Bridgeport Motorsports Park

     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

     Bike Night is one of the most popular Saturday night events on the Bridgeport Speedway schedule and the first one of the season comes this Saturday at the Logan Township race track.  Bike Night means different things to different people.  For one, anyone riding a motorcycle to the track will be admitted for FREE!   Bikes are displayed behind the grandstands for all of the fans to admire.  Awards are given for special categories.  And the kids love Bike Night because several boys and girls will be going home with brand new bicycles! 

     Saturday night action will feature the Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds, Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman, the PennCo Tech Outlaw Stocks and the DA’s Auto Body Rookies.   2015 Modified Champion, Jamie Mills opened the 2016 point chase with a feature win and will be the man to beat when the Modifieds take to the track for their twenty-five lap feature event.  Mills has two wins so far this season while three time track champion, Wade Hendrickson picked up one win in pre-season competition.  Past champions, Rick Laubach and Ryan Watt are looking for their first Bridgeport wins of the season along with Dave Hunt, Sam Martz, Richie Pratt, Jr., Jesse & Travis Hill, and others.

     Eric Kormann picked up his first win of the season in the Crate/Sportsman division during the last event.  This division has yet to see a repeat winner this season.  Brad Roberts, Steve Davis and Jeremy Harrington each of one win during the pre-season events and are seeking their second wins of the season while Kevin Belmont, Stephen Kemery, Dave Damiano, and others will be looking to add their names to the win list for 2016.

     TJ Henry will be looking to add to his win total in the Outlaw Stocks after a solid start to the season.  2015 Poker Series Champion, Tom Wills, Jr., 2014 Track Champion, Jim Avery, Jeff Dirkes and a host of others will all be trying to get to the checkered flag first in Outlaw Stock competition.

 Chuck Sayres has won the last two Rookie feature events – will twice prove to be thrice when the 2016 Rookies take to the speedway?  Or will there will be a new winner  – Bob Hartman, Shannon Marshall or Tom Terry?

     Come out to the track early and enjoy the volleyball or basketball courts.  The kids can play on the bounce house while you enjoy the live music or catch up the racing action in the official program of the Bridgeport Speedway – the Bridgeport Bullet.  Take a ride with the Bridgeport Bandit on the Bandit Bus and visit your favorite drivers in the pit area.  Or enjoy the tasteful delights of the Bridgeport Speedway concession stands!

     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!

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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

Bridgeport, NJ (May 7, 2016) – After receiving and all day rain on Friday into Saturday morning Bridgeport Speedway was left with no other option than to pull the plug on Saturday’s ‘Pack the House’ program.  All fans in attendance were set to receive FREE admission into the grandstands on Saturday while watching both 5/8 and 1/4 mile racing action.  “This is something we planned way back in December and were looking so forward to it,” admitted track owner Brian Ramey.  “We’ve had so much feed back from our fans along with new potential fans who were coming for the first time.  We’ve been lucky so far with Mother Nature in 2016 but I guess she finally caught up to us today,” Ramey added.  

The feedback was so tremendous that the Bridgeport Speedway management team has decided to not let the unique promotion fall to the wayside.  The new date for ‘Pack the House’ Night will be Saturday, June 18.  A slight change in schedule has been made in order for the event to continue on as planned.  The Spirit Auto Center Big Blocks will be given the night off that Saturday, while the Pennco Tech Outlaw Stocks have been added to the racing card.  “I think with us racing a midweek show on June 15, giving the Big Blocks off a few days later was a perfect time to reschedule this promotion.  We’ve had so many people talking about this event, so it was in our best interest to reschedule it as soon as possible.” offered track manager Danny Serrano.  The 5/8 mile will see the TSRS 305 Sprint Cars, Outlaw Stocks, Stewart Stainless Supply Crate/Sportsman, and the D.A.’s Auto Body Rookies. 

The inner 1/4 mile Spirit Auto Center Speedway will move their Friday program to the following day to be a part of “Pack the House” Night as well.  The wingless 600 micro sprints, winged 270, 4 cylinders, 8 cylinders enduros, and Slingshots will all be a part of the FREE admission evening.  The hot and heavy racing action will commence at 6pm on Saturday, June 18.

