Bridgeport Motorsports Park

     “If you build it, they will come” – everyone remembers that line from the movie Field of Dreams.  The Bridgeport & Spirit Auto Centers Speedways opened the gates and they came!  With numbers surpassing anyone’s expectations, they came – young and old, entire families – they came to the Logan Township race track, many to see their first ever stock car race!

     And they saw nine divisions of race cars with racing action taking place on both the 5/8 mile and quarter mile tracks!

 

     The Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman staged their starting line-up behind the grandstands, giving everyone a very up close and personal view of the field of twenty-four stock cars.

     Scott Hulmes and Billy Briggs led the field to the green flag with Briggs taking the lead from the start.  Last week’s feature winner, Matt Stangle made contact with the fourth turn, bringing out the first and only caution of the twenty lap main event.

     Briggs led the way on the restart as David Crossman took over second.  Jeremy Harrington was on the move, challenging Crossman for second on laps four and five and securing the runner-up spot as Briggs led the way on lap five.  Dave Damiano took over third on lap six as he raced Crossman out of turn two.  Briggs, Harrington and Damiano ran nose to tail on lap seven before Harrington made his move to take the lead. 

     At half way, Harrington led Damiano, Briggs, Bobby Lilick and Crossman. 

 

     On lap twelve, Steve Davis broke into the top five and then took over fourth on the next lap.  Tommy Beamer, driving Jeramy  Doerr’s No. 3D, took over fifth on lap fourteen.

     Harrington led the way to the checkered flag with Damiano, Bobby Lilick, Davis and Beamer trailing the leader.

     Harrington gave the fans another thrill as he celebrated his second win of the season in Helio Castroneves style by climbing the fence at the start/finish line just as the Indy car driver is known to do.

     Tom Sherby was the winner of the DA’s Auto Body Rookie feature as he picked up back to back wins over four time feature winner, Chuck Sayres, Jr.  Shannon Marshall and Tom Terry followed the leaders across the finish line. 

     Felton, DE driver, TJ Henry drove to his fourth win of the 2016 season after taking the lead from Scott Dugan on lap three of the PennCo Tech Outlaw Stock feature. 

     Henry drove to the checkered flag ahead of Jeramy Doerr, Brian Ludwig, Dugan and Tom Wills, Jr. who raced from the rear of the field after an early race incident.

     After leading all but the final two laps of a race earlier in the season, Christopher Allen, Jr. earned a flag to flag victory in the Tanner Brothers Dairy/Thayer Performance Poker Series Tri State Race Savers Sprint Car twenty lap feature.  Mark Bitner raced to finish second ahead of Logan Diehl, Rick Stief and Jeff Geiges.  Both Allen and Diehl made later appearances in action on the quarter mile track.  Allen picked up an “Ace” for his Poker Series hand in the second race of the 2016 series. 

     Racing moved to the quarter mile speedway as Travis Hill drove to the win in the 600 Wingless Micro Sprint feature.  Hill has competed in both the Crate/Sportsman and Modified ranks, has been doing double duty this season, racing in both Friday and Saturday night action.

     After starting third on the grid, Hill moved into the lead on the first lap and led all of the way to the checkered.  Jim Tippin finished second with Jon Keller, Greg Stevens and Austin Quick rounding out the top five. 

 

     Robbie Watson was the winner of the 270 Winged Micro Sprint feature over Ryan Wozunk, Logan Diehl, Tyler Reinhardt and Alex Swift.  Ryan Heim led the first lap with Wozunk leading laps two and three before Watson took the lead. 

     After a heated battle among brothers, Lou Partite picked up the win in the twenty lap Speedway All Star Bagel Slingshot feature.  Joe Toth finished second followed by Dave McCullough, Dave Morrell and David Bell.  

     John Webster was the winner of the Serv Pro Four Cylinder Enduros over Chris Sammons and Justin Dunn.  Lee Allen picked up the win and the $1000 prize in the Eight Cylinder Enduros followed by Chris Allen, Jr. and Tom Wolf at the finish. 

     Friday night action returns this week to the Spirit Auto Center Speedway with the Monster Truck Exhibition.  The TSRS Sprint Cars will compete on the 5/8 mile track while the 270 & 600 Micro Sprints and 4 Cylinder Enduros will compete on the quarter mile.  Racing gets underway at  8pm.

     It’s Spirit Auto Center Monster Truck Crush Cancer Night at the Bridgeport Speedway on Saturday night as the Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks and Rookies compete.  It’s also graduation night for the DA’s Auto Body Rookies!  Racing starts at 7pm. 

