Bridgeport Motorsports Park

SARKISIAN, BRITT & HAGGENBOTTOM COLLECT BRIDGEPORT VICTORIES

     Woolrich, NJ driver, Bob Sarkisian conquered the 5/8th mile Bridgeport Speedway on Saturday night to gain a victory in the Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modified Feature event.  Current Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman point leader, Jim Britt, picked up his third Bridgeport Speedway win of the season while Mike Haggenbottom won his first of the season in Hilborn TSRS Sprint Car action to collect an Ace in the Bethman Auto Center/Bruce’s Speed Shop/Thayer Performance Poker Series. 

     Sarkisian drove his Superior Scaffolding #47 into the lead on lap four when he executed the pass for the lead by Stan Frankenfield, Jr. off of turn two.  Frankenfield took the lead at the start and led for the first three laps and through several complete restarts.  Sarkisian drove away from the field as Howard O’Neal took over second from Frankenfield, followed by Travis Hill and Ron Roberts. 

     Current point leader, Jamie Mills, powered his Blue Hen Special into a top five spot on lap six after starting back in sixteenth on the original start.  Mills was on the move as he took over fourth from Hill on lap eight and then drove past Frankenfield for third one lap later.  Rick Laubach joined the top five with ten complete as Richie Pratt, Jr. closed in. 

     With ten to go, Laubach was up to fourth and closing in on Mills while Pratt made his way past Hill and Frankenfield  to move into the top five. 

     With Sarkisian well out in front by a straightaway, Mills began to close in on O’Neal as the race approached the five to go mark but Laubach took advantage of lapped traffic and moved past Mills to take over third with five to go. 

     O’Neal, Laubach and Mills raced for position as they raced through lapped traffic in the final laps.  Sarkisian drove to his first win of the season on the 5/8 mile track after picking up a win on the quarter mile in June.  Laubach raced to the line in second followed by Mills, O;Neal and Pratt.

     Jim Britt made it look easy as he drove his C/L Underground Drilling & Utility #118 into the lead on lap five, taking the lead from Jeremy Harrington.  Scott Hulmes led the field for lap one with Harrington holding the lead on laps two through four. 

     Britt ran away from the competition as CJ Jones made his way from the back of the field after a spin on lap seven.  An issue with his brakes caused Jones to spin and bring out the caution on lap seven.  Two laps later, Jones had charged through the field to run fourth.  Britt took the crossed flags followed by Pat Wall, Jones, Harrington and Gary Hieber, Jr.

     While Britt raced ahead in his own zip code, Jones closed in on the second place car of Wall.  Rookie driver, Steve Kemery was making the moves as he raced by Hieber to break into the top five.  With five to go, Kemery moved ahead of Harrington to run fourth. 

     Jones raced into second on lap sixteen but Jones was unable to close the gap on Britt as he took the checkered flag for his third win of the season.  Trailing behind Britt and Jones was Wall in third with Kemery finishing fourth ahead of Harrington.

     Multi-year TSRS Champion, Mike Haggenbottom returned to Bridgeport’s Victory Lane for the first time this season after taking the lead from Ryan Stillwagon on lap ten.  Several early race incidents forced TSRS officials to shorten their main event to fifteen laps but John Barnett made good use of his time.  Barnett started picking off cars before the final caution on lap seven.  Barnett had moved ahead of Jeff Geiges and then Rick Stief before the caution waved for an incident in turn one.  Barnett then moved past Eddie Wagner for third and closed in on Stillwagon for second on lap thirteen.  Haggenbottom had a sizeable lead by the time Barnett moved into second but he was able to reduce the margin before the checkered flag. 

     Haggenbottom took the win over Barnett, Stillwagon, Wagner and Bob DeVault.  

TSRS SPRINTS RETURN THIS SATURDAY FOR HAND THREE OF THE POKER SERIES; BRIDEGPORT HONORING TOWNSHIP NIGHTS AND FANS PARTICIPATING IN JEEP JAMBOREE

Bridgeport, NJ

By ERIKA WAGNER

After two rained out Saturdays within the past three weeks, the Tri-State Racesaver Series 305 sprint cars are set to make their next appearance at Bridgeport Speedway, “the fastest dirt track on the North-East”, this coming Saturday July 11th. The Sprint cars will be apart of the Speedway’s “Jeep Jamboree” themed night, sponsored by Spirit Dodge Auto Center located in Swedesboro NJ. This will also be when hand three of the Bethman Auto Center/Thayer Performance/Champion Tire/Bruce’s Speed Shop Poker Series will be dealt for the 305 Sprint Cars.

Saturday night is going to be a busy night for not only drivers, but for fans as well having plenty going on to keep them entertained through out the night. Along with the TSRS Sprint Cars, the Spirit Dodge Auto Center Big Block Modifieds and also the Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman Modifieds will be on the card for the nights events. The Modifieds will be running a 25 lap feature, and the Sprints and Crate/Sportsman Modifeds will run 20 laps around the huge 5/8ths mile super speedway.