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.  For more information please log onto the official track website at www.bpspeedway.com and make sure to follow us on twitter, instagram, and facebook.  You can also call the track hotline at 856-467-4408 for more information.

What a better way to defend your title than by winning the first race to start the new season?

That’s exactly what “Jammin’ Jamie” Mills did with his last lap pass for the lead in the twenty-five lap Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modified Feature at the Bridgeport Speedway on Saturday night! It was Mills second win in a week as he also picked up the win in the final pre-season race just six days earlier.

It was a family affair as the race approached the finish as Jordan Watson, a nephew to feature winner, Mills, led from the green through the white flag. It was on the final lap that Mills took his Blue Hen No. 30 to the bottom of the track and drove along side of Watson as they raced into turn one for the final time. Mills had the advantage between turns one and two. Watson made a final charge as the leaders raced into turn three but Mills had the No. 30 stuck to the inside as he rolled out of turn four and drove to the checkered flag.

2012 Bridgeport Champion, Rick Laubach moved by Jesse Hill to take second on lap two but his race was short lived as smoke billowed from the Blinderman & Son No. 7 one lap later and the caution waved as Laubach slowed.

2013 Bridgeport Champion, Ryan Watt took over second from Hill on lap eleven and set his sights on Watson. The leader caught the back of the field one lap later. At half way, Watson led Watt, Hill, Wade Hendrickson and Mills. Watt was closing in on the leader as they threaded their way through lapped traffic.

Watt’s progress was slowed when he got caught behind two cars racing side by side for position. Hill and Mills caught Watt with Mills taking over third on lap nineteen. Two laps later, Mills raced by Watt for second and set sail on Watson who was well out in front. Mills chased down Watson in the final laps and caught the young driver by surprise on the final circuit.

“I didn’t know he was there,” Watson stated after the race. “My signals from the pits weren’t working too well,”

It was Mills 18th Bridgeport Speedway Big Block Modified win, moving him up to fourteenth on the All Time Feature Winners list, ahead of Craig VonDohren.

Eric Kormann took the leader from Scott Hitchens on a lap thirteen restart and never looked back as he drove to the win in the 20 lap Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman Feature event. Kormann moved to the outside after Steve Davis used the outside to power by both Kormann and Hitchens on a previous lap. Davis’ efforts were negated when the caution waved and the lap was not scored.

Korman became the fifth different winner in the Crate/Sportsman division so far this season. Davis finished second with Hitchens crossing the finish line in third. However, when Hitchens’ No. 65 failed a post race technical inspection, Bobby Lilick was moved up to third in his first outing of the season. Pete Visconti overcame some earlier mechanical issues to finish fourth with Jeff Bubori rounding out the top five.

Chuck Sayre picked up the win in the DA’s Auto Body Rookie feature after taking the lead from Bob Hartman on the first lap. Hartman finished second with Shannon Marshall crossing the line in third.

Kevin Nagy made his return to the Bridgeport Speedway a good one as he picked up the win in the Tri-State Race Savers twenty lap sprint car feature. Nagy, a former competitor in the Jasper Sprint Cars more than ten years ago, returned to Bridgeport and added to his earlier win total. Nagy raced his way into second with a pass by Steph Palmai on lap nine but the race leader, Christopher Allen had driven away from the field since taking the lead on lap two. When Allen experienced mechanical failure with just three laps to go, Nagy inherited the lead.

Defending TSTS Champion, Mike Haggenbottom finished second followed by Palmai, Eddie Wagner and Bryant Davis.

Racing action returns to both the Bridgeport and Spirit Auto Center Speedways next Saturday, May 7th for the first ever Pack the House night. Grandstand admission is FREE! Fans will get to see action on both the 5/8 mile and quarter mile tracks. The PennCo Tech Outlaw Stocks, Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman and DA’s Rookies will race on the 5/8th mile track. The 270 and 600 Micro Sprints and 4 & 8 Cylinder Enduro cars will race on the quarter mile. Racing gets underway at 6pm.

