer Hardy and his uncle Terry are his pit crew for his rookie campaign this season.

The third driver to register into the D.A.’s Auto Body Rookie Series for 2017 is young Tommy Errico Jr.  If you recognize the Errico name, you’re not imagining things.  Tom Errico Sr raced in the late 80’s and early 90’s at both Bridgeport and East Windsor Speedways.  The elder Errico did record a win at Sportsman win at Bridgeport and a couple at Windsor 25 plus years ago.  Now, it’s time for his son to carry the ‘racing’ torch in the family.

The second-generation driver was able to shake down the car a couple of times late last season while Sr. also jumped behind the wheel to help with the set up.  Tommy Jr will be piloting an ’04 Troyer powered by a 602 crate motor.  The 19 year-old Feasterville, Pa driver will carry the ‘X-Rated’ number on the sides of his Crate/Sportsman hot rod.  Some of the sponsors that make it all happen for the Errico Team are K&M Trucking, R. Miller & Sons Automotive, and Sunglass Central.  If you were to take a visit into the pit area you’d be likely to find Billy Culver, Colin Barber, and of course Tom Sr. turning some wrenches each and every weekend.  You can count on Errico Jr. to try everything he can to keep up the family tradition by making it into Bridgeport Speedway’s victory lane at some point this season.

*** As appears in Area Auto Racing News

 

While mid-January is typically referred to as “the off-season”, things were bustling around Motorsports this weekend and the Bridgeport Speedway display!

The cars of 2016 Champion, Ryan Watt and Crate/Sportsman driver, Roger Manning appeared in the Bridgeport Speedway booth while Jon Keller’s Micro Sprint 600 ride in Ed Barber’s No. 99B represented the Spirit Auto Center Speedway and the quarter mile action.

Speedway employees were kept busy all weekend fulfilling the needs and wishes of both competitors and race fans astrack licenses, season tickets and skyboxes were sold throughout the length of the show.  Schedules were distributed for both tracks for the 2017 season.

Bridgeport owner, Brian Ramey, is looking forward to the new season.  “My team has worked hard on a five year plan to prepare, perform and present what we are all about.  Every year we have seen positive results.  I think 2017 is the year where it will all come together!”

Ramey added that the speedway is still actively seeking someone to assist with Tech responsibilities.  Ramey views this position as the last step needed in making the Bridgeport Speedway the “premier dirt track facility in New Jersey.” 

There’s a lot of enthusiasm to go around among Bridgeport’s management team.

Since Kolby Ramey took over the marketing responsibilities of the Bridgeport Speedway, he has looked for ways to cross promote the speedway.  “The two things I’m really looking forward to are the Pack the House Night and our Monster Truck Throwdown.”  The Pack the House Night was a huge success last season.  “For weeks after our Pack the House Night last year, we saw people return to the speedway on Saturday night,” Ramey explains.  “Events like Pack the House and our Monster Truck events give us a chance to introduce Bridgeport to a new group of people.”

Keith Hoffman has gained a reputation for his excellent track preparation skills during his tenure at Bridgeport.  “I want to make sure that I am preparing a good track surface.  I want the track to be good for racing for the guys and for the fans,” Hoffman stated.  Hoffman has received accolades throughout the season for the quality of the Bridgeport racing surface and knows that it is now expected.  The pressure is on for Bridgeport’s big events – like the return of the DIRTcar series to Bridgeport this year.

Danny Serrano talked about three new shows on Bridgeport and the Spirit Auto Center schedules – the return of the DIRTcar Series which will also mark the final running of the Friends of Mike event, the Monster Truck Throwdown and the Skyscraper – a new three day event for the quarter mile late in the 2017 season.  “I think it’s a fine line but we continue to what works while we continue to grow,” Serrano explained.  Serrano created the Friends of Mike race which will receive its final checkered flag at the end of it twelfth running.

While Serrano’s background has always been with the stock cars, he has become the advocate for the small car series and spends many hours promoting the races on the Spirit Auto Center quarter mile.

Dave Adams is looking forward to the completion of the 3/8 mile track – the third track on the Bridgeport Speedway property.  Adams is working on providing additional entertainment and benefits for the fans during the aggressive 2107 season schedule.  “We are bringing in more entertainment and some new bands,” Adams explained.  “We are working on becoming more fan friendly and making our events more exciting for the kids.  We want to create those memories for our fans to carry with them.”

Ryan Watt competed in nearly seventy races during the 2016 season.  “We haven’t really sat down to do our schedules yet but we plan to run a very similar schedule to last year,” Watt explained.  While Bridgeport will be the Saturday night home for Watt and his Roberts Racing Team, Watt will again chase the Short Track Super Series where he captured the title for the Southern Region in 2015.  After a strong performance during several DIRTcar events last season, Watt plans to return to Eldora and Sharon and hopes to compete at Lernerville this season – an event that rained out during last season’s trip.