STEWART STAINLESS SUPPLY CRATE SPORTSMAN (20 laps): 1. Jeremy Harrington, 2. Dave Damiano, 3. Bob Lilick, 4. Steve Davis, 5. Tommy Beamer, 6. Kris Lilick, 7. Steve Kemery, 8. Eric Kormann, 9. Brad Roberts, 10. David Crossman, 11. Connor King, 12. Tom Tanner, 13. Nick Nicotra, 14. Ernie Miles, III, 15. Chuck Sayres, Jr., 16. Frank Holmes, 17. Tom Princiotta, 18. J.R. Burritt, 19. Tom Sherby, 20. Tom Holding, 21. Billy Briggs, 22. Matt Stangle, 23. Scott Hulmes, 24. Pete Visconti, 25. Jeff Sargent, DNS – Pete Serra

 

D.A.’S AUTO BODY & REPAIR ROOKIES (6 laps): 1. Tom Sherby, 2. Chuck Sayres, Jr., 3. Shannon Marshall, 4. Tom Terry

 

PENNCO TECH OUTLAW STOCKS (15 laps): 1. T.J. Henry, 2. Jeramy Doerr, 3. Brian Ludwig, 4. Scott Dugan, 5. Tom Wills, Jr., 6. Ken Watson, 7. Jeff Dirkes, 8. Joe Meron, 9. Tom Wills, Sr., 10. Terry Griffith, 11. Jack Beaumont, 12. Ryan Freshneck, 13. Billy Wroble, 14. Gary Klimeczak, 15. Fred Tomarchio, 16. Spider Ensinger, 17. Ken Moren, 18. Roy Combs

 

HILBORN TSRS 305 SPRINTS (20 laps): 1. Chris Allen, 2. Mark Bitner, 3. Logan Diehl, 4. Rick Stief, 5. Jeff Geiges, 6. Kevin Nagy, 7. Brendon Poff, 8. Tim Tanner, Jr., 9. Stef Palmai, 10. Mike Haggenbottom, 11. Eddie Wagner, 12. Dave Brown, 13. Bob DeVault, Jr., 14. Kyle Purks, 15. Bryant Davis, 16. Randy Wilbert, 17. Samantha Lieberman, 18. David Bonner, 19. Zack Byrd, 20. Jason Rochelle, 21. Joe Lord, 22. Ryan Stillwaggon, 23. Mike Kostic

 

WINGLESS 600CC MICRO SPRINTS (20 laps): 1. Travis Hill, 2. Jim Tippin, 3. Jon Keller, 4. Greg Stevens, 5. Austin Quick, 6. Matt Smith, 7. Luke Thomas, 8. Ernie Miles, Jr., 9. Nick Havens, 10. Ed Barber, III, 11. Mike Fillbrunn, 12. Chad Connor, 13. Charles Coburn, 14. Jermain Godshall, 15. Steve Bacall

 

270CC MICRO SPRINTS (20 laps): 1. Robbie Watson, 2. Ryan Wozunk, 3. Logan Diehl, 4. Tyler Reinhardt, 5. Alex Swift, 6. Ryan Heim, 7. Sammi Schenick, 8. Billy Murphy, 9. Steve Coslop, 10. Gary Waegel, 11. John Blanda, 12. Billy Gray, 13. Luke Fogg, 14. Scott Hulmes, 15. Brandon Pavel, 16. Kyle Weiss, 17. Colin Bustard, 18. Rich Keller, 19. Tyler Grau, 20. John Wagner, Jr.

 

SPEEDWAY ALL-STAR BAGELS SLINGSHOTS (20 laps): 1. Lou Partite, 2. Joe Toth, 3. Dave McCullough, 4. Dave Morrell, 5. David Bell, 6. Steve Schenker, 7. Richard Partite

 

SERVPRO FOUR CYLINDER ENDUROS (20 laps): 1. John Webster, 2. Chris Sammons, 3. Justin Dunn, 4. Keith McKinley, 5. Scott Dunn, 6. Art Knapp, 7. Cody Mount

    

EIGHT CYLINDER ENDUROS (20 laps): 1. Lee Allen, 2. Chris Allen, Jr., 3. Tom Wolf, 4. Derek Jones, 5. Chris Allen, Sr., 6. Paul Hartwig, 7. Brandon Guyer, 8. Vinny Troia, 9. Travis Guyer, 10. Jerry Ellingsworth, 11. Gary Landis

Upcoming event

     Saturday, June 25 – Spirit Auto Center’s Monster Truck Crush Cancer Night – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks and Rookie Graduation, racing at 7pm

     Sunday, July 3 – HIGH STAKES AT THE PORT – 811 DIG SAFELY POKER SERIES HAND #4 – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks, racing at 7:15

     Saturday, July 9 – Kids Money Scramble – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Tri State Race Saver Sprint Cars, racing at 7pm

     Saturday, July 16 – First Responders Night – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Twin 12s for Outlaw Stocks, racing at 7pm

     Saturday, July 23 – BIKE NIGHT – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Tri State Race Saver Sprints & GS Vintage Cars, racing at 7pm

     Whitehouse, NJ driver, Sam Martz is the only driver to have competed in every one of the eleven Friends of Mike events.   As a matter of fact, Race Director, Danny Serrano recognized Martz for his support during last year’s event.

     This year, Martz created his own “award” when he drove to the win in the 45 lap Friends of Mike race that also served as the third hand of the 811 Dig Safely 2016 Poker Series.  In addition to the $5,000 check, Martz earned an “Ace” for his Poker Series win, joining Dominick Buffalino and Duane Howard who have been winners this season in previous 811 Dig Safely Poker Series events.

 Martz, who is currently second in  the Bridgeport Speedway point standings to 20
13 Bridgeport Champion, Ryan Watt, had it all go his way.  Martz had his son, Sammy draw for his starting position in the main event and Sammy came through by drawing the pole for his dad.

     Martz and Craig VonDohren led the starting field to the green flag with Martz grabbing the lead as the leaders came off of turn two on the first lap.  2012 Bridgeport Champion, Rick Laubach moved into second on a lap two restart.  Laqubach actually edged ahead of Martz on a lap eight restart but the caution flag waved before another lap could be scored and Laubach’s efforts were negated.  Martz went back out in front when the race restarted and never looked back. 

 

     Tenth place starter, Dominick Buffalino took over third on lap eight and after starting seventeenth in the field, Ryan Watt raced into fourth on the same lap.   Eleventh place starter, Duane Howard broke into the top five one lap later. 

     Buffalino raced by Laubach for second on lap eleven.  

     After five cautions during the early laps, the remainder of the race went caution free, allowing Martz to stretch his lead before he caught up to the back of the field at the race’s mid-point.  Racing through lapped traffic allowed Buffalino, Laubach, Ryan Watt and Duane Howard to chase down the leader but Martz was able to keep a car length or two ahead of his challengers most of the way to the checkered flag. 

     On one occasion, Buffalino actually came within striking distance.  “I never saw anyone but I could hear motors behind me,” Martz stated.  “But I didn’t know who it was.” 

     Martz led the way to the checkered flag and the win over the star studded field followed by Buffalino, Laubach, Watt and Howard.  VonDohren, the winner of the last two Friends of Mike races, Stewart Friesen, Brett Kressley, Jesse Hill and Richie Pratt, Jr. rounded out the top ten.

     Martz held the trophy high with pride.  “I’m tired of the invaders coming here and winning,”  but Martz put a stop to that.

     Brian Papiez has always wanted to win a race at the Bridgeport Speedway and Papiez did just that when he

drove into the lead of the twenty lap Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman feature, taking the lead from polesitter, Adam Cox with on lap five.

      Papiez led the rest of the way to the checkered, taking the win of Eric Kormann who was able to clo
se the gap on the leader but not able to challenge for the lead.  Kris Lilick finished third with Jeremy Harrington taking fourth over last week’s first time feature winner, Matt Stangle.  David Crossman, Stephen Kemery, Clyde Cox, Adam Cox and Bill Briggs completed the top ten in the running order at the finish line.

      Action returns to the Bridgeport and Spirit Auto Center Quarter Mile this Saturday with Bridgeport’s first Pack the House Night.  Grandstand admission is FREE!  Fans will get to see the Crate/Sportsman, Rookies, Outlaw Stocks and Sprint Cars of Tri-State Race Savers on the 5/8th mile track in addition to 270cc and 600cc Micro Sprint, 4 & 8 Cylinder Enduros and Slingshots on the quarter mile.  All for FREE!!  Racing gets underway at 6pm. 

HAND #3 OF THE 811 DIG SAFELY 2016 POKER SERIES – FRIENDS OF MIKE RESULTS

Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds (45 laps) – 1. Sam Martz, 2. Dominick Buffalino, 3. Rick Laubach, 4. Ryan Watt, 5. Duane Howard, 6. Craig VonDohren, 7. Stewart Friesen, 8. Brett Kressley, 9. Jesse Hill, 10. Richie Pratt, Jr.

11. Jordan Watson, 12. Ryan Anderson, 13. Jim Britt, 14. Ron Roberts, 15. Stan Frankenfield, Jr., 16. Ryan Krachun, 17. CJ Jones, 18. Frank Cozze, 19. Ricky DiEva, 20. Jimmy Horton, 21. Steve Davis, 22. Kyle Borror, 23. Scott Ambruster, 24. Joseph Watson, 25. Jeff Strunk, 26. Ryan Godown, 27. Mike Iles, DNQ – Matt Peck, Ryan Grim, Brad Roberts, Mike Franz, Bob Sarkisian, Neal Williams

Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman (20 laps) 1. Brian Papiez, 2. Eric Kormann, 3. Kris Lilick, 4. Jeremy Harrington, 5. Matt Stangle, 6. David Crossman, 7. Steve Kemery, 8. Clyde Cox, 9. Adam Cox, 10. Bill Briggs, 11. Tom Princiotta, 12. Frank Holmes, 13. Scott Hulmes, 14. Jason Bittner, 15. Melissa, Scarpati, 16. Jeramy Doerr, 17. Kevin Belmont, DNS – Pete Visconti, Brandon Grosso, Bob Lilick

Upcoming events

      Saturday June 18 –  PACK THE HOUSE – FREE GRANDSTAND ADMISSION – Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks, Rookies and TSRS Sprint Cars on 5/8th mile with 270cc, 600cc, 4 & 8 Cylinder Enduros and Slingshots on the Spirit Auto Center quarter mile – racing at 6pm

     Saturday, June 25 – Spirit Auto Center’s Monster Truck Crush Cancer Night – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks and Rookie Graduation, racing at 7pm

     Sunday, July 3 – HIGH STAKES AT THE PORT – 811 DIG SAFELY POKER SERIES HAND #4 – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks, racing at 7:15

 

 

 

 

Bridgeport, NJ – The Bridgeport Speedway was proud to announce today that they have teamed up with Penske Racing Shocks for the 2016 racing season.  The Penske name is synonymous with all forms of racing, especially in the world of dirt modified racing.