First Bike Night of the 2016 season is coming on Saturday, May 14th.

SPIRIT AUTO CENTER MODIFIEDS (25 laps) – 1. Jamie Mills, 2. Jordan Watson, 3. Ryan Watt, 4. Jesse Hill, 5. Wade Hendrickson, 6. Dominick Buffalino, 7. Richie Pratt, Jr., 8. Scott Ambruster, 9. Sam Martz, 10. Travis Hill, 11. Shawn Ward, 12. Jack Swain, 13. Ron Roberts, 14. Bucky Kell, 15. David Hunt, 16. Corey Andersen, 17. Mike Franz, 18. Rusty Smith, 19. Jim Britt, 20. Ricky DiEva, 21. Dave Shirk, 22. Bob Sarkisian, 23. C.J. Jones, 24. Rick Laubach

STEWART STAINLESS SUPPLY CRATE/SPORTSMAN (20 laps) – 1. Eric Kormann, 2. Steve Davis, 3. Bob Lilick, 4. Pete Visconti, 5. Jeff Bubori, 6. Kris Lilick, 7. Kevin Belmont, 8. Steve Kemery, 9. David Crossman, 10. John Micek, 11. Billy Briggs, 12. Brad Roberts, 13. Melissa Scarpati, 14. Justin Lilick, 15. Jeremy Harrington, 16. Pete Serra, 17. Chuck Sayres, 18. Dean Conk, Jr., 19. Ernie Miles, III, 20. Dave Damiano, 21. Jeramy Doerr, 22. Matt Stangle, 23. Jimmy Chester, DQ – Scott Hitchens, DNS – Shannon Marshall, Scott Hulmes.

D.A.’S AUTO BODY & REPAIR ROOKIES (8 laps) – 1. Chuck Sayres, 2. Bob Hartman, 3. Shannon Marshall, 4. Tom Terry

Tri State Race Saver 305 SPRINTS (20 laps) – 1. Kevin Nagy, 2. Mike Haggenbottom, 3. Steph Palmai, 4. Eddie Wagner, 5. Bryant Davis, 6. Bob DeVault, 7. Mark Bitner, 8. Dave Brown, 9. Kyle Purks, 10. Brendon Puff, 11. Scott Frack, 12. Chris Allen, 13. Joe Kay, 14. Logan Diehl, 15. Samantha Leiberman, 16. Karl Freyer, 17. Bobby Sandt, Jr., 18. Rick Steif, 19. Tim Tanner, Jr., 20. David Bonner, DNS – Jeff Geiges

MILLS, ROBERTS, FREES & SAYRE PICK UP WINS IN FINAL BRIDGEPORT PRE-SEASON EVENTS

Godown, Grosso & Frees Win Pre-Season Titles

     2015 Bridgeport Champion, Jamie Mills raced to his first win of the new season with a pass by Duane Howard just four laps before the checkered flag to become the fourth different winner in Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modified action this season.  Brad Roberts earned his first win since 2013 in the Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman twenty lap main event – also the fourth different winner in this division.  Ron Frees won his third race of the pre-season as he was chased to the checkered flag by TJ Henry in PennCo Tech Outlaw Stock action and Chuck Sayres earned his first win in the DA’s Auto Body Rookie competition.

It was the final race of the four event pre-season that saw three drivers in each division earn ashare of $1,000 in the special point fund offered by Oliver Construction Enterprises and Oliver Communication Group, Inc.  With four top five finishes, the Ringos Rocket, Ryan Godown picked up the $500 check in the Big Block Modifieds for earning the most points during the four race pre-season.  Mills finished second for $300 – the only driver in the top three to pick up a win during the pre-season.  Rick Laubach earned $200 for his third place finish.

     Justin Lilick made his first start of the 2016 season and led the Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman Feature for fifteen laps before Brad Roberts took the lead on lap sixteen and headed tothe checkered flag at the end of twenty laps for his first win of the season.  Lilick finished second while Steve Davis drove across the line in third.  Brandon Grosso and opening night winner, Jeremy Harrington rounded out the top five at the finish line.