Watt had two cars on display during Motorsports – one in the Bridgeport booth and a second in the Bob Hilbert display.  Both cars display a new look.  “I really didn’t know what Bruce (Bowen) was going to do,” Watt explained.  “He never really lays anything out ahead of time.”  The No. 14w has moved from its blue, yellow and white look to blue, orange and red for the 2017 season.

Roger Manning was a newcomer to the Bridgeport Speedway last season.  The second generation driver raced in the final Rookie event of the season and then continued in the Crate/Sportsman ranks where he earned a feature win just a few weeks later.

Manning has a new mount all ready to go – completed at the end of last season.  He still has several months to wait before the new No. 414 takes to the track.  In addition to weekly action at Bridgeport, Manning will also have a small block modified to run during 2017.

Jon Keller has picked up the ride in the Ed Barber owned No. 99B.  Keller is the reigning 600 Micro Champion and looks to continue his winning ways with his new ride when the new season begins.

The first race of the 2017 season at the Bridgeport Speedway gets underway on March 24th and 25th.  For the first time, the 60over Event will be a two day event with racing on both Friday and Saturday.  The 60over race will also open the 2017 Poker Series races.

2017 Bridgeport Speedway Schedule

3/18       –              Practice 5/8 mile and ¼ mile (Mandatory Rookie Attendance) – Rain Date 3/18

3/24       –              Day 1 of 60 Over Special Weekend – 358 Small Blocks, Open Practice, and Rookie Race

3/25       –              Day 2 of 60 Over Special Weekend – Poker #1/Doug Hoffman Memorial – Big Blocks, Crate/Sportsman, and Outlaw Stocks (No Rookies) – Rain Date 3/26

4/1         –              Practice 5/8 Mile, ¼ mile, and Rookie Race

4/2         –              Kenny Wallace Dirt Racing Experience

4/9         –              URC Sprints, plus Big Blocks, Crate/Sportsman, and Rookies

4/15       –              Regular Season Points Opener – Big Block, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaws Stocks, and Rookies

4/23       –              South Jersey Shootout – Short Track Super Series – Big Blocks, Crate/Sportsman, and Outlaw Stocks

4/30       –              Big Blocks, Crate/Sportsman, MASS 305’s, Rookies, & Vintage (STSS Rain Date)

5/6         –              Big Blocks, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks, and Rookies

5/13       –              OFF

5/16       –              Super Dirt Series – Friends of Mike Finale plus Crate/Sportsman (Rain Date 5/17)

5/20       –              OFF

5/28       –              All in at the Port – Poker #2 – Big Blocks, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks, and Rookies

6/3         –              Big Blocks, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks, Rookies, and Vintage

6/8         –              High Stakes at the Port – Poker #3 – Big Blocks, Crate/Sportsman, and Rookies

6/10       –              Misfits 4×4 show plus Demo Derby

6/11      –              Kenny Wallace Dirt Racing Experience

6/17       –              Pack the House Night (Free Admission) – 270, 600, 4 cyl, 600 Xcel Mods, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks, 305 Sprints, and Rookies

6/24       –              Big Blocks, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks, and Rookie Graduation

7/3         –              “The All – American 40” – Poker #4 – Big Blocks, Crate/Sportsman, and Outlaw Stocks (Rain date 7/4)

7/8         –              Big Blocks, Crate/Sportsman, and MASS 305’s

7/11       –              Three For All – Super Late Models, URC 360 Sprints, and 358 Mods (Rain Date 7/12)

7/15       –              Big Blocks, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks, and Vintage

7/22       –              Big Blocks, Crate/Sportsman, and Outlaw Stocks

7/29       –              Big Blocks, MASS 305’s, and Crate/Sportsman

8/5         –              Big Blocks, Crate/Sportsman, and Outlaw Stocks

8/12       –              Big Blocks, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks, and Vintage

8/19       –              Big Blocks, Crate/Sportsman, and Outlaw Stocks

8/26       –              Big Blocks, Crate/Sportsman, and MASS 305 Sprints

9/2         –              Final Points Night – Big Blocks, Crate/Sportsman, and Outlaw Stocks

9/9         –              Kenny Wallace Dirt Racing Experience

9/10       –              Kenny Wallace Dirt Racing Experience

9/16       –              Monster Truck Throwdown

9/17       –              Monster Truck Throwdown

9/22       –              Day 1 of the King of the Big Block Weekend – 358 Small Blocks, MASS 305 Sprints, and Open Practice

9/23       –              Day 2 of the King of the Big Block Weekend – Big Blocks, Crate/Sportsman, and Outlaw Stocks (9/24 Rain Date)

