Bridgeport Motorsports Park

 

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!

 

 

 

 

Colonial Pipeline’s 811 Dig Safely Poker Series will wrap up the 2016 schedule at the Bridgeport Speedway on Friday and Saturday, November 11th and 12th.

 

The Poker Series has become one of the most popular events during the course of the racing season since it was introduced to the Logan Township speed plant during the 2012 season by the late, Doug Hoffman.  Drivers earn the cards for the Poker hands based upon their finish in a series of select races.  A win gives a driver an Ace, a second a King, a third a Queen and so on.  The drivers with the top three hands as well as the driver with the worst hand at the end of the Poker Series win additional prize money.

 

In 2016 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!

 

 

Colonial Pipeline has added some extra exciting incentives for this final weekend.  $100 VISA gift cards will be awarded to eligible drivers in each division – Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds, Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman and PennCo Tech Outlaw Stocks.  The winner of the feature top finisher in each division, who has met the sponsor’s requirements of placing an 811 decal on their race car and posting a picture of it to Facebook or Twitter prior to the required deadline will be awarded a $100 VISA gift card!  The feature winner will also pull a random number in victory lane and a lucky participate finishing elsewhere in the field will also receive a $100 VISA dollar gift card!

 

 

Colonial Pipeline is also offering some special prizes for some lucky fans.   Fans are asked to post photos of themselves with one of several 811 Dig Safely logos that can be found around the speedway on Friday night.  Photos must be posted to Facebook or Twitter.  Prizes will include a future night of you choosing in a Skybox, a Colonial Pipeline prize bags, an autographed die cast , a gift and cards for a local restaurants. resident.  Details will be available during Friday night’s event as you come through the gate and at the Colonial Pipeline 811 Dig Safely tent.  Fans are invitedthroughout the evening to visit the Colonials display tent for more free giveaways and also free hot dogs with all the fixings!

 

 

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.

 

 

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

 

 

Upcoming event 

Saturday & Sunday, November 4 & 5 – URC/360 Sprints Big Track Classic plus Crate/Sportsman Showdown

Friday, November 11 – Wild Card Weekend – 358 Small Blocks & Outlaw Stocks plus practice sessions for Saturday’s events

Saturday, November 12 – Gone But Not Forgotten – 811 Dig Safely Poker Series Hand #5 – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks

The Bridgeport Speedway joins forces with the United Racing Club to present the URC Big Track Classic with support from Michalski Heating & Air when the cars take to the 5/8 mile speedway on both Friday and Saturday evenings, November 4th and 5th.

The URC/360 sprints will compete in qualifying events and a twenty-five lap feature event on both days with a very special trophy to be presented to the driver with the best point average for the two day event.  

Midge Miller was a second generation racer who competed with URC after a very successful career racing midgets – a passion that he inherited from his father, Carl Miller, Sr.  The son prepared his father’s rides until he was old enough to get into the cockpit and race himself at the age of twenty-one.  Miller collected several midget championships before moving into sprint car competition in 1985.

Miller was well liked and respected by his fellow competitors.  He served as an officer with URC and then later became a tech inspector for the organization.  According to nine time URC Champion, Curt Michael, Miller performed his official duties the same way he raced – “very prepared.”

“I always had a lot of respect for Midge and the way he ran is race team,” Michael explained.  “He always had one of the best looking cars.  Midge and his team took pride in having his car prepared and very clean-looking” – something Michael aspires to do with his own team. 

“On the track, Midge was a clean driver that tried to finish all of the races so that he could come back and race again next week,” Michael added.  He was usually successful. 

Cold Hard Art has been charged with creating the trophy for this event – the Midge Miller Memorial Trophy to be presented on be half of Pioneer Auto Body. 

A full field of cars is expected for this two day event.  2014 Champion, Davie Franek hopes to secure his second URC title with a strong showing at Bridgeport where he opened the 2016 season with a win.  Curt Michael has always run well at Bridgeport and looking for a good weekend to complete his 2016 season.  For the first time in many seasons, Michael will be joined by his brother and former URC Champion, Sean Michael who will climb behind the wheel for the first time since 2009.

Josh Weller has had an outstanding 2016 season and has collected a Bridgeport victory during the Three for All program.  Ryan Stillwaggon, who has seen considerable success in 305 Sprint Car action at Bridgeport, will be driving the Fred Kennedy No. 89 while his brother continues to recuperate from an injury sustained earlier in the season.  Troy Betts, Chris Coyle, Davey Sammons, Justin Barger, Dave Brown, Mark Smith and Lucas Wolfe are just a few of the drivers who are expected to compete for the Midge Miller Memorial trophy. 