STEWART STAINLESS SUPPLY CRATE/SPORTSMAN (20 laps) – 1. Brad Roberts, 2. Justin Lilick, 3. Steve Davis, 4. Brandon Grosso, 5. Jeremy Harrington, 6. Eric Kormann, 7. Ernie Miles, III, 8. Matthew Peck, 9. Scott Hitchens, 10. Dean Conk, Jr., 11. Dave Damiano, 12. Scott Hulmes, 13. Jeramy Doerr, 14. Clyde Cox, 15. Pete Serra, 16. Tom Holding, 17. Chuck Sayres, 18. Steve Kemery, 19. Kevin Belmont, 20. David Crossman, 21. Freddy Massey, 22. Matt Stangle, 23. Tyler Hulmes, DNS – Billy Briggs, Brett Ballard, Kris Lilick, DNQ – Melissa Scarpati, Pete Visconti, Shannon Marshall

PENNCO TECH OUTLAW STOCKS (15 laps) – 1. Ron Frees, 2. T.J. Henry, 3. Billy Wroble, 4. Spider Ensinger, 5. Brian Ludwig, 6. Jimmy Avery, 7. Terry Griffin, 8. Fred Tomarchio, 9. Tom Wills, Sr., 10. Scott Dugan, 11. Art Avery, 12. Joe Meron, 13. Everett Taylor, DNS – Tom Wills, Jr., Jeramy Doerr, David Kramer, Jeff Dirkes

D.A.’S AUTO BODY & REPAIR ROOKIES (8 laps) – 1. Chuck Sayres, 2. Tom Terry, 3. Bob Hartman, 4. Shannon Marshall

Upcoming events

Saturday, April 30, 2016 – start of 2016 Points – Spirit Auto Center Big Blocks, Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman, TSRS Sprints & DA’s Auto Body Rookies.  Racing at 6pm.    

Saturday, May 7, 2016 – PACK THE HOUSE NIGHT – Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks & Rookies on 5/8th mile track with 270cc & 600cc Micros, 4 & 8 Cylinder Enduros on the 1/4 mile – FREE ADMISSION – Racing at 6pm

Saturday, May14, 2016 – BIKE Night – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks & Rookies

The final Sunday show of the Bridgeport Pre-Season takes to the 5/8 mile speedway this Sunday with racing getting underway at 5pm when the Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds, Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman & DA’s Auto Body Rookies compete in their last event before the start of the 2016 points chase on Saturday night, April 30th. The Garden State Vintage cars will also be part of the final Sunday pre-season show.

The top three in the Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman and Outlaw Stocks will be awarded for their pre-season efforts, courtesy of sponsors Oliver Construction Enterprises and Oliver Communications Group, Inc. The top driver in each division will be awarded $500. The second place driver will receive $300 and the third place competitor will be awarded $200 for his efforts. Poin ts have been awarded for the first three Sunday shows – the 60 Over Doug Hoffman Memorial, the April 10th event as well as the Short Track Super Series event – and will conclude with this Sunday’s regular show. Going into the final race of the pre-season, the cash awards are still up for grabs. With the feature winner collecting sixty points and the last car in the field receiving twenty points, anything can happen with one final race to be run.

Ryan Godown leads the Big Block Modifieds after collecting a second, fourth and fifth place finish during the first three events of the season. Godown has accumulated 154 points and leads Rick Laubach by twelve points. The winner of the 60 Over/Doug Hoffman Memorial Race, Dominick Buffalino, sits in third with 138 points. 2015 Bridgeport Champion, Jamie Mills, is fourth, four points behind Buffalino with a best finish of second. First time Big Block feature winner, Brett Kressley is fifth with 122 points – just thirty-two points be
hind the leader. Ryan Watt, Jeff Strunk, David Hunt, Stewart Friesen and Jordan Watson complete the top ten in the pre-season points.