9/30       –              Dirty Jersey 5 – Short Track Super Series – Big Blocks, Crate/Sportsman, and Outlaw Stocks

10/14     –              Misfits 4×4 Show plus Demo Derby (Rain Date 10/15)

11/3       –              Day 1 of the URC Big Track Classic Weekend plus Underdog 20, open practice

11/4       –              Day 2 of the URC Big Track Classic Weekend – URC 360/MASS 305 and Crate/Sportsman

11/10     –              Day 1 of the Wildcard Weekend – 358 Small Blocks, Outlaw Stocks, plus practice

11/11     –              Day 2 of the Wildcard Weekend – Big Blocks, Crate/Sportsman, and Outlaw Stocks (11/12 Rain date for Friday or Saturday, 11/17 and 11/18 entire weekend rain date)

Several marquee events have been penciled onto Bridgeport Speedway’s 2017 racing schedule. Fresh off an exciting ’16 campaign, speedway management has been hard at work putting together another dynamic schedule for next season. Along with action-packed racing on Saturday nights, there are plenty of ‘special’ shows that will appear throughout the course of 2017. Theme nights, special promotions, additional division information and much more will be announced in January at the annual Motorsports show. Highlighted below are some of the key dates during 2017.

Two practice dates will be held for the 5/8 mile (also in conjunction with the 1/4 mile). Those dates are Saturday, March 18 and Saturday April 2.

The 5th edition of the ’60over Special’ Poker Series race in honor of Doug Hoffman will kick off the ’17 season in grand style. This year’s version will offer an additional race as Bridgeport will start the season with two-day event. The 358 small blocks have been added as part of a Friday, March 24 program. Then on Saturday, March 25 the Big Blocks roar into action along with a full racing card.

The blockbuster ‘Pack the House Night II’ will see its return on Saturday, June 17. The FREE general admission night certainly packed the stands in 2016, as Bridgeport is looking to top that in ’17. The unique event will once again see action on both 1/4 and 5/8 mile racetracks.

The DIRT boys will be towing into town on Thursday, May 18 to take part in a 60-lap affair for the powerful Big Blocks. DIRT hasn’t visited the 5/8 mile in many, many years. If that’s not enough to get the heart pumping, this will also serve as the Final Friends of Mike event. The 12th annual ‘FOM’ will be sent off in dramatic fashion as ALL the top name drivers will be on hand to be heralded as the last winner of this popular race.

The Brett Deyo-led Short Track Super Series ‘South Region’ will return for the third straight year with the ‘South Jersey Shootout’ on Sunday, April 23. High car counts and a well-received fan base have led Bridgeport to add a second series race on Saturday, September 30. Deyo’s ‘Dirty Jersey’ tradition will continue in the Garden State at Bridgeport Speedway. Tentatively, this series race will take place on the all-new 3/8 mile track that has already taken on construction this past autumn.

The resurgence of the URC 360 Sprints has once again landed them three dates at Bridgeport. The club’s opener will take place on Sunday, April 9 as they 360s join the Big Blocks, and Crate/Sportsman. URC will make their second visit to the 5/8 on Tuesday, July 11 along with the Super Late Models, and 358 small block modifieds for the 3rd annual ‘Three For All’. The final appearance for the winged warriors will come at the 2nd Annual ‘Big Track Classic’ weekend on November 3 & 4.

The 2nd annual ‘King of the Big Blocks’ weekend will return on the fourth weekend in September (22 &23). The two-day program will be highlighting the 358 small blocks on Friday as the mighty Big Blocks will take center stage on Saturday. Once again this will be an event that needs to be circled on any race fan’s calendar.

Three of the fan-favorite Poker Series races have been inked onto the schedule for Sunday, May 28, Thursday, June 8 and Monday, July 3. The Big Blocks will race in 40-lap features paying $4,000 to win each. The Crate/Sportsman will join the Modifieds in all three shows while the Outlaw Stocks will be in competition during the May and July events.

‘Wild Card Weekend’ will conclude the 2017 campaign as it usually does each November. The two-day late-autumn show always leaves the fans wishing the season didn’t have to come to an end. The 358 small blocks will make their 4th appearance on Friday, November 10, while the Big Blocks finish the Poker Series on Saturday, November 11.

Stay abreast of all the news, excitement, and happenings for the 2017 season at the Bridgeport Speedway by following them on social media. You can visit www.bpspeedway.com, check them out on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

The Bridgeport Speedway celebrated the success of the 2016 season and crowned the track champions for both the 5/8 mile speedway and the Spirit Auto Center Speedway.

Ryan Watt raced to his second Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modified championship in four seasons behind the wheel of his Ron Roberts Racing Team No. 14w.  Watt led all competitors with four feature wins, finishing in the top ten in twenty out of the twenty-one events on the 2016 Bridgeport schedule.   He captured three of the last four point races and put together a string of eighteen consecutive top ten finishes.