‘Penske Shocks is proud to partner with Bridgeport Speedway in 2016.  Both Big Block Modifieds and Crate/Sportsman are a corner stone of our business. We are proud to offer a free set of shocks to be given away at this year’s year-end banquet in both divisions,” offered Penske representative Aaron Lambert.

Drivers who finish 11^th through 15^th in the final point standings will be entered in a blind drawing, once the points have been tabulated.  “The driver who wins the drawing will win a complete set of shocks for their vehicle.  We feel this is a great way to “lend a hand” to the end racers who need it,” added Lambert.

Bridgeport GM Danny Serrano is elated to have Penske on board for 2016.  “Our goal was to try and give back something to the weekly racer that just missed out on their yearly goal of making the top 10 in points.  We pitched the idea to Penske, and they were all for it.  Bridgeport and Penske both know that every bit helps when it comes to competing at the race track, and I think this is an awesome deal for the racers,” said Serrano.

Penske Racing Shock’s entire business is racing.  By supplying customers with high quality dampers quickly, PRS can assist them in meeting their needs without compromises.  PRS is a custom damper manufacturer and every single Penske Racing Shock is billet machined and hand built.  There are no assembly lines, no stamped out pieces, no off-shore manufacturing.  The personalized attention provided to every product sold provides the finest reliability, consistency, and performance. Additionally, by working with top teams in professional motorsport, PRS continuously learns and develops new technologies that ultimately trickle down their entire product line.  PRS constantly investigates ways to improve their products and service to their customers. When you buy a Penske Racing Shock, you are buying custom built product for your specific application with certifiable quality. PRS is proud to be an American company who understands the full disciplines of racing.  Unmatched customer support combined with the best products and innovation allows PRS to enjoy a loyal customer base in all levels of professional motorsport and beyond.

For more information regarding Penske Racing Shocks you can visit their website at www.penskeshocks.com or call 610-375-6180 or stop in as they are conveniently in the northeast in Reading, Pa.

June will be a very busy month at the Bridgeport Speedway!

It’s already underway with the Camera & Autograph event held at the Speedway last weekend!  Ryan Watt took home his first Bridgeport win of the season in the Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds as did Kris Lilick in the Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman division.  Eddie Wagner earned his first win of the season and an Ace for his Tanner Brothers Dairy/Thayer Performance Poker Series hand for the Tri-State Race Saver Sprints and TJ Henry and Chuck Sayres, Jr. continued their winning ways in the PennCo Tech Outlaw Stocks and DA’s Auto Body Rookies.

This weekend, Bridgeport will host it’s first Bike Night of the season.  Anyone riding their motorcycle to the races on Saturday night will be admitted free and their  wheels will be displayed behind the grandstand.  Several lucky boys and girls will go home with brand new bicycles!  The Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks and Rookies will all compete as part of Saturday night’s racing program which will get underway at 7pm.  Due to the rescheduling of the Spirit Auto Center Speedway’s Poker Series Hand #2, the Mechanics Race, originally scheduled for Saturday night will be moved to another date to be announced.

Bridgeport will host the annual Friends of Mike (FOM) event on Wednesday, June 15^th with racing action getting underway at 7:15.  Stewart Friesen has recorded back to back wins in FOM, picking up the win last year when leader, Craig VonDohren suffered mechanical difficulties just two laps from the finish.  Friesen beat Ryan Watt to the finish line to capture the win.  FOM was originally created by friends of race fan, Mike Rogie, to encourage their friend as he batled cancer.  Rogie passed away on the very day that the first Friends of Mike was held.

This year’s event has added meaning for the Bridgeport Speedway as they honor track employees Larry Daniels and Fred Ritchings who both passed away during the off-season.  Both men were very dedicated to the Bridgeport Speedway and spent countless hours working around the track, helping in any way that they could.  They, too, would be Friends of Mike.

On Saturday, June 18^th , the Bridgeport Speedway will host their first ever Pack the House night with FREE GRANDSTAND ADMISSION for all race fans!  It will be a night full of racing – something for everyone including the Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks, Rookies and TSRS Sprint Cars on the 5/8 mile speedway in addition to the 270 and 600 Micro Sprints, Slingshots and 4 & 8 Cylinder Enduro cars on the Spirit Auto Center quarter mile.  Racing gets underway at 6pm for this special show.Packthehouse_June

Saturday, June 25^th will conclude the June action with the Spirit Auto Center’s Monster Truck Crush Cancer Night featuring Monster Trucks, Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks and the graduation of the 2016 DA’s Auto Body Rookie Class.  Racing gets underway at 7pm.