Young Brandon Grosso leads the Crate/Sportsman competitors into the final week of the pre-season. Gross has accumulated 152 points, including his win last weekend. 2015 Rookie Champion, Stephen Kemery is second, just eight points behind Grosso. Scott Hitchens is third and only ten points behind the leader while Brad Roberts is fourth with 136 points. Steve Davis and Dan Cox are locked into a tie for fifth with 132 points.

Just like the weekly competition on the race track, the pre-season points race in the Outlaw Stocks is close. With two wins, Ron Frees leads his fellow competitors with 176 points. TJ Henry is just eight points behind Frees after picking up the win last Sunday. Tom Wills, Jr. is third with 152 points while Scott Dugan and Jim Avery are tied with 148 points each.

The DA’s Auto Body Rookie class of 2016 will compete in their second event of their season. Chad Koehler picked up the win in the Rookie season opener but there are several other drivers who would like to win the their first ever feature when the Rookies take the green flag on Sunday.

That’s four divisions of racing in addition to the Garden State Vintage Club for the final Sunday show of the pre-season. Three thousand dollars will be divided among nine drivers when the points are tabulated at the end of the day.

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

Written by Cody Manmiller

BRIDGEPORT, NJ – Wade Hendrickson used a front-row starting spot to conquer the ‘South Jersey Shootout’ at Bridgeport Speedway and lead all 40 laps in the second race of the Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series (STSS) Fueled by VP Velocita South Region.

The dominating effort was Hendrickson’s first career STSS victory in a limited amount of starts, and it was worth $5,280 including lap money and bonuses.

“I guess these old guys aren’t washed up after all,” Hendrickson said in Victory Lane with his car parked bumper-to-bumper with runner-up finisher Billy Pauch Sr.

Hendrickson, of Lawrenceville, N.J., advanced in the final heat race from third to second qualifying him for the redraw.

“We weren’t that good in the heat race,” said Hendrickson. “We probably wouldn’t have qualified if we started deeper.”

As the final driver to redraw, Hendrickson was left with the only number unpicked: one.

“Usually I’m not lucky drawing,” he said. “Then it was perfect that I didn’t have to draw. It worked out well.”

“The Flying Farmer” in the Craig Pondish Racing No. 6 took the early lead at the drop of the green flag ahead of Jimmy Horton, David Hunt, Pauch and John McClelland.

As the top-five began to settle in, it was Ryan Godown and Stewart Friesen wreaking havoc on the rest of the field from the eighth and ninth-place starting positions, respectively.

By lap three Friesen had already broken into the top-five after getting around McClelland, and Godown was sixth a lap later. Pauch, the next victim, quickly fell prey to the hard-charging duo as they both went around by lap eight. Meanwhile, Hendrickson built a significant lead over Horton and Hunt.

Hendrickson neared lapped traffic on lap 13 just as Hunt made his move on the bottom past Horton with Friesen and Godown lurking just behind. The group of four then rapidly drew closer to Hendrickson.

With Hunt and Horton using the bottom lane, Friesen and Godown worked the outside. Friesen finally raced around Horton on lap 15 after a pair of laps running side by side. Godown followed one lap later, and the trio of Hunt, Friesen and Godown were almost on Hendrickson’s bumper.

“My tire was too soft,” Hendrickson said, standing next to his flat right-rear. “I had to go easy in the middle of the race to save it.”

As the field reached the halfway point, Pauch began to get in on the action, creating a five-car battle for the top spot using all lanes on the track. Pauch passed Godown for fourth on lap 22, but a caution for a slowing Jordan Watson would give Godown the spot on the restart.

“I ran the bottom the whole way,” Pauch said. “I got by Godown when the yellow came out, but I wanted the bottom, so it worked out.”

On the ensuing restart, Hendrickson led Friesen, Pauch, Hunt, Godown and Anthony Perrego, the winner of the Velocita South Region opener at Georgetown Speedway.

Pauch passed Friesen a few laps later and made his final charge for the win.