In light of the “Jeep Jamboree”, Bridgeport is honoring any guest that arrives in a Jeep this weekend, allowing up to two people per Jeep to enter through the gates for FREE for the night. There will be trophies given out to the top five best looking Jeeps in the show, as well as an obstacle course set up in the quarter mile pit area for all guests with Jeeps to run. Spirit Dodge will also have a Jeep Wrangler that fans without vehicles can try out on the course as well. Fans bringing their Jeeps should arrive at 5:00pm in order to be able to participate in all festivities. Spirit Dodge Auto Center will be in the house with many new Jeeps on display, as well as Misfit Fab who will be displaying some of their tricked out Jeeps behind the grandstands.

Fans residing in Swedesboro, Woolwich, and Gibbstown will get FREE admission for township night on Saturday, July 11th. The track has also rolled over TWO WEEKS of rained out township nights as well, now including Woodstown, Pilesgrove, Pedricktown, Monroeville, Mannington, and Elmer NJ, also including Delaware’s Wilmington, Arden, Elsmere, Greenville, Brandywine, and Tallyville townships. Fans must present their ID and proof of residence to the front gate in order to participate.

The Bethman Auto Center/Thayer Performance/Champion Tire/Bruce’s Speed Shop Poker Series will be able to see their TSRS Sprint Car drivers have the chance to better their “playing hands” this weekend, with Hand #3 of the series taking place this Saturday. Due to the rain-out on Saturday, June 27th, the Poker Series will be decreased to 5 hands instead of the originally planned 6.

The Sprint Car Poker Series will follow all the same guidelines as the other Poker Series at Bridgeport, while including a few more prizes provided by Thayer Performance. The driver with the worst hand at the end of the series will receive a full set of front and rear Hoosier Racing Tires courtesy of Thayer Performance. Thayer Performance will continue to hand out a $100 gift certificate in TiLube Product stock to the hard charger of the night.

Stefanie Palmai of Allentown, NJ brought home an ACE card the last time the TSRS Sprints visited Bridgeport on Saturday June 6th after she won her first career sprint car victory. Palmai, who has been an “original pioneer” of the TSRS Series when the series started up back in 2010, has come close to visiting victory lane multiple times in the past 6 years, finishing second on numerous occasions and also having many top fives at the South Jersey oval. She was the second female driver ever to win a Tri-State Racesaver Series feature event, with Brittany Tresch being the first back in 2011 also at Bridgeport, and the fourth woman to be written in the history books to ever win a feature at the Logan Township Speedway behind Susan Kennedy, Mares Stelfox, and Brittany Tresch.

Tim Tanner, who finished second in last years Poker Series to Bob Devault, currently hold the highest hand with a pair of 9 cards. Tim, who remains winless this season, is looking for his first victory and goes into Saturday with high hopes of making that happen.

Eddie Wagner, the two time winner at Bridgeport this year, currently sits second in the Poker Series championship points, holding an ACE high and a 6 card. Wagner will be in attendance for Saturday’s show, along with other hot shoe drivers Jeff Geiges, 3 time 2015 feature winner Dave Brown, Adam Carberry, Rick Stief, Joe Lord, Bobby DeVault, Karl Fryer, and Jamie Kostic to name a few.

Erika Wagner, formerly Erika Palmai, will be driving her sister Stefanie’s famous number 99 on Saturday, marking Saturday the second time she has been out this season. Wagner, who formerly was a full time 305 Sprint Car competitor, who recently married Eddie Wagner this past January, lost her major sponsor over the winter, forcing her to sit on the sidelines this season. With her sister Stefanie having made prior commitments for Saturday, this gave Erika the opportunity to be behind the wheel, a place she is excited to be again.

The Bridgeport Speedway gates open at 5:00pm, with racing kicking off at 7:00. fans who arrive early enough will be able to be greeted by some of their favorite drivers before they head back to the pits to prepare for the night’s events.

As always, there is the moon bounce and giant slide for the kids. The track mascot, the Bridgeport Bandit, will be on hand and would welcome you to ride the Bandit Bus that makes frequent trips into the pit area where you can watch the drivers prepare for the night’s competition. Or you can listen to the live entertainment in the large pavilion behind the main grandstand.

The Bridgeport Speedway provides concessions for the whole family – from mouth watering meals to some awesome flavors of Italian Ice or a refreshing cup of freshly squeezed lemonade. Our novelty stand offers a full array of Bridgeport Speedway apparel and racing souvenirs as well as our own, Bridgeport Bullet – the official program of the Bridgeport Speedway.

WATT, KRESSLEY & DUGAN LIGHT UP BRIDGEPORT 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION

     Poker Series Hand #3 produced some great at the Bridgeport Speedway as the track launched the Fourth of July weekend with some Thursday night racing and spectacular fireworks display.  And even though the weatherman didn’t deliver with a great weather package for the night of the race, a lot of fans were on hand for three divisions of racing excitement. 

     2013 Bridgeport Champion, Ryan Watt took the lead from Neal Williams on lap fifteen and went on to capture his second Bridgeport Speedway feature win of the season and collect an Ace for his Poker Series hand in the process.  Although he ran well in the first two events, Watt ran into problems during the first two races, collecting a three card in the first race of the season. 

     Polesitter, Neal Williams led the first fourteen laps of the forty lap feature event as HJ Bunting, Ryan Godown and Duane Howard trailed.  Watt cracked the top five on lap five as he moved ahead of Craig VonDohren, racing his way into the top five from his tenth place start.  With five complete, Williams led Bunting, Howard, Godown and Watt. 