Come out early and enjoy the musical entertainment along with tasty offerings of the Bridgeport concessions stands.  Shop for a new racing t-shirt or another souvenir from the Bridgeport Speedway.  Pick up the Bridgeport Bullet – the official program of the Bridgeport Speedway – and check out the recent action.  Or take a ride with the Bridgeport Bandit on the Bandit Bus and get an up close look at the behind the scenes action in the pit area before the action gets underway on the track.

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.

                                  

     2013 Bridgeport Champion, Ryan Watt raced to his first win on the 5/8 mile track on Saturday night in the Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifed twenty-five lap feature event as he out distanced Duane Howard to the checkered flag.   Kris Lilick picked up his first win of 2016 as he raced by Scott Hitchens to take the win in the Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman feature.  Eddie Wagner picked up his first win in Hilborn Tri-State Race Saver Sprint Car action.  TJ Henry and Chuck Sayres, Jr. were repeat winners as Henry earned his third PennCo Tech Outlaw Stock win of the season and Sayres took his fourth consecutive DA’s Auto Body Rookie feature win.       

     CJ Jones took the lead at the wave of the green flag and led through lap three when Ron Roberts made hard contact with the homestretch wall, bringing out the first caution.  On the restart, it was Bob Sarkisian who moved out in front of Jones and the Overhead Door No. 0, to take the race lead as Watt, who started mid-pack, moved from sixth to second by the time the field exited turn two on lap four.  “Everybody went to the bottom of the track and I just went around the outside” was how Watt explained his advance.

     With five laps scored, David Hunt slowed on the speedway and the caution flag was again displayed.  Race leader, Sarkisian, elected to restart from the outside line but Watt had command by the time the field passed the start/finish line on the restart.  Jesse Hill moved into second as Sam Martz and Howard completed the top five.  Howard moved up to third on a lap six restart with Martz and Wade Hendrickson completing the top five.  Hendrickson was forced to switch cars after qualifying and started at the back of the starting line-up and quickly raced his way into the top five.

     The top five remained unchanged through the half way mark but with nine laps remaining, Howard closed in to challenge Hill for the runner-up spot.  The two drivers raced side by side as they crossed the line to complete lap sixteen with Howard wrestling the spot away from Hill on lap seventeen.  Watt had stretched a substantial lead.  Howard erased a few car lengths but was unable to close in on the leader.

     Watt led the field to the checkered flag followed by Howard, Hill, Martz and Hendrickson.  Early race leader, Jones, had his best outing to date to finish sixth with Sarkisian, Richie Pratt, Jr., Jordan Watson and Scott Ambruster completing the top ten at the end of twenty-five laps. 

     Eddie Wagner used lapped traffic to first close in on and then race Kevin Nagy for the win in the Hilborn Tri-State Race Saver  (TSRS) Sprint car feature, his first of the season.  Reigning TSRS champion, Mike Haggenbottom, passed Nagy in the final laps for second.  After leading sixteen laps of the twenty lap feature, Nagy finished third.  Rookie driver, Logan Diehl had a strong outing to finish fourth with Rick Stief rounding out the top five. 

 

     Kris Lilick took the lead away from Scott Hitchens on lap four and raced to his first win of the season in the Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman.  Hitchens finished second followed by Steve Davis, Jeremy Harrington and the winner’s brother, Bob Lilick . 

     TJ Henry raced to his third PennCo Tech Outlaw Stock win of the season, taking the lead from Scott Dugan on lap three.  Dugan finished second after holding off the challenges of Tom Wills, Jr.  Jeff Dirkes and Jeramy Doerr finished fourth and fifth respectively.

     Carney’s Point rookie driver, Chuck Sayres, Jr. won his four consecutive DA’s Auto Body Rookie feature of the season after racing early leader, Shannon Marshall for the lead.  Sayres took the lead from Marshall on lap three and then drove to the checkered flag at the end of eight laps.  Tom Sherby finished second after making his first ever Bridgeport Rookie start.  Marshall finished third followed by Tom Terry.

     A very busy month of June continues at the Bridgeport Speedway next Saturday when the Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks and Rookies return to action a 7pm with the night capping off with Mechanics Races.  It’s a night where the wrench turners get their chance to turn the steering wheel instead!  The annual Friends of Mike returns on Wednesday night, June 15th for the third hand of the 811 Dig Safely Poker Series for the Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman and Outlaw Stocks.  Racing gets underway at 7:15pm.  And then on Saturday June 18th, Bridgeport and Spirit Speedways present PACK THE HOUSE NIGHT  with all grandstand admission is FREE!  Racing will take place on both tracks with the Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks, Rookies and TSRS Sprints racing on the 5/8th mile track while the 270cc & 600cc Micro Sprints, Slingshots and 4 & 8 Cylinder Enduros compete on the Spirit quarter mile.

 

RACE NOTES  – Mike Petruska and his Atlas Trucking No. 66 and driver, Duane Howard made a Saturday afternoon deicision to move their Saturday night racing to the Bridgeport Speedway.  Howard was the most recent winner on the 5/8 mile track, picking up the win in the 811 Dig Safely Poker Series Hand #2.  The Blue Hen Racing Team returned to action with a new No. 30 with Joseph Watson behind the wheel, subbing for injured driver, 2015 Champion, Jamie Mills.  Neal Williams plans to return to Bridgeport Modified action next Saturday with the help of Sal DeBruno’s Overhead Doors. 