Watt credited his car owners and crew for the success this season.  “I have to thank Ronnie (Roberts) and Fay (Marion) for giving us everything we need to race,” Watt stated.  “And my crew who work on the cars to get them ready for the track.”

Watt claimed his second title over 2012 Bridgeport Champion, Rick Laubach who had two wins during the season.  Sam Martz and Jordan Watson finished in a tie for third in points.   Martz was the winner of the 11th Annual Friends of Mike event.  Racing in his first full season of big block modified competition at Bridgeport, Watson was also named as “Best Newcomer” in the division.  Richie Pratt Jr. raced his family owned No. 28 to finish fifth in the season points.

With two wins during his Rookie season, CJ Jones received the Star of Tomorrow award along with a sixth place finish in points.  Jim Britt, Ron Roberts, Wade Hendrickson and Mike Franz rounded out the top ten.

Steve Davis was crowned as the 2016 Stewart Stainless Crate Sportsman Champion – his first ever title.  Davis had two wins during the season to lead the eleven different winnerS in this division.  Kris Lilick, Brad Roberts, Eric Kormann and Bob Lilick trailed Davis in points.  Matt Stangle received the Star of Tomorrow  accolades in addition to his seventh place finish in points.

TJ Henry dominated the PennCo Tech Outlaw Stocks to capture his first Championship title with fifteen victories during the 2016 season.  The Felton, DE driver also set a new one lap record for the division.  Tom Wills, Jr. finished second with fifteen top five finishes followed by Scott Dugan, Brian Ludwig and Art Avery. 

Chuck Sayres was the 2016 DA’s Auto Body & Repair Rookie Champion after winning five of the eight Rookie events.  Sayres won four races in a row and then came back to capture the final race of the Rookie season to claim the title over Tom Terry and Shannon Marshall.

The Colonial Pipeline 811 Dig Safely Poker Series Awards were also presented.  Duane Howard was the Poker Series Champion for the Big Block Modifieds with his three wins followed by Laubach and Watt with Dominick Buffalino receiving the award for the worst hand.

Steve Kemery captured the 811 Dig Safe Poker title for the Crate/Sportsman followed by Clyde Cox and Scott Hulmes with Adam Cox having the worst hand.  Henry was the Outlaw Stock Poker Champion with four wins.  Wills, Jr. finished second followed by Billy Wroble.  Mike Hagenbottom was honored as the Poker Series Champion in the 2016 Tanner Brothers Dairy/Thayer Performance TSRS 305 Sprint Poker Series.  Tim Tanner and Jeff Geiges finished second and third.

The first champions of the Spirit Auto Center Speedway were also crowned during the night’s proceedings.  Jon Keller captured his first title in the 600 Micro Sprints over Germain Godshall and Travis Hill who received the Best Newcomer award.  Tyler Reinhardt won his fourth consecutive championship in 270 Micro Sprint competition over Richie Keller and Luke Fogg.  John Webster won the Servpro 4 Cylinder championship with Lee Allen taking the title in the Eight Cylinder Enduro Series.  Rich Partite was the winner of the Speedway All Star Bagel Slingshot Division while Chris Kurtz captured the 2016 Slinger Warehouse Sunday Series points.

Tommy Kunsman won the last three races in the 600 Micro Sprint Poker Series to claim his first Bridgeport title.  Pat Bealer was the winner of the 2016 Mongoos Chassis/Jim’s Weld-Rite 270 Micro Sprint Poker Series.  Chris Kurtz, the winner of four of the six events, to ok top honors in the 2016 Jeffrey Houge Realtor Action Track USA Slingshot Series.

Bridgeport’s Brian Ramey thanked all of the people who have helped to move the Bridgeport Speedway into the future.  “These people do their jobs  – not for the pay check but for the love of the Bridgeport Speedway,” Ramey stated.  “I can’t believe that we are headed into our fifth season and it is all possible because of all of these people who make it all happen.”

Drivers Tommy Beamer (Modifieds) and Chuck Sayres (Crate/Sportsman) received special awards from Penske Shocks.  The Most Popular Driver Awards are selected by the racing fans.  Awards were presented by D&D Media to Tommy Beamer (Modifieds), Steve Kemery (Crate/Sportsman) and Tom Wills, Jr. (Outlaw Stocks).

The 2017 Bridgport Season Opener is scheduled for March 25th with the 60 Over Doug Hoffman Memorial.

It was the Wild Card Weekend with the final hands to be played in the 2016 Colonial Pipeline 8-1-1 Dig Safely Poker Series for all three divisions of Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman and Outlaw Stocks.  The final race date of the 2016 season was sponsored by Spirit Auto Center and in spite of the unseasonable cold temperatures, the racing action was HOT – leaving the fans with some great memories to recall during the off-season.

The Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds raced in the Gone But Not Forgotten 40 lap finale with the Poker Series Champion to be determined by the race’s outcome.

The race saw three different leaders and a half dozen lead changes that ended with a last lap pass, racing to the checkered win for Duane Howard in a race that was clearly dominated by Richie Pratt, Jr.  Pratt was wheeling a second Pat Michael owned No. 51m as a team mate to Dominick Buffalino.

Howard jumped into the early lead by outgunning pole sitter Craig VonDohren on the start.  After leading the first seven laps, Howard relinquished the race lead to Friday night winner, Ryan Godown and the Hewlett owned No. 901.  Howard was back on top for two laps before Pratt raced into the lead like a man on a mission.  Pratt not only took the lead but drove away from the field.  Unfortunately, Pratt’s mount started to spew smoke through the corners at about the same time.

When Rick Laubach came to a stop on the backstretch, Pratt’s advantage was erased and the field lined up double file with ten laps to go.  Pratt elected the outside for the restart but it was Howard who got to the green flag first.  Pratt chased Howard through turns one and two and came away with the lead as they exited turn two and headed down the backstretch.

Pratt held the advantage over Howard as the leaders took the white flag but his lead was reduce to a car length or two.  Howard shot to the inside as they came off of turn four.  With the checkered flag waving, it was Howard who edged ahead of Pratt for the win.

It was a tough race to lose but Pratt had an outstanding outing that left many fans commenting about how it was the best race they had ever seen.  Dominick Buffalino followed in third with the second 51m with Craig VonDohren charging through the top ten in the final laps to capture fourth.  Neal Williams won the battle for fifth after racing with Ryan Watt and Danny Johnson late in the race.

The win gave Howard his third Ace of the Poker Series and the 2016 811 Dig Safely Poker Series Championship for the former track champion.

Craig Whitmoyer picked up his second Bridgeport win of the season from a green to checkered victory in the Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman twenty lapper.  Whitmoyer drove away from the field and navigated his way through lapped traffic with the final sixteen laps run under green flag conditions.  Brian Papiez raced from his seventh place start to finish second with Chad Kohler ending his strong outing with a third place finish over Jared Umbenhauer.  Art Leidel rounded out the top five.  In spite of a rough outing, Stephen Kemery’s Three of a Kind hand landed the 2015 Rookie Champion the Poker Series title for the Crate/Sprotsman.

Jon Meyer led the first eleven laps of the final Penn Co Tech Outlaw feature event before TJ Henry forged into the lead.  It was Henry’s fifteenth win of the season after setting a new one lap track record for the Outlaw Stocks during the fifteen lap event.  Meyer had his best run of the season to finish second ahead of Ron Frees.  Ken Watson, Jr. finished fourth with Tom Wills, Jr. taking the final spot in the top five.  Henry’s win gave him another Ace and the Poker title for the Outlaw Stocks for the 2016 season.

The Bridgeport Speedway will honor their 2016 Champions at their Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday, December 3rd.  Tickets are available through the track office.

The Bridgeport Speedway would like to thank their sponsors, race teams and fans for their support during the 2016 season.  It was a good one and plans are underway for an even better 2017!

SPIRIT AUTO CENTER BIG BLOCK MODIFIEDS-GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN (40 laps)

1 – Duane Howard, 2 – Richie Pratt Jr, 3 – Dominick Buffalino, 4 – Craig VonDohren, 5 – Neal Williams, 6 – Danny Johnson, 7 – Ryan Watt, 8 – Jeff Strunk, 9 – Ryan Anderson, 10 – Sam Martz, 11 – David Hunt, 12 – Billy Pauch Jr, 13 – Jimmy Horton, 14 – Ryan Godown, 15 – Bucky Kell, 16 – Ron Roberts, 17 – Rusty Smith, 18 – CJ Jones, 19 – Rick Laubach, 20 – Steve Davis, 21 – Bob Sarkisian, 22 – Brett Kressley, 23 – Clay Butler, 24 – Tommy Beamer, 25 – Billy VanInwegen, 26 – John Willman

STEWART STAINLESS CRATE/SPORTSMAN (20 laps)

1 – Craig Whitmoyer, 2 – Brian Papiez, 3 – Chad Kohler, 4 – Jared Umbenhauer, 5 – Art Liedl, 6 – Eric Kormann, 7 – Frank Dorry, 8 – Billy Osmun, 9 – Brad Roberts, 10 – Ray Woodall, 11 – Matt Stangle, 12 – Cory Cormier, 13 – Tom Collins, 14 – Roger Manning, 15 – Bill Briggs, 16 – Clyde Cox, 17 – Kyle Lilick, 18 – Adam Cox, 19 – Jason Bittner, 20 – Matthew Peck, 21 – Steve Kemery, 22 – Dave Damiano, 23 – Scott Hulmes, 24 – Tom Sherby, 25 – Nick Nicotra, 26 – Ryan Grim