“I should have pushed him a little harder,” Pauch said. “But finishing one-two with him is a pretty good night.”

Hendrickson, and his right-rear tire, rode to the checkered flag without too much trouble. Pauch settled for second.

Friesen rounded out the podium, crossing the line in third.

“We had a great race car and race team this weekend,” Friesen said. “It was a really racy track, and we were on the top, but the bottom just got too good too quick at the end.”

The defending Halmar International North Region champion was able build off his eighth-place finish at Velocita South Region-opening Georgetown (Del.) Speedway Melvin L. Joseph Memorial.

“I’m happy with tonight, and now we move on,” the Sprakers, N.Y. driver said. “Next stop is Big Diamond (Pa.) on May 10.”

Hunt grabbed fourth, his best career STSS finish.

Godown, of Ringoes, N.J., settled for fifth, his second top-five in as many races in the seven-race Velocita South Region.

Finishing sixth through 10th, respectively, were Perrego, aboard the New York Truck Parts No. 55 small-block after losing his big-block powerplant in hot laps; defending ‘South Jersey Shootout’ winner Rick Laubach of Hellertown, Pa. from 13^th; Hard Charger Dominick Buffalino raced from 24^th; McClelland settled for a solid finish after running in the top-10 for the duration of the event; Jeff Strunk, of Boyertown, Pa., completed the top-10 in the Glenn Hyneman No. 126.

A stout field of 52 Modifieds attempted to qualify.

Colonial Pipeline/811 Dig Safe heat winners, pocketing $50 each, were David Hunt, Ryan Godown, Stewart Friesen, Jimmy Horton and Anthony Perrego. Consolation victors were Jamie Mills, Tommy Beamer and Brett Hearn.

In support-division action, Brandon Grosso of Montgomery, N.J., topped the 20-lap Sportsman main event, his second win of the weekend after scoring a Friday checkered at Big Diamond.

Brian Carber of Pipersville, Pa., utilized an outside pass with two laps remaining to win the $1,000 XCel 600 Modified top prize on the Spirit Auto Center Speedway inner quarter-mile track.

The Outlaw Stock 15-lap feature was topped in dominant fashion by T.J. Henry of Felton, Del.

The Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series Fueled By VP heads to the Coal Region of Pennsylvania Tuesday, May 10 (rain date: May 17) for the Anthracite Assault combination North and South Region event at Big Diamond Speedway. Modifieds race 50 laps for $5,000 to win, $1,000 for 10^th and $400 to take the green flag. Also in action: the inaugural STSS Open Sportsman event and XCel 600 Modifieds.

To learn more about the Short Track Super Series Fueled By VP or BD Motorsports Media LLC, visit www.shorttracksuperseries.com or www.bdmotorsportsmedia.com, call845.728.2781 during business hours, e-mail [email protected], “like” Short Track Super Series on Facebook or follow @ShortTrackSS on Twitter.

SHOOTOUT SHORTS: A 70-degree, sunny afternoon kept the Keith Hoffman-led track crew busy throughout the program using both the quarter-mile and five-eighths-mile tracks. Despite the challenges, side-by-side racing prevailed throughout the afternoon and evening….

The win for Wade Hendrickson occurred with a Ford small-block engine which had arrived during the week for the Craig Pondish team. Hendrickson had driven his own No. Z1 in the opening two events of the season at Bridgeport….

Anthony Perrego arrived in South Jersey planning to utilize his Gary Mann-owned No. 55 big-block. However, the engine expired in that mount during hot laps relegating Perrego to a small-block, which he drove to a sixth-place finish….

A late-arriving, but strong crowd took in the program, which featured more than 100 race cars in competition….

Stewart Friesen (76) and Ryan Godown (89) both earned top-five finishes after initial poor draws through the gate. Both, in fact, won their heat events Godown’s qualifying victory came after a penalty of two rows during his eight-lap qualifier….

A lengthy post-race tech inspection included a check of cubic inch for the top-three finishers of the main event. There was also a pre-race check of Tommy Meier, the most recent race winner at Orange County Fair Speedway in Middletown, N.Y….

