Bridgeport Motorsports Park

 

 

 

2017 Bridgeport Speedway Schedule

 

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

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

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

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

4/2         –              Kenny Wallace Dirt Racing Experience

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

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

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

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

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

5/13       –              OFF

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

5/20       –              OFF

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

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

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

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

6/11      –              Kenny Wallace Dirt Racing Experience

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9/9         –              Kenny Wallace Dirt Racing Experience

9/10       –              Kenny Wallace Dirt Racing Experience

9/16       –              Monster Truck Throwdown

9/17       –              Monster Truck Throwdown

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

STEWART STAINLESS CRATE/SPORTSMAN (20 laps)

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

PENN CO TECH OUTLAW STOCKS (15 laps)

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OUTLAW STOCKS

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

 

358 MODIFIEDS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

Written by – Danny Serrano

GM of Bridgeport Speeedway

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

Upcoming event 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Upcoming event 

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

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

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

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

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

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