Upcoming events

     Saturday June 11 – Mechanics Night – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks & Rookies, racing at 7pm

     Wednesday June 15 – FRIENDS OF MIKE – 811 DIG SAFELY POKER SERIES HAND #3 – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks, racing at 7:15pm

     Saturday June 18 –  PACK THE HOUSE – FREE GRANDSTAND ADMISSION – Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks, Rookies and TSRS Sprint Cars on 5/8th mile with 270cc, 600cc, 4 & 8 Cylinder Enduros and Slingshots on the Spirit Auto Center quarter mile – racing at 6pm

     Saturday, June 25 – Spirit Auto Center’s Monster Truck Crush Cancer Night – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks and Rookie Graduation, racing at 7pm

Friends of Mike & Three for All Reminder

Bridgeport, NJ:  The 11th Annual Friends of Mike event for Big Blocks and Crate/Sportsman will be held on Wednesday, June 15.  Originally, back in January, FOM was scheduled in August.  It was then moved to the June date in February.  Unfortunately, some fans have only received the January schedule from the Motorsports Expo.  It should also be noted that Brett Deyo’s ‘Dirty Jersey 4’ has a rain date for the 15 of Wednesday.  Should Brett need that rain date or Bridgeport need that rain date, Bridgeport would then push back Friends of Mike to Thursday.  It should be a great mid-week double header for the fans and drivers in the ‘Garden State’.

The much anticipated ‘Three for All’ featuring Super Late Models, URC Sprints, and 358 Modifieds was originally scheduled for June back in January.  This event was also moved on the schedule in February to Tuesday, August 16 to avoid schedule conflicts of the original date.  Last year’s event was the most attended event in all of 2015!  Promotions have already begun to make this year’s ‘Three for All’ bigger and better than last year’s.

We hope to see everyone at Bridgeport Speedway to witness some great racing action at these two mid-week classics.

                                            

     Multi-time track champion, Duane Howard of Oley, PA  was the class of the field of the Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds as he led the way to the checkered flag in the forty lap 811 Dig Safely sponsored second hand of the 2016 Poker Series at the Bridgeport Speedway on Wednesday night. 

     In addition to the $4,000 payday,  Howard earned himself an Ace for the 2016 811 Dig Safely Poker Series, joining Dominick Buffalino who won the season opener and first hand of the Poker competition.

       The 2016 Bridgeport Poker Series is sponsored by Colonial Pipeline which asks you to call 8-1-1 before you dig.  Colonial’s pipelines are buried underground, usually with a minimum of three feet of cover.  Over time, however, erosion and human activities can change that depth.  That’s why is it’s important to always call 811 before you begin any digging project!

     “The Thrill”, Jesse Hill, drew the pole for the Big Block Modified mainevent with Howard starting to his outside with the Atlas Trucking No. 66.  Hill led the way to the green but it was Howard who was out in front by the time the field came to the start/finish line to score the first lap. 

     Howard’s biggest challenge came around lap ten from Medford, NJ driver, Mike Iles, who was making his first appearance of the season.  Iles jumped ahead of Howard on a lap ten restart but the start was called back and Howard went back into the lead.  Iles then retired from the competition with about fifteen laps to go. 

     Frank Cozze brought the George Huttig No. 35 to do battle on the 5/8 mile track and took the runner-up finish while Craig VonDohren used a late race move to finish third in the Biever No. 14s.  Ryan Godown finished fourth in the Hewlett No. 901 with Rick Laubach rounding out the top five with the Gary & Lori Hermann owned No. 7.

     Pete Visconti picked up his first win of the season in the Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman twenty lap main event to join opening day winner, Brandon Grosso, as a holder of an Ace in Poker Series competition.  After winning his heat race, Grosso was sidelined from the feature with mechanical issues. 

     Dave Damiano crossed the finish line in second but was later disqualified when his No. 29 failed post-race technical inspection.  That moved Ernie Miles III up to second for the best finish to date for the sophomore driver.  Brad Roberts finished third with Tom Tanner and Stephen Kemery rounding out the top five.

     TJ Henry earned his first Ace of the 2016  Poker Series, picking up the win in the fifteen lap PennCo Tech Outlaw Stock Feature.  Scott Dugan made a last lap pass by 2014 Outlaw Champion, Jimmy Avery, to finish second.  Avery crossed the line in third while Tom Wills, Jr. wheeled his new mount to a fourth place finish after starting last in the field.  Gary Klimeczek finished fifth. 

 

     Chuck Sayres, Jr. picked up his third consecutive win in the DA’sAuto Body six lap Rookie Feature.  Sayres wheeled his way past pole sitter, Shannon Marshall to take the lead on the first lap and then led all the way to the checkered flag.  Marshall finished second followed by Bob Hartman and Tom Terry.

 

     Action returns to the Bridgeport Speedway on Saturday night, June 4th with the popular Camera & Autograph Night!  Fans will have the opportunity to get pictures and autographs from their favorite drivers before the start of the night’s racing which will get underway at 7pm.  The Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks and Rookies will be joined by Tri-State Race Saver Sprint Cars.     