The STSS Modified field included participants from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland and New York….

‘South Jersey Shootout’ Race Summary – Bridgeport Speedway April 17, 2016

‘South Jersey Shootout’ Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series Fueled By VP Velocita South Region Event No. 2 Modified Feature Finish (40 Laps):WADE HENDRICKSON ($5,280), Billy Pauch Sr., Stewart Friesen, David Hunt, Ryan Godown, Anthony Perrego, Rick Laubach, Dominick Buffalino, John McClelland, Jeff Strunk, Jamie Mills, Brett Kressley, Ryan Watt, Duane Howard, Richie Pratt Jr., Craig Von Dohren, Billy Pauch Jr., Danny Creeden, David Van Horn Jr., Tyler Dippel, Tommy Meier, Ron Roberts, Jordan Watson, Brett Hearn, Jimmy Horton, Tommy Beamer, Andy Bachetti.

Did Not Qualify: Bobby Varin, Ryan Krachun, Steve Davis, Doug Manmiller, Corey Andersen, Michael Sabia, Kyle Borror, Mike Franz, Jim Britt, Jack Swain, Sammy Martz, Kevin Sockriter, C.J. Jones, Ryan Forte, Brad Trice, Sammy Piazza, Anthony Moran, H.J. Bunting III, Jerry Higbie, Eric Vent, Shawn Ward, Clay Butler, Travis Hill, Michael White, Brian Krummel.

‘Lucky 7’ Lap Money Breakdown ($945 total): Wade Hendrickson ($280); Stewart Friesen ($120); Billy Pauch Sr. ($120); Ryan Godown ($120); David Hunt ($120); Johnny McClelland ($65); Jimmy Horton ($60); Anthony Perrego ($40); Rick Laubach ($20)

Allstar Performance Bonuses ($50 Certificates): Stewart Friesen (third) & Dominick Buffalino (eighths)
American Racer/Lias Tire Bonuses (FREE Tire): Jeff Strunk (10^th) & Richie Pratt Jr. (15^th)
ATL Fuel Cell Bonus ($200 Certificate): Ryan Godown (fifth)
Behrent’s Performance Warehouse Bonuses ($50 Gift Cards): David Hunt (fourth) & John McClelland (ninth)
Bob Hilbert Sportswear Bonuses ($100 Certificates): David Hunt (fourth) & Duane Howard (14^th)
Dig Safe 811/Colonial Pipeline Heat Winner Bonuses ($50 Cash): David Hunt, Ryan Godown, Stewart Friesen, Jimmy Horton & Anthony Perrego
Dirt Track Digest Hard Charger Award ($150): Dominick Buffalino (24^th to eighth)
Fast Axle Bonus ($50 Certificate): Rick Laubach (seventh)
QA1 Hard Charger Bonus ($50 Certificate): Dominick Buffalino (24^th to eighth)
Racing Optics Bonus (Tear-Off Sleeve): Billy Pauch Sr. (second)
Vahlco Racing Wheels Bonus (FREE Wheel): Ryan Godown (fifth)
VP Racing Fuels Bonuses ($50 Credit): Stewart Friesen (third), Ryan Watt (13^th) & Jordan Watson (23^rd)
Wiz Fab Halfway Leader Bonus ($150 Cash): Wade Hendrickson

The 2016 Short Track Super Series is presented by American Racer/Lias Tire, VP Racing Fuel, Bob Hilbert Sportswear, Halmar International, Allstar Performance, ATL Racing Fuel Cells, Behrent’s Performance Warehouse, Bicknell Racing Products, COMP Performance Group, Dirt Track Digest, Fast Axle, Fox Racing Shocks, Hig Fab, Henry’s Exhaust, HyperCo, Kirkey Racing Fabrication, K&N, Race Pro Weekly, Racing Optics, Teo-Pro Car, Vahlco Wheels & Velocita

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

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

Sunday, April 17 – Bridgeport Speedway/Bridgeport, NJ – South Jersey Shootout – WINNER: Wade Hendrickson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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