     Watt methodically made his way through the top five, taking over second from Bunting on lap thirteen.  Two laps later, Watt put his Roberts Racing #14w into the lead. 

     Watt put some distance on the field with Williams running second until lap twenty-four when Howard moved his Glen Hynemann owned #126 into the runner-up spot.  Howard narrowed the gap on Watt’s lead but was unable to challenge for the top spot in spite of several caution flags during the remainder of the race.

     The real contest was for the third spot that was traded between VonDohren and Piazza on several occasions. 

      With five laps to go, Williams came to life after dropping back to the fifth position.  On lap thirty-six, Williams used the outside line to take fourth from VonDohren.  A last lap pass, netted Williams a third place finish.

     Watt sailed to his twelfth Bridgeport Big Block victory with Howard finishing second.  Williams was closing fast in third as Piazza and VonDohren rounded out the top five. 

     Brett Kressley had it all go his way as he drew the pole after winning his qualifying heat for the Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman part of the show.  Kressley led the twenty-five lap main event from green to checkered to pick up his third Ace in the 2015 Poker Series competition.  CJ Jones chased Kressley from second for most of the event and then survived a last lap, finish line challenge from Jim Britt to finish in the runner-up spot.  Britt finished third followed by Gary Hieber and Brad Roberts.

     After winning his first ever Bridgeport PennCo Tech Outlaw Stock feature event during the Drive for Dylan 50 just a few weeks ago, Scott Dugan proved that he is the real deal when he picked up the win in the twenty lap Poker Series event.  Brian Ludwig finished second to Dugan, just as he did in the Drive for Dylan 50.  Rick Broschard had a strong race to finish third with Ron Frees and Jeramy Doerr completing the top five.

     Thirty-seven Modifieds, thirty-four Crate/Sportsman and nineteen Outlaw Stocks competed in the third hand of the 2015 Poker Series.

THOMAS, HENDERSHOT, REIMERT, JACKSON AND KNAPP ARE DEALT ACES IN THIRD ROUND OF QUARTER MILE POKER SERIES

The second card of the 2015 Poker Series was dealt at the Bridgeport quarter mile.  Tim Buckwalter, Jacob Hendershot, Dylan Hoch and Joe King, Jr. were dealt aces for the second round.  Joel Smith took the win in the accompanying Stage-1 Modified feature.

2014 600cc Micro Sprint champion, Luke Thomas returned to Bridgeport Speedway for only the second time this season and pulled off the win in the 25-lap wingless 600cc Micro Sprint feature.  Lee Nardelli, James Morris, Grady Johnson, Tim Buckwalter all spent time at the front of the field but Thomas found the speed to take the lead with two laps to go and went on to record his first win of 2015.  Jay Hartman running a low inside line came on to finish second followed by Buckwalter, Kyle Lick and Morris.

Jacob Hendershot has visited Bridgeport Speedway three times this season.  In all three appearances the youngster has blown the motor.  In Sunday night’ event, Hendershot drove past two of the winningest drivers at Bridgeport Speedway in the 270cc Micro Sprint division, Jay Hartman and two time defending champion Tyler Reinhardt to record his second win in the Poker Series.  Hendershot said in Victory Lane that the motor blew going down the backstretch after his took the checkered flag.  Hartman and Reinhardt finished second and third with Pat Bealer fourth and Sean Huesser fifth.

Louden Reimert started on the pole only to lose the lead on lap 15 to Andrew Kreis.  Reimert find another line to his liking and retook the lead one lap later.  Reimert then held of Kreis over the remaining laps to record his first win at Bridgeport Speedway.

Art Knapp grabbed the lead on the opening lap and went to on to record his second ServPro Four Cylinder win of the year.  Chris Sammons and Laura John chased Knapp across the finish line.

Jackson Ring took over the wheel of Joel Smith’s #555 after his machine broke and went onto win his first career feature.  Mark Martini and Dylan Martin followed Ring across the finish line.

SUMMARY

WINGLESS 600cc MICRO SPRINTS (25 LAPS)

1. Luke Thomas, 2. Jay Hartman, 3. Tim Buckwalter, 4. Kyle Lick, 5. James Morris, 6. Grady Johnson, 7. Lee Nardelli, 8. Chad Sandt, 9. Bill Thomas, 10. Austin Bishop, 11. Tyler DeVault, 12. Tony Dimatia, 13. Heath Henley, 14. Ernie Miles, III, 15. Rob Vivona, 16. Jason Swavely, 17. Johnny Smith, 18. Mark Landwher, 19. Sam LaMothe, 20. Jim Tippin, 21. Ernie Miles, Jr., 22. Jeff Hartman, 23. Josh Conover, 24. Patrick Ely, 25. Joel Smith, 26. Steve Kemery DNQ – Tony Hodgson, Joshua Medley, Ed Barber, III, Josh Martin, Nick Havens, Rebecca LaMothe, Mike Filbrunn, Gary Bozowski, Sam Locuson

270cc MICRO SPRINTS (25 LAPS)

1. Jacob Hendershot, 2. Jay Hartman, 3. Tyler Reinhardt, 4. Pat Bealer, 5. Sean Huesser, 6. Roland Saxton, 7. Colin Bustard, 7. Colin Bustard, 8. Andrew Locuson, 9. John Blanda, 10. Dave Nelson, 11. Ryan Wozunk, 12. Billy Gray, 13. Joe Bednarik, 14. Jonathan John, 15. Scott Hulmes, 16. Kyle Spence, 17. Brandon Pavel, 18. Tom Landwher, 19. Sam LaMothe

SLINGSHOTS (20 LAPS)

1. Louden Reimert, 2. Andrew Kreis, 3. Travis Beiber, 4. Dylan Swinehart, 5. Richard Partite, 6. Steve Svanda, 7. Dylan Hoch, 8. Dave Galloway, 9. Jordan Knepp, 10. B.J. Antonio, 11. Mike Toth, 12. Brett Bieber, 13. Austin Stofflet, 14. Lou Partite, 15. A.J. Wright, 16. Dave Schenker, 17. Dave McCullough, 18. Dillon Stever, 19. Anthony Raisner, 20. Kurt Bettler, 21. Jason Schenker, 22. Natasha Kenn, 23. Dave Morrell

SERVPRO FOUR CYLINDER ENDUROS (20 LAPS)

1. Art Knapp, 2. Chris Sammons, 3. Laura John, 4. Keith McKinley, 5. Scott Miller

STAGE-1 MODIFIEDS (20 LAPS)

1. Jackson Ring, 2. Mark Martini, 3. Dylan Martin, 4. John Comandini, DNS – Joel Smith

PLENTY OF FOURTH OF JULY EXCITEMENT AT THE BRIDGEPORT SPEEDWAY

The Bridgeport Speedway has plenty of action planned for the Fourth of July holiday on both the 5/8 mile speedway as well as the quarter mile track.

On Thursday night, July 2nd, Insinger Performance will sponsor the third hand of the Poker Series on the 5/8 mile track as the Spirit Auto Center Big Block Modifieds, the Stewart Stainless Supply Crate/Sportsman and PennCo Tech Outlaw Stocks take to the track to compete in a full line-up qualifying races and feature events.  There will also be an outstanding display of fireworks to get everyone’s holiday weekend off to a good start.

And Insinger will also be sponsoring the Fans in the Stands night!  Some lucky race fan will win a free trip for two – including airfare, hotel and $300 in spending money – to the final NASCAR race of the season in Homestead, FL.  Sunoco will provide these two lucky people with prime seats and pit tours during the three days of racing.  The winner will be selected from the night’s 50/50 ticket sales.

Insinger will also offer special activities throughout the night that will allow fans to win t-shirts, hats, mug holders and fuel cards.

With two hands of the 2015 Poker Series on the books, several drivers have already started to put together some impressive Poker hands.

Two drivers are each holding a pair in the Big Block Modifieds.  Ryan Anderson has a pair of Jacks after two fourth place finishes.  Jesse Hill has a pair of deuces and let’s not forget that Rusty Smith was the Poker Series Champion just two years ago when he came up with three deuces at the end of the season.  2014 Poker Series Champ, Rick Laubach, is holding an Ace and a King that could lead to a pair or a straight depending on the outcome of the next hand.  Laubach and Ryan Godown have one win a piece in Poker Series action this year.

Brett Kressley is sitting with a pair of Aces after picking up the wins in each of the two feature events for the Crate/Sportsman Division.  Pat Wall and Jim Britt each have a King so far plus a seven for Wall and a four for Britt.

So far last year’s Poker Series Champion in the Outlaw Stocks, Ron Frees, is leading the way with a pair of Kings but both Tom Wills, Sr. and Jeramy Doerr hold an Ace after they each picked up a Poker Series feature win.

Thursday night action gets underway at 7:30 pm.

The Poker Series on the quarter mile track has a lot of players sitting at the table and contemplating their cards.  James Morris, the winner of the last 600 Micro Poker Series race, is holding and Ace and a King.  several drivers are holding two cards but no one has been able to put together a pair.  Tim Buckwalter was the winner of the second hand but did not collect a card during the first event.

Jay Hartman and Jacob Hendershot each hold an Ace and a King after the first two hands in the 270cc Micros.  Sam LaMothe has a Queen and a deuce for his efforts.

The Slingshots have been dominated by Dylans – Dylan Swinehart and Dylan Hoch – who have been race winners.  Swinehart holds an Ace and  a six but Kurt Bettler has two face cards – a King and a Jack.  Several other drivers hold two cards to date but no one has made a pair to date.

Joe King, Jr. holds two Aces in the 4 Cylinder Enduros and Joel Smith has a pair of Aces in the Stage 1 Modifieds.

There are still a lot of options open with the remaining Poker Series events.

And the Poker Series is not just for the racers!  Fans are invited to make their driver selections and participate in the Fan Hand.  Debbie Becker drew a Full House during the last Poker Series event and had the best hand at the end of the night.  Bud Schweibrinz, Dale Leubner and Donald Mossman each came up with two pair – Aces and Kings.  The top three winning hands receive prizes from the Bridgeport Speedway.

So come on out and cheer for your favorite driver and don’t forget to make your choices for the Fan Hand!  You could be a winner too!

Upcoming Events

Thursday, July 2, 2015 – High Stakes at the Port – sponsored by Insinger Performance – 3rd Hand of the Poker Series for Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks (Rain date Sunday, July 5th – if needed) – PLUS FIREWORKS!  Racing at 7:30pm

Friday, July 3, 2015 – No Racing

Saturday, July 4, 2015 – No Racing

Sunday, July 5, 2015 – Poker Series Hand #   on the Bridgeport Speedway quarter mile – 270 & 600 Micro sprints, Slingshots, Stage 1 Modifieds and 4 Cylinder Enduros – Racing at 5:30pm

Wet Weekend at Bridgeport Results in  Change of Schedule for Next Weekend

Bridgeport, NJ – After eleven consecutive racing weekends, ‘Mother Nature’ finally got her way.  With rain all week long and an dismal forecast for both Saturday and Sunday’s racing program, Bridgeport Speedway felt it was in the best interest of the drivers and fans to pull the plug for the entire weekend.  Unfortunately a BIG weekend was planned that has now been shuffled the Bridgeport schedule.

Saturday marked the second ‘Bike Night’ of the season where a dozen bicycles were going to be given away to 12 young fans.  All motorcycle riders would have been free that rode in on their bikes.  June 20 would have seen all the residents of of Woodstown, Pilesgrove, Pedricktown, Monroeville, Mannington, and Elmer NJ receive FREE admission to the grandstands.  WithSaturday’s washout ‘Bike Night’ and ‘Township Night’ will carry over to next Saturday!  The bicycles will be given away as well as the motorcycle riders receiving free admission on this comingSaturday, June 27.  Joining the list of FREE townships will be Delaware’s Wilmington, Arden, Elsmere, Greenville, Brandywine, and Tallyville.  All residents from these towns will also receive FREE admission on Saturday, June 27.

The Hillborn TSRS 305 Sprints were to make their return joining the Spirit Auto Center Big Blocks, and Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman.  The Big Blocks and Crate/Sportsman will return next week, however the TSRS Sprints will return in three weeks on July 11.  Replacing the winged warriors will be the Pennco Tech Outlaw Stocks.  Also on the racing card will be Rookie Graduation for the D.A.’s Auto Body 2015 Rookie Class.  Rounding out the program will be the Mechanics Races on the 1/4 mile that were postponed from several weeks ago.

Sunday would have been the third hand of the 2015 1/4 mile Poker Series for the 600 and 270 Micro Sprints, as well as the Slingshots and 4 cylinders with the Stage-1 Modifieds rounding out the racing program.  This coming Friday’s show on June 26 will now be a ‘Wild Card’ Poker hand on Sunday, June 28.  The 600, 270s, and Servpro Four-cylinders will run a bonus hand for the 2015 Poker Series.  The slingshots will remain on the card with a non-point/non-poker hand.  The 8 Cylinder Enduros and STARS Mod Lites that were originally on Friday’s schedule will be added to Sunday’s show joining the Stage-1 Modifieds.

4th of July Weekend is just around the corner so mark your calendars for big events at the Bridgeport Speedway.  Kick off your holiday weekend on Thursday, July 2 with Hand #3 of the 5/8 mile 2015 Poker Series.  A huge FIREWORKS display will take place on this evening jump-starting everyone for the festive holiday weekend.  Jesse ‘The Thrill’ Hill leads the Poker Standings in the Spirit Auto Center Big Blocks with a pair of ‘Dueces’ over Rick Laubach (A & K) and Ryan Godown with an Ace.  The Big Blocks will compete in a 40-lap event paying $4,000 to win, $500 for 10th and $300 to take the green.  Brett Kressley leads the way in the Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman hands with a pair of Aces.  The Crate/Sportsman will battle in a 25-lap affair paying a cool $1,000 to win on Thursday.  The Pennco Tech Outlaw Stocks will round out the racing divisions on Thursday with a 20-lap $500 to win event as 2013 track champion Ron Frees leads the way with a pair of Kings.

Then on Sunday, July 5 Hand #4 of the 1/4 mile Poker Series takes place for the 600 micros, 270 micros, Slingshots, ServPro 4 cylinders, and Stage-1 Mods.  Be sure to mark your calendars for Wednesday, July 15 as the first ever ‘Three-For-All” takes place at Bridgeport.  Three of the Northeast’s top divisions will all be seen on one night here at Bridgeport Speedway.  The Super Late Models, 360 Sprints, and 358 Small Block Modifieds will all invade the 5/8 mile for a mid-week spectacular that you won’t soon forget.  For more information please log on to www.bpspeedway.com or check us out on facebook and twitter.  You can also call the speedway hotline and leave a message 856-467-4408.

BIKE NIGHT & POKER SERIES #3 ON THE 1/4 MILE HIGHLIGHT BRIDGEPORT WEEKEND

     Mother Nature interrupted the racing program on May 16th before several lucky youngsters could be selected to receive bicycles as part of the Bridgeport Speedway’s first Bike Night of the season.  As a result, Bike Night #2 will see twice as many bikes delivered to new owners this Saturdaynight at the Bridgeport Speedway!

     And anyone who rides a motorcycle to the track on Saturday night will be admitted free to see all of the action on the 5/8 mile track as the Hilborn Tri State Race Saver Sprint Cars join the Spirit Dodge Big Block Modifieds, the Stewart Stainless Crate/Sportsman and D.A.’s Auto Body & Repair Rookies!

     The racing action has been intense this season at the Bridgeport Speedway with Wade Hendrickson and Eric Kormann picking up their first wins of the season this past weekend.  Young Steve Kemery not only picked up his sixth win in the Rookie division but went on to win his first ever Crate/Sportsman feature event later in the evening as he was chased to the checkered flag by Pat Wall and Jim Britt.  Stefani Palmai picked up her first ever win in a Spring Car when TSRS last visited Bridgeport as Palmai wrote her own page in the Bridgeport Speedway history. 

     After sitting idle on Friday night, the action switches to the quarter mile track on Sunday for the running of the third hand of the Poker Series for the small cars.

     270 & 600 Micros, Slingshots, Stage 1 Modifieds and 4 Cylinder Enduros will all see action on the Bridgeport quarter mile with racing getting underway at 5:30pm on Sunday. 

     Tim Buckwalter won the battle with James Morris for the win in the wingless 600 feature during the second hand of the Poker Series while Jacob Hendershot was the winner in the 270 Micro feature.  After Dylan Swinehart won his first ever Bridgeport race during the first hand of the Poker Series, Dylan Hock picked up the Slingshot win in hand number two.  Joel Smith was the most recent winner in the Stage 1 Modifieds while Joe King, Jr. was the big winner in the 4 Cylinder action. 

     The Bridgeport Speedway is a family oriented facility.  In addition to some great eats – from Italian Ice to Steak Sandwiches – the Speedway provides activities for the whole family.  There’s a Bounce House and Slide for the kids in addition to musical entertainment starting when the main gate opens.  The Speedway mascot, the Bridgeport Bandit is on hand throughout the night’s activities and extends an invitation to all to ride his Bandit Bus for a look at the behind the scenes action as they ride through the pit area or even around the 5/8 mile speedway.  The Bridgeport Bullet, the official program of the Bridgeport Speedway, provides you with all of the latest news and information about the competitors as well as driver rosters to keep you involved in the night’s racing action. 

Upcoming Events

Friday, June 19, 2015 – No Racing

Saturday, June 20, 2015 – Bike Night – Big Block Modifieds, TSRS Sprint Cars, Crate/Sportsman & Rookies – Racing at 7pm

Sunday, June 21, 2015 – Poker Series Hand #3 on quarter mile – 270 & 600cc Micros, Slingshots, Stage 1 Modifieds and 4 Cylinder Enduros, racing at 5:30

Friday, June 26, 2015 – 270 & 600 Micros, 4 & 8 Cylinder Enduros and STARS Mod Lites on the quarter mile – racing at 8pm

Saturday, June 27, 2015 – Graduation Night for the Rookies and Mechanics Race, Big Block Modifeds, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks – racing at 7pm

SARKISIAN SCORES OPEN MOD WIN;

NARDELLI, KELLER AND KNAPP RECORD SUPPORT WINS

Bob Sarkisian recorded his first win of the season in the third round of the 811 Dig Safely Open-Comp Modified series.  Lee Nardelli won his second feature in a row while Rich Keller returned to Victory Lane.  Art Knapp won the ServPro Four Cylinder event for the first time this season.

Bob Sarkisian making his first start in the 811 Dig Safely Open-Comp Modified series scored the win.  Ron

Roberts led the opening lap and then spun in turn three after being sandwiched between Jimmy Horton and Lou Cicconi challenging him for the lead.  Roberts collected co-point leader, Bobby Drayton along with Brett Ballard and Joe and Jesse Dill.  Drayton, Ballard and Jesse Dill were done for the night.  Roberts headed to the pits and was able to make repairs and return to action.  On the restart, Cicconi and Sarkisian drove past Horton for the lead and second.  Horton then slid back to fifth as Brad Roberts and Richie Pratt, Jr. passed him for third and fourth on lap five.  Horton passed Brad Roberts for fourth with Johnny Cornell take fifth on lap 14.  A caution on lap 15 bunched the field.  Sarkisian grabbed the lead from Cicconi entering the first turn and one lap later Cicconi and Pratt tangled while battling for second.  Two more laps were completed with Sarkisian leading before the events final caution slowed the action when Brad Roberts collected Corey Andersen in the third turn.  While under yellow a medical emergency occurred in the grandstands.  The event was under red flag conditions and eventually declared complete.

Lee Nardelli recorded his fourth win of the season in dramatic fashion.  Nardelli started sixth on the initial start and with a wide move down the homestretch was the leader by the time the field entered the first turn.  Nardelli continued to lead event with Rob Vivona staying within striking distance.  A caution with three laps remaining gave Vivona a chance for the win.  On the restart, Vivona timed the restart perfectly and with an outside move grabbed the lead from Nardelli.  Vivona left the door open as he went wide down the backstretch.  And Nardelli seized the opportunity.  Nardelli was scored the leader the final two laps.  Vivona recorded another second place finished followed by Jon Keller, Bill Thomas and Tony Hodgson.

Rich Keller credited a poor performance from the previous week for the win this week.  Keller jumped out to the lead at the drop of the green flag and held off all challenger to capture his second win of the season.  Steve Coslop finished second followed by Tyler Reinhardt, Colin Bustard and Ryan Wozunk.

Art Knapp returned to racing on Friday night after missing the last event for the Four Cylinder Enduros.  Knapp passed early leaders Carly Rocap and then Michael Bentley to record his first win of the season.  Knapp pulled away from Bentley followed by Rocap.  In Victory Lane, Knapp dedicated the win to a long-time friend, Ev Pierce of Southern New York Racing Association.

On behalf of the Bridgeport Speedway management and racing family we extend our condolences to the family and friends of John Cornell who passed away while attending the Friday night event watching his son compete in the Open-Comp Modifieds.

SUMMARY

811 DIG SAFELY OPEN-COMP MODIFIEDS (25 LAPS)

1. Bob Sarkisian, 2. Jimmy Horton, 3. Johnny Cornell, 4. Ron Roberts, 5. Richie Pratt, Jr., 6. Lou Cicconi, 7. Corey Andersen, 8. Brad Roberts, 9. Patrick Gold, 10. Frank Holmes, 11. Joe Dill, 12. Ricky Wenger, 13 Brett Ballard, 14. Jesse Dill, 15. Bobby Drayton

WINGLESS 600cc MICRO SPRINTS (20 LAPS)

1. Lee Nardelli, 2. Rob Vivona, 3. Jon Keller, 4. Bill Thomas, 5. Tony Hodgson, 6. Sam LaMothe, 7. Ed Barber, III, 8. Mike Fillbrunn, 9. Gary Forsythe, 10. Ernie Miles, Jr., 11. Ernie Miles, III, 12. Nick Havens, 13. Jim Tippin, 14. Jermain Godshall

270cc MICRO SPRINTS (20 LAPS)

1. Rich Keller, 2. Steve Coslop, 3. Tyler Reinhardt, 4. Colin Bustard, 5. Ryan Wozunk, 6. Gary Waegel, 7. Jonathan John, 8. John Blanda, 9. Sean Huesser, 10. Lee Reinhardt

SERVPRO FOUR CYLINDER ENDUROS (20 LAPS)

1. Art Knapp, 2. Michael Bentley, 3. Carly Rocap, 4. Keith McKinley, 5. Chris Sammons, 6. Scott Miller, 7. Laura John

Upcoming Events

Friday, June 19, 2015 – No racing

Saturday, June 20, 2015 – BIKE NIGHT – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, TSRS 305 Sprints and Rookies, racing at 7pm

Sunday, June 21, 2015 – POKER SERIES #3 – 270cc & wingless 600cc Micro Sprints, Four-Cylinder Enduros, Slingshots & Stage-1 Modifieds, racing at 5:30pm

Friday, June 26, 2015 – 270cc & wingless 600cc Micro Sprints, Four & Eight Cylinder Enduros and STARS Mod Lites, racing at 8pm

Saturday, June 27, 2015 – GRADUATION NIGHT – Big Block Modifieds, Crate/Sportsman, Outlaw Stocks and Rookie Graduation

HENDRICKSON, KORMANN, DUGAN & KEMERY ARE BIG WINNERS

Drive for Dylan 50 Won by Scott Dugan

There were several new faces in Bridgeport’s Victory Lane at the end of the night of racing and several of them arrived there after competing in “borrowed” equipment.

The rained out Spirit Dodge Big Block Modified feature event from May 16th was the first on the schedule.  Wade Hendrickson, behind the wheel of the Mike Iles owned #711, wheeled his loaned mount into the lead at the start of the twenty-five lap feature event and led all twenty-five laps to capture his first win of the season.  Hendrickson’s last Bridgeport win came last July when the “Flying Farmer” picked up his 54th Bridgeport win behind the wheel of the C&S Equipment #6.  When engine problems sidelined Hendrickson’s C&S mount, Hendrickson picked up the ride in the #711 and the driver and crew went to Victory Lane.   Jamie Mills wheeled his Blue Hen ride to a second place finish with last week’s winner, Sam Martz finishing third.  David Hunt and Ryan Watt rounded out the top five.

Eric Kormann picked up a ride in the Bob Sarkisian owned #47, powered by a small block modified.  After chasing race leader, Mike Franz for twenty-two laps, Kormann was able to take advantage when Franz battled a very tight race car in the closing laps.  As the leaders came to the line to complete lap twenty-two, Korman held the advantage over Franz and drove to his first win of the season.  Tommy Beamer drove the Thorton Gulf #31 small block to a second place finish ahead of Richie Pratt, Jr., Ryan Watt and Mike Franz.

It was a big night for the PennCo Tech Outlaw Stock Division as the Drive for Dylan 50 saw the Outlaw Stocks race for a fifty lap distance – more than three times the normal length of their weekly feature events.  The race was organized to honor Dylan Doerr, the son of Bridgeport Outlaw competitor, Jeramy Doerr and Shanan Lea who lost his life in a heart wrenching accident last November at the all too young age of 16 months old.  Dylan loved the races.

Gift bags were prepared for all of the young racing fans who were on hand for Saturday night’s event – as well as face painting and many kid oriented prizes throughout the night.

When the fifty lap event was halted at half way for a fuel stop, Jeramy Doerr had raced his way into the lead over Brian Ludwig, Pat Conaway, Billy Wroble and Bill Connolly.  While the cars were being prepared for the second half of the race, the top ten at half way drew for their starting positions for the second half of the race.

After several tire changes, Scott Dugan had worked his way back up to sixth at the break and drew the second spot on the redraw while Doerr and Ludwig drew tenth and ninth respectively.

Dugan wasted no time in taking the lead on the restart and led every one of the final twenty-five laps to capture the win and the $2500 pay day plus lap money.  Ludwig raced his way back to finish second followed by Wroble, Tom Wills, Jr. and Joe Meron at the checkered.  Jeramy Doerr and Pat Conaway made contact coming to the checkered while running third and fourth.

After picking up his sixth win of the season in the D.A.’s Auto Body & Repair Rookie competition, Steven Kemery indicated how much he would like to be back in Victory Lane following the twenty lap Crate/Sportsman feature event.  And that’s exactly what he did as he raced ahead of Pat Wall, Jim Britt, Scott Hulmes and Chris Jenkins at the checkered flag.

Kemery picked up the win in the eight lap Rookie feature event over Tom Holding, JR Burritt and Bryan Olsen.

NOTE – Last week, in the results for the TSRS Sprint cars, it was inadvertently omitted that Brittany Tresch had been a previous TSRS winner at Bridgeport.  Tresch was the first woman to ever win a TSRS event but at the time that the article was written, it was not known that her win came at the Bridgeport Speedway.  Our apologies to Brittany for the omission.

SPIRIT DODGE BIG BLOCK MODIFIEDS (25 LAPS – MAY 16TH FEATURE)

1. Wade Hendrickson, 2. Jamie Mills, 3. Sam Martz, 4. David Hunt, 5. Ryan Watt, 6. Jack Swain, 7. Rick Laubach 8. Scott Ambruster, 9. Ian Humphreys, 10. Dave Shirk, 11. Howard O’Neal, 12. Scott Irwin, 13. Tommy Beamer, 14. Dominick Buffalino, 15. Richie Pratt, Jr., 16. Jesse Hill, 17. Ronnie Roberts, 18. Stan Frankenfield, 19. Mike Franz, 20. Eric Kormann, 21. Matt Jester, 22. Bob Sarkisian, 23. Dennis Drain, 24. Ricky DiEva

SPIRIT DODGE BIG BLOCK MODIFIEDS (25 LAPS)

1. Eric Kormann (in second Sarkisian #47), 2. Tommy Beamer, 3. Richie Pratt, Jr., 4. Ryan Watt, 5. Mike Franz, 6. Dominick Buffalino, 7. David Hunt, 8. Jimmy Horton, 9. Wade Hendrickson, 10. Jack Swain, 11. Rick Laubach (in Irwin #92), 12. Scott Ambruster, 13. Jamie Mills, 14. Travis Hill, 15. Sam Martz (in second Mills #30), 16. Dave Shirk, 17. Ronnie Roberts, 18. Ricky DiEva, 19. Jesse Hill, 20. Bob Sarkisian, 21. Ian Humphreys, 22. Dennis Drain

DRIVE FOR DYLAN 50 FOR OUTLAW STOCKS (50 LAPS)

1. Scott Dugan, 2. Brian Ludwig, 3. Billy Wroble, 4. Tom Wills, Jr., 5. Joe Meron, 6. Billy Connolly, 7. Pat Conaway, 8. Art Avery, 9. Rick Broschard, 10. Jeramy Doerr, 11. Ken Moren, 12. Jeff Dirkes, 13. Mike Creamer, 14. Terry Griffen, 15. Bill Liedtka, 16. Jason Saredy, 17. Bill Lesmerises, 18. Tom Wills, Sr. 19. Darren Cox, 20. Jimmy Avery, 21. Everett Taylor, 22. AJ Gonal, 23. Cleve Riehl, 24. TJ Henry

D.A.’s AUTO BODY & REPAIR ROOKIE FEATURE (8 LAPS)

1. Steve Kemery, 2. Tom Holding, 3. JR Burritt, 4. Bryan Olsen

STEWART STAINLESS CRATE/SPORTSMAN FEATURE (20 LAPS)

1. Steve Kemery, 2. Pat Wall, 3. Jim Britt, 4. Scott Hulmes, 5. Chris Jenkins, 6. Matthew Peck, 7. CJ Jones, 8. David Crossman, 9. Justin Lilick, 10. Dave Damiano, 11. Jeremy Harrington, 12. Brian Lilick, 13. Pete Visconti, 14. Jeff Bubori, 15. Chuck Potts, 16. Tom Holding, 17. JR Burritt, 18. Pete Serra, 19. Melissa Scarpatti, 20. Jeff Sargent

Upcoming Events

Friday, June 19, 2015 – No Racing

Saturday, June 20, 2015 – Bike Night – Big Block Modifieds, TSRS Sprint Cars, Crate/Sportsman & Rookies – Racing at 7pm

Sunday, June 21, 2015 – Poker Series Hand #3 on quarter mile – 270 & 600cc Micros, Slingshots, Stage 1 Modifieds and 4 Cylinder Enduros, racing at 5:30

Friday, June 26, 2015 – 270 & 600 Micros, 4 & 8 Cylinder Enduros and STARS Mod Lites on the quarter mile – racing at 8pm

Saturday, June 27, 2015 – Graduation Night for the Rookies, Big Block Modifeds, Crate/Sportsman & Outlaw Stocks – racing at 7pm