PENN CO TECH OUTLAW STOCKS (15 laps)

1 – TJ Henry, 2 – John Meyer, 3 – Ron Frees, 4 – Ken Watson Jr, 5 – Tom Wills Jr, 6 – Rich Reider, 7 – Joe Reid, 8 – Spider Ensinger, 9 – Jim DeArmitt, 10 – Doug Debray, 11 – Mark Campagna, 12 – Billy Wroble, 13 – Todd Ahner, 14 – John Parker, 15 – Ken Moren, 16 – Ryan Freshneck, 17 – Steven Land, 18 – Jay Tomarchio, 19 – Jeramy Doerr, 20 – George Ramos, 21 – Rich Stinson  DNS – Mike Creamer, Brian Ludwig

Ryan Godown and TJ Henry set the pace in their respective divisions as the Bridgeport Speedway presented the first of two nights of racing to conclude their 2016 racing season.

Friday night’s event was sponsored by Colonial Pipeline 8-1-1 Dig Safely and fans were treated to Colonial’s heated tent where they received several giveaways and free hot dogs before the start of the racing events.

Godown, winner of two 358 Small Block Modified track championships during the 2016 season, took the lead from Ryan Krachun on lap five of the thirty lap event and then held off the challenges from 2016 Bridgeport Champion, Ryan Watt and Rick Laubach to capture the $3,000 payday.

Watt chased Godown through lapped traffic as the leaders caught the back of the field on lap eleven.  Watt closed in on Godown on several occasions but posed the biggest threat with just five laps to go when Godown battled with a lapped car in turns three and four.  Godown drifted up the track, leaving a hole that Watt quickly filled.  The lapped car made contact with Watt, allowing Laubach to make the pass for second.  The caution waved with four laps to go for the disabled car of Steve Young, setting up a single file restart.

Godown led the way without a further challenge as he took the checkered flag for his second career Bridgeport Small Block Modified win.  Laubach finished second with Watt holding on to third in spite of missing a right front shock after the incident in turns three and four.  Jeff Strunk raced from his eleventh place start to finish fourth with Brett Kressley rounding out the top five at the finish line.

Danny Bouc, Frank Cozze, Krachun, Ray Swinehart and Richie Pratt, Jr. finished sixth through tenth.

Henry wasted no time in racing to the front of the 20 lap Friends of Mike event for the Penn Co Tech Outlaw Stocks.  Henry took the lead from Spider Ensinger on lap one and then raced ahead of Ken Watson, Sr. for most of the race.  Watson, Brian Ludwig and Jon Meyer made it a three way battle for second as they diced for position right up to the finish.  Henry picked up his fourteenth win of the season with Ludwig taking second in the closing laps.  Meyer finished ahead of Watson to take third with Billy Wroble winning the battle for fifth.

Timed hot lap sessions were run for the Big Block Modifieds and Crate/Sportsman during Friday night’s event.  Brett Kressley and Ryan Anderson were awarded redraw positions in the Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modified event – Gone But Not Forgotten – on Saturday.  Stephen Kemery and Jeff Bubori were the recipients of the Sportsman and Crate redraw spots by virtue of their fast laps.

OUTLAW STOCKS

1 – TJ Henry, 2 – Brian Ludwig, 3 – John Meyer, 4 – Ken Watson Jr, 5 – Billy Wroble, 6 – Tom Wills Jr, 7 – Jimmy Avery, 8 – Jim Dermitt, 9 – Rick Broschard, 10 – Todd Ahner, 11 – George Ramos, 12 – Cleve Riehl, 13 – Spider Ensinger, 14 – Jack Beaumont, 15 – Ken Moren, 16 – Vern McLaughlin, 17 – Rich Stinson, 18 – Ron Frees, 19 – Mike Creamer

358 MODIFIEDS

1 – Ryan Godown, 2 – Rick Laubach, 3 – Ryan Watt, 4 – Jeff Strunk, 5 – Brett Kressley, 6 – Danny Bouc, 7 – Frank Cozze, 8 – Ryan Krachun, 9 – Ray Swinehart, 10 – Richie Pratt Jr, 11 – Rocco Infante, 12 – Billy VanInwegen, 13 – Ron Roberts, 14 – John Pakenham, 15 – Jason Bittner, 16 – Neil Huber, 17 – Scott Hulmes, 18 – Brian Hitz, 19 – Steve Young, 20 – Tom Sherby, 21 – Brandon Grosso, 22 – Dominick Buffalino, 23 – Matt Stangle, 24 – Chad Barney

“Big Track Classic?”  What the hell are we talking about?  Who would have thought?  I guess I’ll just cut to the point here.  I’ve never been a big fan of sprint car racing.  Growing up at Flemington, I was in MODIFIED Country, USA.  Sprint cars were an oddity.  You know, they’d come in every now and again and you’d watch them race and then they’d go back to Pennsylvania most likely.

Now, I will say I’ve always liked the way sprint cars looked (mean fast), of course loved the way they smelled (methanol breathing), and lastly the speed that they carry around a race track.  I’ve been to Williams Grove for sprint cars probably 15 or so times(a couple of National Opens more recently).  I’ve seen ‘em at Lincoln several times, Port Royal a handful, Selinsgrove a handful, and some other ‘Modified’ tracks over the years.

Just like in my last blog, I talked about the necessity of a Big Block and the value that they bring to this region of dirt track racing, I’m sure someone else(maybe a Mike Mallett or Dean Reynolds), could offer the same argument in favor of sprint car racing.  Growing up we’d always yell at the sprint cars, “Go back over the river or stay west of the Delaware”.  I don’t think that theory holds true anymore, at least not for me – at least not right now.

Let’s see you have the mighty 410’s, traveling 360’s, PA-based 358’s, 305’s, and we can’t forget about the SS Sprints for you Silver Spring lovers (which I actually was believe it or not).  410’s?  Not for me, not quite.  They may have the names but I truly believe they offer the least amount of passing.  Only a handful of guys have been on top over the past 25 or so years.  Locally, I guess you have Rahmer, Krietz, Dewease, Hodnett, Kauffman and few others.  Well, 3.5 of those guys are gone.  Traveling guys like Swindell, Kinser, Haudenschild, and Blaney are all but gone too.  As the musical group “LMFAO” puts it, it’s all about…”Schatz-Schatz-Schatz-Schatz-Schatz-Schatz” anymore.

Most recently I watched the 410’s at Fulton during Super DIRT Week.  My review was as follows – grade=F.  Sorry but it wasn’t good.  Visited Charlotte this year for the World Finals.  My 2 cents – Friday=B+, while Saturday=D.  Then the 360’s come to Bridgeport and ‘Wow’ did they impress me as both shows I’d give them an A or A-.  The URC Sprint Club was once on top as they drew in the high 30 car count range wherever they roamed.  Then, just a few short years ago that number went down into the teens!  They’ve just completed their second full season under new ownership/management and they seem to have their act together.  While not where they want to be quite yet, they are certainly moving in the right direction.  Probably the same can be said for the local 305 gang.  Almost identical counts for them just like the 360’s over the past few years.

Anyway, this past weekend was certainly one to remember.  I had my doubts, I won’t lie.  I don’t even know where I would pin point those doubts other than just ‘would this show work as a whole?’  Well, the show WORKED right here in Big Block territory(especially going against Georgetown & Susky).  The racing was down-right intense!  I think the drivers and teams were impressed and I know the fans were as well.  I saw so many ‘Modified’ fans in the stands that were pleased with the first ever ‘Big Track Classic.’  Of course, there are always things both sides can do to better the show for everyone involved and we are already talking about those things for 2017.

There are still things I don’t like about sprint cars – lol, the handicapping, the cone, single file restarts, ect.  Now, not all of those pertain to all sprint cars.  Some don’t use a cone, some don’t go single file, and there are many forms of handicapping and inverting out there that tracks/sanctions use.  One of the things that we talked about that sprint cars bring to the table that’s pretty neat is their ability to close the gap between themselves and the car ahead.  If a driver loses 10 car lengths in one turn they can make that up with in a lap in most circumstances where other divisions, it may take several laps if at all to make it up.  Also when sprints get into lapped traffic, that’s when it gets really exciting!!!

I guess what I’m trying to say is that the ‘Anti-Sprint mentality’ in me has lessened quite a bit especially at Bridgeport.  Our surface is second to none and maybe that’s why I enjoy the 305’s and now the 360’s on the 5/8 oval.  The micro sprints already won me over a few years ago now it’s transcending to the ‘big cars’.  I’m excited about the 2^nd Annual Big Track Classic Weekend already!  Now, let’s get on to Wild Card Weekend and watch some ‘mud turtle racing’ as you sprint car fans call us….hahahaha.

Written by – Danny Serrano

GM of Bridgeport Speeedway

The Bridgeport Speedway will complete the 2016 season with the running of the Wild Card Weekend with support from season sponsors, Colonial Pipeline with their 8-1-1 Call Before You Dig campaign and Spirit Auto Center.

Colonial Pipeline will take center stage on Friday night at the 358 Small Block Modifieds and PennCo Tech Outlaw Stocks take to the 5/8th mile track.  With $3,000 to win up for grabs in the small block modifieds, a full field of competitors is expected.  2016 Bridgeport Champion, Ryan Watt was the winner when the small block modifieds last competed on Bridgeport’s 5/8 mile track but he will have plenty of challengers like Dominick Buffalino, Ron Roberts, Brett Kressley, Duane Howard, Jeff Strunk, Craig VonDohren and Bridgeport’s Winningest driver, Jimmy Horton.  The PennCo Tech Outlaw Stocks will compete in their fourth hand of the 811 Dig Safely Poker Series with Bridgeport Champion, TJ Henry leading the field that is sure to include Tom Wills, Jr., Scott Dugan, Brian Ludwig and more.  Racing gets underway at 7:15.

As the title sponsor of Bridgeport’s 2016 Poker Series, Colonial Pipeline asks that anyone taking part in an excavation activity call 811 three working days before their planned project. By doing so all utility’s within their project limits will be notified and have adequate time to mark-out their utility’s location with paint, flags or stakes. Then you the excavator will be aware of each utility’s location and can begin your digging activity’s safely. That’s why it is important for both the public and contractors alike to follow the law and to always call 811 before they you begin any digging project!  Be safe – dial 8-1-1 first!

There will be some added incentives this weekend for competitors displaying the 811 logo, courtesy of Colonial Pipeline.  $100 Visa gift cards will be awarded in each of the three divisions – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman and Outlaw Stocks – to the winner of the feature in each division and to a random driver who does not finish among the frontrunners.  There will also be some special prizes for some lucky fans.  Fans are asked to visit the Colonial Pipeline 811 Dig Safely tent before the racing gets underway on Friday night to check out all of the event details.

On Saturday, Spirit Auto Center takes center stage for the final event of the season. 

Since 1991, Spirit Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram has been serving the South Jersey area.  Their dealership is family owned and operated and in their second generation of ownership where the goal is to create a fun, relaxed car buying experience for all of their customers.  Members of Spirit’s friendly staff will be on hand to greet fans and answer any questions they may have about the cars, jeeps and trucks that we will have on display. 

Spirit Auto Center joined forces with the Bridgeport Speedway this season in promoting the quarter mile Spirit Auto Center Speedway as well as being the sponsor of the headlining, Big Block Modifieds. 

Racing will get underway on Saturday at 4pm with the Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds, Stewart Stainless Crate Sportsman and PennCo Tech Outlaw Stocks, all competing in their final, wild card hands for the 2016 811 Dig Safely Poker Series. 

The Big Block Modifieds will close out their season with a forty lap, Gone But Not Forgotten that will pay $4,000 to the race winner.  The Crate/Sportsman will compete in a twenty lap final with the Outlaw Stocks circling the track for fifteen circuits. 

Duane Howard leads the Big Blocks into the final night of competition with a pair of Aces and a ten to Rick Laubach’s pair of Queens and a ten.  Dominick Buffalino and Sam Martz have each won a single event and an Ace but haven’t been able to collect the right cards to go with their Ace.  Such is the case for Ryan Godown and Wade Hendrickson who each have a second place finish (King) to their credit.  But 2016 Bridgeport Track Champion, Ryan Watt, is sitting with the best outside chance – just one card away from a straight – that would ruin everyone else’s night of cards. 

Two Crate/Sportsman competitors are holding hands of Three of a Kind.  Stephen Kemery, the 2015 Rookie Champion, has collected three tens and an eight while Clyde Cox holds three-sevens and a five.  Scott Hulmes has a pair of deuces.

The Outlaw Stocks will compete in both Friday and Saturday night events, adding two more cards to their hands.  2016 Track Champion, TJ Henry leads the way with a pair of Aces and a Queen while Scott Dugan holds a pair of tens and a King, Billy Wroble has a pair of nines and an eight and Jeff Dirkes has a pair of eights and a nine.  Tom Wills, Jr. could be the spoiler as Wills goes into the final weekend with a King, Queen and Jack and the potential for a straight. 

In addition to the racing action, the Bridgeport Speedway provides plenty of activities for the entire family.  There’s the Bounce House, basketball and volleyball.  There will be musical entertainment before and during the racing program.  All of the Bridgeport Speedway concession stands will be open to provide everything from cool beverages to snacks or a full meal.  Take home a Bridgeport Speedway t-shirt or pick up a copy of the Bridgeport Bullet – the official Bridgeport Speedway program and catch up on the action.  Take a ride with the Bridgeport Bandit on the Bandit Bus and get to see the drivers and crews prepare for the night’s racing action.

Make your plans to take in Bridgeport’s final event of the 2016 season.  You won’t be disappointed!