The Stewart Stainless Crate Sportsman will be part the weekend’s race card.  Multiple timed hot lap sessions will be held for the Crate/Sportsman on Friday evening with the fastest Sportsman and fastest Crate competitor being locked into the redraw for Saturday night’s twenty-five lap main event that will pay $1,250 to the winner with $200 to take the green.  Qualifying races will be completed during Saturday’s competition to determine the starting line-up. 

A special event has been added to Friday night’s race card – The Underdog 20.  This race is open to any non-winning Crate Sportsman driver who has not won a feature event at any speedway during the 2016 season. 

Racing action gets underway at 7:30pm on Friday with a 5pm start for Saturday’s events.

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.

Upcoming event 

Saturday & Sunday, November 4 & 5 – URC/360 Sprints Big Track Classic plus Crate/Sportsman Showdown

Friday, November 11 – Wild Card Weekend – 358 Small Blocks, TSRS Sprint Cars, Outlaw Stocks plus practice for Saturday

Saturday, November 12 – Gone But Not Forgotten – 811 Dig Safely Poker Series Hand #5 – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks

Bridgeport adds “Underdog 20” for Crate/Sportsman division on Friday night

Friday and Saturday November 4 & 5 will mark the first ever Big Track Classic Weekend for the URC Sprint Cars and Crate/Sportsman. The 360 sprints will compete in the Midge Miller Tribute Races on both nights while the Crate/Sportsman will face off in the “Showdown” on Saturday. Just added to the Friday night schedule will be the “Underdog 20” for the Crate/Sportsman racers.

The “Underdog 20” is an open invite for any drivers that have not won a feature event in 2016. If a driver has visited victory lane in 2016 at Bridgeport, New Egypt, Grandview, Big Diamond, Georgetown, Delaware Int., OCFS, or any other speedway they are not eligible for the “Underdog 20”. “Quite a few drivers have asked us over the years about having a race of this format for the racers. I think this is a perfect time to hold an event like this on Friday night,” offered General Manager Danny Serrano. “There are so many drivers that have been so close in getting to victory lane but unfortunately have just missed out. So Friday’s their chance to stand tall in the spotlight on the night before their big race,” Serrano added. The top 3 finishing positions will place in the cash along with the winner receiving a trophy.

The Bridgeport Speedway is preparing for its first United Racing Club/360 Sprints Big Track Classic coming to the Logan Township speed plant on Friday and Saturday, November 4th and 5th honoring the late, great competitor and URC official, Midge Miller for the First Annual Midge Miller Memorial.

Racing will get underway at 7:30pm on Friday night with the winged 360 machines take to the track for qualifying before competing in a twenty-five lap main event that will pay $2,000 to the winning driver. The sprint cars will compete in a second complete show on Saturday with the first green flag waving at 5pm.   Saturday’s twenty-five lap main event will reward the race winner with a $3,000 payday.  At the end of the two days of competition, the driver with the best overall point average will receive a trophy honoring Midge Miller.

 

Upcoming event 

Saturday & Sunday, November 4 & 5 – URC/360 Sprints Big Track Classic plus Crate/Sportsman Showdown

Friday, November 11 – Wild Card Weekend – 358 Small Blocks, TSRS Sprint Cars, Outlaw Stocks plus practice for Saturday

Saturday, November 12 – Gone But Not Forgotten – 811 Dig Safely Poker Series Hand #5 – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks

 

 

If you are the owner of a 4×4 vehicle, then maybe this weekend is the time for you to get out of the grandstands and behind the wheel when the Bridgeport Speedway presents the Misfits 4×4 Fall Down & Dirty Weekend this Saturday and Sunday.  It’s a show, shine and swap meet all wrapped up in one!

 

Bring your trucks, bring your friends – bring your friends’ trucks and be ready to play and have a blast!  There is something for everybody at the Bridgeport Speedway this weekend!

 

The events get underway at noon at Saturday but gates open at ten.  The play area opens at noon with time slots allotted to trucks, jeeps, side by sides, and a freestyle session.   At 5pm there will be a burnout contest sponsored by First Choice Tire.  There will be trophies presented in twelve different categories including Best Rat Rod, Best Halloween Theme truck of car, Best Club participation, Best Jeep, Best Mega Truck, and more!

 

There will be a show and shine area for trucks, cars and bikes.  Bring your spare parts or used cars for the swap meet.  An area will also be set up for vendors throughout the day.

 

A demolition derby is scheduled for 7pm with a final session in the play area for the trucks from 8-9pm.

 

You can come back and do it all over again on Sunday when the play area opens at 10am.

 

And there is something for every member of your family!  There will be two bounce houses for the kids.  There will be live music and a DJ both days.  The Mopar 1 Monster Ride Truck will be on hand. The concession stands will be open.  There will be tickets on sale for the 50/50 drawing.