    

Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modified Feature (40 Laps) – 1. Duane Howard, 2. Frank Cozze, 3. Craig VonDohren, 4. Ryan Godown, 5. Rick Laubach, 6. David Hunt, 7. Ryan Watt, 8. Jordan Watson, 9. Brett Kressley, 10. Ron Roberts, 11, Dominick Buffalino. 12. Doug Manmiller, 13. Sam Martz, 14. Richie Pratt, Jr. 15. Jesse Hill, 16. Jimmy Horton, 17. Mike Iles, 18. Jeff Strunk, 19. CJ Jones, 20. Ryan Krachun, 21. Scott Ambruster, 22. Jim Britt, 23. Wade Hendrickson, 24. Kyle Borrer, 25. Mike Franz

Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman Feature (20 laps) – 1. Pete Visconti, 2. Ernie Miles, III, 3. Brad Roberts, 4. Tom Tanner, 5. Stephen Kemery, 6. Jeremy Harrington, 7. Eric Kormann, 8. Matthew Peck, 9. Matt Budd, 10. Clyde Cox, 11. Jeff Bubori, 12. John Micek, 13. Melissa Scarpatti, 14. Jermay Doerr, 15. Charles Stone, 16. Steve Desmelyek, 17. Pete Serra, 18. Chuck Sayres, 19. Scott Hulmes, 20. Kevin Belmont, 21. David Crossman, 22. Tom Holding, 23. Matt Stangle, 24. Steve Davis

PennCo Tech Outlaw Stock Feature (15 laps) – 1. TJ Henry, 2. Scott Dugan, 3. Jimmy Avery, 4. Tom Wills, Jr., 5. Gary Klimeczek, 6. Jeff Dirkes, 7. Billy Wroble, 8. Terry Griffin, 9. Pete Ellis, 10. Art Avery, 11. Ken Moren, 12. Everett Taylor, 13. William Conolly, 14. John Meyer, 15. Spider Ensinger, 16. Ron Frees, 17. Brian Ludwig, 18. Fred Tomarchio, 19. Ed Bischoff

DA’s Auto Body Rookie Feature (6 laps) – 1. Chuck Sayres, Jr., 2. Shannon Marshall, 3. Bob Hartman, 4. Tom Terry

Upcoming events

     Saturday, June 4 – Camera & Autograph Night – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks, Rookies & TSRS Sprints, racing at 7pm

     Saturday June 11 – Mechanics Night – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks & Rookies, racing at 7pm

     Saturday June 18 –  PACK THE HOUSE – FREE GRANDSTAND ADMISSION – Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks, Rookies and TSRS Sprint Cars on 5/8th mile with 270cc, 600cc, 4 & 8 Cylinder Enduros and Slingshots on the Spirit Auto Center quarter mile – racing at 6pm

     Saturday, June 25 – Spirit Auto Center’s Monster Truck Crush Cancer Night – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks and Rookie Graduation, racing at 7pm

 

 

BRIDGEPORT, NJ – When Doug Hoffman took over as the new promoter of the Bridgeport Speedway in (year), 811 Call Before You Dig offered a sponsorship proposal to both help gain awareness for their organization, and to assist a new promoter at a local dirt track to get on his feet.

 

“It started as a one-race promotion,” said Rob Andersen North East District Right of Way Manager at Call 811. “Doug was very receptive and was looking for sponsors to get started.”

 

“Over the years, we have increased promotional efforts, and have expanded to not just one race, but sponsoring a class and now the Poker Series,” Andersen said. “We step it up every year, and every year we have seen the results.”

 

Call 811 is a national call number for homeowners, contractors or excavators to mark out, identify utilities to make the digging process safer.

 

A few days before you are scheduled to begin your dig, Call 811 from anywhere in the country and disclose some of the information about your future dig. Call Before You Dig will notify all utility companies that could potentially have facilities in the area of your dig, and they will go and mark where the underground utility lines are located. With those marks, the ones doing the digging will be able to dig carefully around the markers without doing any damage.

 

“Bridgeport gives us an outlet to send the message to the general public,” said Andersen. “Racers and fans are involved with businesses that do excavation work, so it is a good fit.

 

“It’s a great fit locally, too,” Andersen added. “Colonial has a pipeline one-quarter mile outside the facility (Bridgeport Speedway).

 

“Local people attend the races which gets the message out through targeting Bridgeport, and the Poker Series gives us a broader audience,” said Andersen.

 

Years later, the partnership is one that benefits both parties. Call 811 studies show their efforts have been fruitful, and the Swedesboro, N.J. racetrack stays viable with the sponsorship.

 

“We’ve created a successful model that other companies and tracks should be paying attention to,” said Andersen.

          

Midweek action comes to the fast 5/8 mile of the Bridgeport Speedway in pre-Memorial Day action with the second hand of the 811 Dig Safely Poker Series on Wednesday night, May 25th.

Dominick Buffalino picked up his first win of the season as well as an Ace for the 811 Dig Safely Poker Series with his win in the 60 Over Special – Doug Hoffman Memorial Race  – to open the 2016 season.  Buffalino led Ryan Godown, Rick Laubach, Stewart Friesen and Ryan Watt to the checkered flag for the season opening event. 

 

Buffalino and Godown are expected to lead a host of invaders to the second hand of the 811 Dig Safely Poker Series to include the likes of Brett Kressley, Jeff Strunk, Duane Howard and Craig VonDohren who are expected to face off against the likes of track regulars led by 2015 Track Champion, Jamie Mills, former track champions Wade Hendrickson, Rick Laubach & Ryan Watt as well as David Hunt, Tommy Beamer, Sam Martz, Jesse & Travis Hill, Richie Pratt, Jordan Watson, Ron Roberts, Mike Barone and Mike Franz.

Buffalino, Kressley, Hendrickson & Mills picked up feature wins during the pre-season with Mills also winning the opening night of the 2016 points.

Jeremy Harrington picked up the win in the Crate/Sportsman for the first hand of the 2016 Poker Series and will be looking to build on his hand this time around.  Brad Roberts, Travis Hill, Steve Davis and Stephen Kemery finished second through fifth in the first event.

Roberts, Davis, Brandon Grosso and Eric Kormann each have one win this season in addition to Harrington. 

 

Former Poker Series Champion, Ron Frees picked up three wins in pre-season competition, including the Poker Series race for the Outlaw Stocks.  In spite of his dominating performance, every race has been determined in the final laps of the race.

Frees will come into this event with an Ace.  2015 Poker Champion, Tom Wills, Jr. finished second to earn a King followed by TJ Henry, Jimmy Avery and Scott Dugan. 

DA’s Auto Body Rookies will also be in action on this night with Chuch Sayres, Jr. leading the division with his two victories so far this season.

 

Come out early and enjoy the musical entertainment along with tasty offerings of the Bridgeport concessions stands.  Shop for a new racing t-shirt or another souvenir from the Bridgeport Speedway.  Pick up the Bridgeport Bullet – the official program of the Bridgeport Speedway – and check out the recent action.  Or take a ride with the Bridgeport Bandit on the Bandit Bus and get an up close look at the behind the scenes action in the pit area before the action gets underway on the track. 

 

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.

Upcoming events

Wednesday, May 25 – All in the Port – Poker Series Hand #2 – Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds, Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman, PennCo Tech Outlaw Stocks & DA’s Auto Body Rookies – racing at 7:15  (Raindate if needed – Monday, May 29th)

Saturday, June 4 – Camera & Autograph Night – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks, Rookies & TSRS Sprints, racing at 7pm

Saturday June 11 – Mechanics Night – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks & Rookies, racing at 7pm

Saturday June 18 –  PACK THE HOUSE – FREE GRANDSTAND ADMISSION – Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks, Rookies and TSRS Sprint Cars on 5/8th mile with 270cc, 600cc, 4 & 8 Cylinder Enduros and Slingshots on the Spirit Auto Center quarter mile – racing at 7pm

     

     The Bridgeport Speedway joins forces with the Misfits 4x4s to present the first of two weekends this season.  The Spring Down & Dirty Weekend will take place on Saturday and Sunday, May 21 & 22.   The pairing of the two organizations is a good fit as both strive to present family entertainment at its best!

     There will be activities suitable for everyone’s level of interest – from the serious off road enthusiast to the casual owner of a four wheel drive vehicle.  The Misfits are known for the  “play area” so bring out those rock crawlers, mud trucks, stock as well as modified trucks and jeeps.  There will be a mild obstacle course as well as deep and chewy mud pits. There will also be a burn out pad and a donut area for the cars and trucks.

     There will be a show & shine area for
trucks, cars and bikes.  One area will be reserved for a swap meet – so bring what you have to sell as well as your list of items on your shopping list! 

     Space is still available for the vendor area.  Contact the Bridgeport Speedway office for more information. 

     There will be plenty of activities for the whole family.  There will be two Bounce Houses for the kids.  Live music and a DJ!  Plus all of the Bridgeport Speedway concessions to satisfy your thirst or your appetite!

     Action gets underway at noon at Saturday.  Daily adult admission will be $10 or a weekend pass can be purchased for $17.  Truck entries will be $15 per day or $25 for the weekend.

     There’s plenty of space for parking and lots of rooms for trailers and camping is available for everyone.

     And mark your calendars now for the Fall Down & Dirty Weekend coming on October 15 & 16!

Upcoming events

     Saturday, May 14, 2016 – BIKE Night – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks & Rookies

     Saturday/Sunday – May 21 & 22 – Misfits 4×4 Down & Dirty Weekend, Noon on Saturday with TSRS Sprint Cars at 7pm, Sunday starting time at 10am with Demo Derby at 4pm

     Wednesday, May 25 – All in the Port – Poker Series Hand #2 – Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds, Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman, PennCo Tech Outlaw Stocks & DA’s Auto Body Rookies – racing at 7:15  (Raindate if needed – Monday, May 29th)

     Saturday, June 4 – Camera & Autograph Night – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks, Rookies & TSRS Sprints, racing at 7pm