 

Campers will be welcome on Saturday night!

 

The Bridgeport Speedway has earned a reputation for our play areas and this one will not disappoint!  This play area will be bad to the bone.  All money raised in the play area for this event will be donated to Beat Dystonia.

 

There will be a wide, deep, chewy mud pit, a mild obstacle course as well as a WILD ONE!  Look for the car crush, an RTI ramp as well as a burnout area and a donut area.

 

General admission is $10 per day or $17 for the weekend.  Truck entries are $15 for just one day of $25 for the weekend.  Entries include the driver as well as the show & shine.

 

Check Facebook or our web site for schedule of events.

 

 

 

Upcoming event 

 

Saturday & Sunday, October 15 & 16 – Misfits 4×4 Fall Down & Dirty Weekend plus Demo Derby, 7pm Saturday

Saturday & Sunday, November 4 & 5 – URC/360 Sprints Big Track Classic plus Crate/Sportsman Showdown

Friday, November 11 – Wild Card Weekend – 358 Small Blocks, TSRS Sprint Cars, Outlaw Stocks plus practice for Saturday

Saturday, November 12 – Gone But Not Forgotten – 811 Dig Safely Poker Series Hand #5 – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks

 

 

 

The Bridgeport Speedway will present the bonus hand of the 811 Dig Safely 2016 Poker Series presented by Colonial Pipeline on Saturday, October 1st.  This race is an opportunity for drivers to improve their Poker Series hands by giving them a “bonus” card that can be used to replace another card in their hand.  The bonus card can only help a driver – not hurt his chances.

 

Colonial Pipeline came on board as the title sponsor of Bridgeport’s 2016 Poker Series.  Colonial Pipeline asks that you call 8-1-1 befire you dig!  Colonial’s pipelines are buried underground, usually with a minimum of three feet of cover.  Over time, however, erosion and human activiites can change that depth.  That’s why it is important to always call 811 before you begin any digging project!  Be safe – dial 8-1-1 first!  Make sure you check out Colonial Pipelines tent as you walk in for all kinds of giveaway’s and goodies.

 

The Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds, the Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman and PennCo Tech Outlaw Stocks will compete in qualifying races and feature events with all drivers trying to gain a key card for the Poker hands.

 

Duane Howard and Rick Laubach lead the Poker Series for the Big Blocks.  Howard has a pair of Aces for his two wins while Laubach sports a pair of Kings for his two runner-up finishes.  However, 2016 Bridgeport Champion, Ryan Watt, Jordan Watson, Brett Kressley and Richie Pratt Jr. are all working on straights and could upset Howard and/or Laubach with the right finish.

 

In Crate/Sportsman competition, 2015 Rookie Champion, Stephen Kemery leads the way with three 10s for his three fifth place finishes.  Clyde Cox follows with three sevens.  Scott Hulmes holds a pair of twos while Matt Stangle and Pete Visconti have each collected an Ace for the wins in past events.

 

The Outlaw Stock competitors have only complete three Poker Series events.  They will close out the series with two eligible events on the final race weekend in mid-November.  So far, 2016 Champion, TJ Henry leads the competition with a pair of Aces and a Queen.  Scott Dugan follows closely with a pair of tens.  Billy Wroble has a pair of nines and Jeff Dirkes holds a pair of eights while Ron Frees and Tom Wills, Jr. each hold an Ace for their wins.

 

October 1st will be a full Saturday night of racing action with 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.  Colonial Pipeline will also be on hand educating the fans on what it means to “Call 811 Before You Dig.”  Colonial will have a tent set up where they will be giving away gourmet hotdogs, gift certificates, t-shirts and apparel, and all kinds of other prizes to the fans as they walk into the gate.  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 from the King of the Big Blocks weekend!  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.

 

Racing action gets underway at 6pm.

 

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

 

 

Upcoming event 

Saturday, October 1 – 811 Dig Safe Poker Series Bonus Hand  Presented by Colonial Pipeline – Big Block Modifies, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks & Powder Puff Races on the 1/4 mile

Saturday & Sunday, October 15 & 16 – Misfits 4×4 Fall Down & Dirty Weekend plus Demo Derby, 7pm Saturday

Saturday & Sunday, November 4 & 5 – URC/360 Sprints Big Track Classic plus Crate/Sportsman Showdown

Friday, November 11 – Wild Card Weekend – 358 Small Blocks, TSRS Sprint Cars, Outlaw Stocks plus practice for Saturday

Saturday, November 12 – Gone But Not Forgotten – 811 Dig Safely Poker Series Hand #5 Brought to you by Spirit Auto Center – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks