‼️ RACE FANS DREAM, TWIN 50 LAPS FEATURE EVENTS AS PART OF THE HUGE DANNY SERRNO WEEKEND. SATURDAY DANNY SERRANO 50, $5000 TO WIN & SUNDAY Short Track Super Series DOUG HOFFMAN MEMORIAL $6000 TO WIN. BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY OUT FOR A GREAT NIGHT OF RACING & FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT. Please Like & Share this post ‼️
Bridgeport, NJ – A beautiful sunny day provided Monster Truck Fans a wonderful day at the Speedway. For the first time ever the team from Monster Truck Wars brought their show to Bridgeport Motorsports Park with high profile trucks such as “World Champion” Bounty Hunter, along with Scarlet Bandit & Shark Bite. The event began with a pit party for all the Monster Truck Fans to meet the drivers and get pictures up close with the trucks. 2 Ride Trucks gave fans young and old alike the opportunity to feel what it’s like to be in a Monster Truck.
Once the Pit Party was completed everyone gathered in the large grandstands for the high-flying event that was about to take place. These Monster Trucks did not disappoint. They ripped and roared around the racecourse for the racing competition portion of the event. Then came freestyle. Monster Truck Wars put on an incredible show as the trucks soared through the air and balanced meticulously during their ground acts. The crowd was ecstatic, and the atmosphere was electrifying.
Back to racing this weekend September 22 – 24 with the Danny Serrano Weekend feature twin 50 lap events for the Modifieds, big Sportsman events, plus Sprint Cars winged and wingless. For further details check out their Facebook page or online at https://bridgeportmotorsportspark.com/
Thank you to everyone that makes the Kingdom of Speed Possible…..
The 2023 Bridgeport Motorsports Park Modified Champion is Jordan Watson and the Danny Sommerling’s No. 51 team. And it’s Bridgeport’s 51st season! And Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz has been the division sponsor of the Modifieds this season!
While that all may just be coincidence, the Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz No. 51 team put in the work, the hours, the dedication that is needed to be a championship team. “I’m proud of what we did with the team this year,” car owner Danny Sommerling stated. “Jordan (Watson) has been the key in unlocking this team’s potential of winning!” After seven years of trying, Sommerling was beginning to wonder if the sport had outgrown him.
For driver, Jordan Watson, a Bridgeport Championship has always been a dream. Watson has made Bridgeport history on several occasions. Ten years ago, Watson won the first Bill Hill Memorial Race – a race that Jesse and Travis Hill, family and friends, put together to honor their late father. A few seasons later, Watson won Bridgeport’s 1000th race. “Winning a Bridgeport Championship has always been a childhood dream of mine,” Watson explained. “I was a young kid, sitting in the grandstands, watching past champions like Doug Hoffman, Jimmy Horton and Duane Howard and always envisioned my name eventually being added to that list.” Watson continued. “After a successful Crate campaign at Bridgeport, we achieved our first Big Block win on a historical night – the 1000th Big Block race. I was able to celebrate with a childhood hero, Kenny Brightbill, who won the first ever Big Block race.”
At the end of the 2022 season, Watson was approached by Sommerling and crew chief, Bill Clark. They didn’t know Watson and Watson didn’t know them. They made Watson an offer and “none of us were confident about the trajectory it would take,” Watson adds. They had a trial run at the end of the season and it was enough to give all parties hope for the future.
Watson brought some of his people to be added to Sommerling’s crew and the building began. “Throughout the season, we continued to show speed and most importantly, consistency,” Watson explained. “I am so proud of my whole team,” Sommerling continues. “This could never have been done without any of them and the sponsors that have supported me for the past seven years.” “We definitely have made racing in my shop great again.” Watson agreed “I think I can speak for all of us – racing became fun again!”
“Thank you to Doug Rose and staff for continually working to improve his operation,” Watson adds. “I look forward to much more success with this team who has earned the title of champion!”
Travis Hill and Robert Cogdill raced to the 2023 Precision Hydraulic & Oil 602 Sportsman championship by the slimmest of margins of second place, Ethan Bill. In recent weeks, pictures have been circulating on social media of a very young Ethan Bill flanked by Travis and Jesse Hill. Of course, they didn’t know then that they would one day be racing against Bill for the title.
Both Hill and Cogdill are previous champions. It’s been ten years since Cogdill celebrated the title with his son, Mike behind the wheel. “I am extremely happy that we could do this for a second time,” Cogdill stated. “We worked hard all last winter and all of this year to have a good race car to be able to have a shot at the championship. I have to thank DiTeodoro Farms, Halters Farm Market and BHR Contracting – without these great sponsors, this would not be possible.”
Hill listened intently to what Doug Rose had to say at last week’s drivers’ meeting when he warned that this could in fact be the final race – should weather interfere with the races on the next weekend. And it did. “Knowing that last week could be the last, I knew I had one thing to do and we did it. Hill repassed Bill on the final lap to score the points needed to put himself and the No. 98 on top of the points.
” I want to thank everyone that has come out to support us and Bridgeport Speedway this season,” Hill added.
Tom Wills, Jr. raced to his fifth championship in the Bridgeport Motorsports Park Street Stocks. He surpassed his most feature wins during the 2023 season when he won seven times. His most wins in a season had been six in one of his previous titles.
The Wills No. 856 is a family owned and operated team. Tom Wills, Sr. is also a past champion in this division and it was Wills, Sr. who made sure that his son learned the necessary lessons to running a race car.
Wills, Jr.’s early races were run at New Egypt where he learned to drive. His father brought him to Bridgeport (on the 5/8th mile track) where he said he would “learn to race.” “I didn’t know anything in the beginning,” Wills, Jr. explained. “I learned how to fix things that I didn’t even know what they were called in the beginning.” It may have not been the fast track but it was the right way to learn.
Whenever the No. 856 goes to the Champion Brands Victory Lane, you will find his mother, sisters and niece in addition to Tom Sr. and the crew. Sponsorship from Reeds Contracting, Holeshot Tin Works, Wills Girls Baking, Edwards Excavation, Tabernacle Sod Farm, Robey’s Lawnmower Repair, Friendship Auto Parts, RS Customs, Medford Speed and Machine and RD Marano Race Engines.
Hard work and dedication are needed to win championships along with a good driver and crew and the parts needed to keep a car up and running. A little bit of luck goes a long way too!
We congratulate our 2023 Champions – Jordan Watson, Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz Modifieds, Travis Hill – Precision Hydraulic & Oil 602 Sportsman and Tom Wills, Jr. – the Bridgeport Motorsports Park Street Stocks.
The titles have been won but there’s still plenty of racing left on the 2023 calendar. The Danny Serrano Weekend is coming up on Friday, September 22nd – Sunday, September 24th.
Bridgeport, NJ – HJ Bunting and his Eugene Mills owned Blue Hen Racing No. 30 opened the 2023 season with a feature win in the Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz Modifieds at the Bridgeport Motorsports Park.
On Saturday night, Mills returned to the Champion Brands Victory Lane to collect his second win of the season and become just the fourth driver to earn more than one win so far this season. It was Weaknecht Archery Night at the Bridgeport Motorsports Park.
Brian Papiez raced to his third win in a row in the Precision Hydraulic & Oil 602 Sportsman. Tom Wills, Jr. clinched his fourth Izzy Trucking & Rigging Street Stock Championship along with his seventh win of the season in a very convincing fashion. Brian Spencer raced to his second Church’s Auto Parts North East Wingless Sprint (NEWS) win on the High Banks and captured the season championship as well. In Tipico Four Cylinder competition, Tim Jones raced to his second win of the season as well as the Four Cylinder title at the Bridgeport Motorsports Park.
Mike Franz grabbed the lead at the start of the thirty lap Modified main event but there was a quick caution on lap two when Rick Laubach and Sammy Martz, Jr. got together in turn two. Both drivers restarted from the rear. Franz raced to the outside of W. B. James to take the lead on the restart with Sean Metz running in second. The heavy hitters were on the way as point leader, Jordan Watson, worked the bottom of the track and a hard charging Matt Stangle raced the outside to make their way into the top five. Franz led Metz, Bunting, Stangle, James and Jordan Watson through lap five.
Bunting took over second on lap six with Stangle moving up to third. One lap later, Bunting raced to the inside of Franz in turn three and came away with the lead with Stangle advancing to second. On a lap nine restart, Stangle went to the bottom while Jordan Watson ran the outside to take over second. Bunting led Jordan Watson, Stangle , Billy Osmun III and Neal Williams through lap ten.
Osmun took over second on a lap thirteen restart but Ryan Krachun became the new runner-up one lap later.
Bunting led Krachun, Osmun, Stangle and Duane Howard at halfway with Jordan Watson and Williams racing just outside the top five.
Jordan Watson moved back into the top five by lap twenty and the running order remained Bunting, Krachun, Osmun, Stangle and Watson with five laps to go.
Krachun’s race came to an end with a driveline issue with two laps to go.
Bunting raced to the win followed by Osmun, Stangle, Watson and Howard. Williams finished sixth followed by Cale Ross, Sam Martz, Sr., Rick Laubach and Sean Metz.”
“This is my kind of track,” Bunting exclaimed. “Give me a cushion and watch!”
F & L Doors heat races were won by Franz, W.B. James and Sammy Martz, Jr. who again ran into difficulties during the feature event.
Robert Tete led the first ten laps of the Precision Hydraulic & Oil 602 Sportsman feature while Brian Papiez raced his way to the front from his fourteenth place start. Tete led lap ten over David Jenkins, Papiez, Matt Peck and Ethan Bill but it was Papiez who was out in front one lap later.
Several cars got out of shape on the backstretch at halfway. Ethan Young got caught up in the melee and flipped. No one was injured but Young’s race was over for the night.
With Papiez out in front, the race was behind the leader as Hill, Peckl and Bill raced for position. With just two laps to go, Bill used a slide job to overtake Hill but Hill returned the favor one lap later to regain the position.
Papiez raced to his third win in a row over Hill, Bill, Peck and Wayne Weaver. Stephen Yankowski, Luke Bunting, Howie Finch, Billy Chester and Kris Lilick completed the top ten at the checkered.
After a tough start to the season, the No. 37 team has beefed up their attention to detail and have the results to show for it!
Hoffman Discount Part heat races were won by David Jenkins, Billy Chester and Matt Peck.
Tom Wills, Jr. was one step closer to the 2023 Street Stock Championship with this seventh win of the season.
Jeramy Doerr was the race leader for the first two laps until Wills, Jr. came through on lap three to take the lead by racing to the inside of Doerr on the backstretch.
Wills was able to pull away from any potential challengers. Doerr finished second with Duncan Molesworth finishing third over Spider Ensinger and Nick Sandone.
The DTM Powersports heat race was won by Terry Chaney after a three wide race to the checkered flag.
Brian Spencer raced to his second NEWS win of the season on the High Banks and earned the Bridgeport championship for the North East Wingless Sprints.
Eric Jennings looked like he was on the way to his fourth win but lapped traffic closed up the field and Spencer took the lead for lap ten. Shea Wills also found his way by Jennings to finish second followed by Thomas Radavoy and Stan Ploski III.
The victory also gave Spencer the 2023 NEWS Championship at Bridgeport.
The Liberty Kenworth heat race was won by Shea Wills.
Tim Jones dominated the Tipico Sportbook 4 Cylinder feature event on his way to his first Bridgeport Championship. Joe Garey, Sr. finished second followed by Lee Allen, John Parker and defending 4 Cylinder Champion, Ed Ford.
The Victory Fuel heat race was won by Lee Allen.
DANNY’S PIZZA PIZZAZZ MODIFIEDS FEATURE (30 LAPS)
H.J. Bunting, 2. Billy Osmun, III, 3. Matt Stangle, 4. Jordan Watson, 5. Duane Howard, 6. Neal Williams, 7. Cale Ross, 8. Sam Martz, Sr., 9. Rick Laubach, 10. Sean Metz, 11. Joseph Watson, 12. W.B. James, 13. Mike Franz, 14. Ron Roberts, 15. Ryan Krachun, 16. Bruce Gsell, 17. Stan Frankenfield, 18. Ryan Riddle, 19. Blaine Bracelin, 20. Sammy Martz, Jr., 21. Anthony Tramontana, 22. Frank Cozze, DNS – Jim Gallagher, Jr.
Brian Papiez, 2. Travis Hill, 3. Ethan Bill, 4. Matt Peck, 5. Wayne Weaver, 6. Stephen Yankowski, 7. Luke Bunting, 8. Billy Chester, 9. Howie Finch, 10. Kris Lilick, 11. Jax Yohn, 12. Thomas Prychka, 13. Brian Rogers, 14. Justin Newhard, 15. David Hartman, 16. David Jenkins, 17. Shane Kassekert, 18. Robert Tete, 19. Pete Serra, 20. Ethan Young, 21. Dirk Rimrott, 22. Scott Hulmes
IZZY TRUCKING & RIGGING STREET STOCKS FEATURE (15 LAPS)
Tom Wills, Jr., 2. Jeramy Doerr, 3. Duncan Molesworth, 4. Spider Ensinger, Sr., 5. Nick Sandone, III, 6. Kevin Heckman, 7. Scott Freed, 8. Ken Moren, 9. Drew Brocklebank, DQ – Terry Chaney, DNS – Jeff Dirkes, Mike Hughes
CHURCH’S AUTO PARTS NORTHEAST WINGLESS SPRINTS FEATURE (20 LAPS)
Brian Spencer, 2. Shea Wills, 3. Eric Jennings, 4. Thomas Radavoy, 5. Stan Ploski, III, 6. Tim Hamnen, 7. Walt Fletcher, 8. Joe Byer, 9. Eric Miller, DNS – Lee Nardelli
TIPICO SPORTSBOOK FOUR CYLINDERS FEATURE (12 LAPS)
Tim Jones, 2. Joe Garey, Sr., 3. Lee Allen, 4. John Parker, 5. Ed Ford, 6. Eric Degler, DNS – Bobby Johnson
Thank you to everyone that makes the Kingdom of Speed Possible…..
Bridgeport, NJ – Duane Howard and the Butch Getz Big Creek Concrete No. 15g raced to the second win of the year at the Bridgeport Motorsports Park on Design for Vision Night. Howard beat Rick Laubach to the finish line by inches as the two drivers drag raced to the checkered flag.
Bob DeVault picked up his second win of the season in the DCB Plumbing & Heating Mid Atlantic Sprint Series (MASS), becoming the first to repeat on the High Banks this season. For Brian Papiez, it was win number five in the Precision Hydraulic & Oil 602 Sportsman competition while Tom Wills, Jr. raced to his sixth win in the Prime Design Landscaping Street Stocks.
W.B. James and Howard led the field of Modifieds to the start of their thirty lap feature event with James jumping out front to take the lead. James led the first lap but Howard worked the bottom of the track to take the lead on lap two. The race for the win would be anything but easy for the past track champion. The caution waved no less than six times for single car incidents, keeping the field tight and erasing Howard’s lead every time.
Point leader, Jordan Watson, overtook James for second before lap ten could be scored. Matt Stangle raced his way into third from his fourteenth place start. Unfortunately for Stangle, he was the reason for a lap twelve caution when mechanical ills struck the Ace Materials No. 6. Howard led Jordan Watson, Rick Laubach, Cale Ross and Jim Gallagher at halfway.
Every restart produced another battle for the lead as Watson challenged Howard. There was plenty of side-by-side racing and slide jobs as Watson raced hard for the lead. Laubach and Ross battled for third. Jojo Watson raced into the top five with about ten laps to go.
Jordan Watson was racing hard and looking for a way to take the lead. A lap twenty-five restart was called back when Watson had the advantage. A big slide job with less than five laps to go saw Watson drop from second to fifth. Needless to say, both situations were viewed differently by the parties involved.
Laubach became the challenger in the final laps, racing Howard for the lead. Laubach challenged several times. It was the Getz No. 15g and the Hermann No. 7, side-by-side and headed to the checkered. It was close but the win was Howard’s. Laubach finished a very close second followed by Ross, Jojo Watson and Jordan Watson. James finished finished sixth followed by Sam Martz, Sr., Neal Williams, Jim Gallagher and Mike Franz.
F&L Door heat races were won by James and Howard.
Bob DeVault has had a long history with the Bridgeport Speedway as just one of those drivers who has competed in micro sprints on the quarter mile and then sprint cars on the five eighths and now the High Banks. His first win on the High Banks came during the Ron Faison Memorial Race and the driver has been hot ever since.
The draw for the TW Metals feature put Eddie Wagner and Tim Iulg side-by-side on the front row. These two drivers traded the lead back and forth during the first few laps of the feature event. They were still battling for position following the red flag when Dale Eggert took a ride in turn four. Eggert was not injured but the No. 32 sustained significant damage.
DeVault moved into second on lap seven and then challenged Iulg for the lead on the next lap. DeVault was the race leader on lap nine over Kevin Nagy, Iulg, Dave Grube and Larry McVay.
The leaders raced into lapped traffic on lap fourteen. Nagy was able to take the lead as he picked the faster lane through the traffic. Nagy led the way through lap seventeen when DeVault was able to use the traffic to his advantage and regain the lead.
DeVault raced to the win over Nagy, Dave Grube, Tim Iulg and Buddy Schweibinz. Schweibinz is the MASS point leader at this time but Iulg continues to lead the Bridgeport points. Schweibinz raced into fifth on the final lap, putting Larry McVay in sixth with Cory Cornell, Eddie Wagner, Jeff Paulson and DJ Tanner completing the top ten.
DeVault gave the credit for the win to his hard-working crew members. “The car was so good tonight it made up for the driver,” DeVault stated. “The track was in great shape tonight. We had very little tire wear.”
Melton Industries heat races were won by Julg and Schweibinz.
Second generation driver, Luke Bunting, led the Precision Hydraulic & Oil 602 Sportsman feature for the first six laps as Brian Papiez made his way through the top five. The caution waved with six complete when Eric Matson slid up the track, collecting the No. 39 of Matt Peck. Bunting led the way on lap seven but it was Papiez who was out in front on lap eight.
Ethan Bill and Travis Hill raced into second and third on a lap ten restart. The battle for the point lead was right there as Bill and Hill chased Papiez for the remaining laps.
Papiez and the Adams Motorsports No. 37 were the team to beat. In spite of several restarts, Papiez was able to pull away from the field when the green flag waved. It was win number five for Papiez over Bill, Hill, Bunting and Howie Finch . Stephen Yankowski finished sixth followed by Thomas Prychka, Jax Yohn, Pete Serra and Ashley Metz.
Hoffman Discount Parts heat races were won by Bill, Ethan Young and Bunting.
Nick Sandone jumped into the early lead in the Prime Design Landscaping Street Stock feature but Tom Wills, Jr. was out in front to complete lap one. Drew Brocklebank moved into second with Sandone, Mike Hughes and TJ Henry making up the top five with five laps scored.
Brocklebank had Hughes and Henry battling on his back bumper until both drivers pulled off the track before five to go.
Wills raced to his sixth win of the season, putting him back on top in the feature win column. Brocklebank had another strong run to finish second over Jeramy Doerr, Nick Sandone and Terry Chaney.
DTM Powersports heat race was won by Wills.
DANNY’S PIZZA PIZZAZZ MODIFIEDS FEATURE (30 LAPS)
1. Duane Howard, 2. Rick Laubach, 3. Cale Ross, 4. Joseph Watson, 5. Jordan Watson, 6. W.B. James, 7. Sam Martz, Sr., 8. Neal Williams, 9. Jim Gallagher, 10. Mike Franz, 11. Stan Frankenfield, 12. Blaine Bracelin, 13. H.J. Bunting, 14. J.R. Fulper, 15. Sammy Martz, Jr., 16. Matt Stangle, DNS – Sean Metz
DCB PLUMBING & HEATING MID-ATLANTIC SPRINT SERIES FEATURE (25 LAPS)
1. Bobby DeVault, 2. Kevin Nagy, 3. Dave Grube, 4. Tim Iulg, 5. Buddy Schweibinz, 6. Larry McVay, 7. Cory Cornell, 8. Eddie Wagner, 9. Jeff Paulson, 10. D.J. Tanner, Jr., 11. Rick Stief, 12. Kenny Laureno, 13. Danny Buccafusca, 14. Darren Cox, 15. Dirk Rimrott, 16. Shelby Kelly, 17. Dan Leaper, 18. Jared Kreider, 19. Dale Eggert
PRECISION HYDRAULIC & OIL 602 SPORTSMAN (25 LAPS)
1. Brian Papiez, 2. Ethan Bill, 3. Travis Hill, 4. Luke Bunting, 5. Howie Finch, 6. Stephen Yankowski, 7. Thomas Prychka, 8. Jax Yohn, 9. Pete Serra, 10. Ashley Metz, 11. Scott Hulmes, 12. David Hartman, 13. Shane Kassekert, 14. Mike Baldwin, 15. Justin Newhard, 16. Brian Rogers, 17. David Jenkins, 18. Ethan Young, 19. David Miloczar, 20. Billy Chester, 21. Robert Tete, 22. Erik Mattson, 23. Dave Mc Elroy, 24. Matt Peck, 25. Wayne Weaver, DNS – Howard Huepful
PRIME DESIGN LANDSCAPING STREET STOCKS (15 LAPS)
1. Tom Wills, Jr., 2. Drew Brocklebank, 3. Jeramy Doerr, 4. Nick Sandone, III, 5. Terry Chaney, 6. Kevin Heckman, 7. Wes Camp, 8. T.J. Henry, 9. Mike Hughes, 10. Duncan Molesworth
Bridgeport, NJ – After picking up his first win at the Bridgeport Motorsports Park just two weeks earlier, Neal Williams drove the Sal DeBruno owned No. 0 to victory in the Danny’s Pizza Pizzazzf Modified feature for his second win in just three races. This time, Williams was chased to the finish by current point leader, Jordan Watson in the Danny Sommerling owned No. 51.
Brian Papiez raced his Adams Motorsports No. 37 to the win in the Precision Hydraulic & Oil 602 Sportsman. Mike Hughes made it win No. 5 in the Prime Design Street Stocks while Eric Jennings became a three-time winner in the North East Wingless Sprints sponsored by Tipico Sportsbook.
With just three races remaining on the schedule to determine the 2023 Track Champions, things are heating up in all divisions.
Duane Howard led the first six laps of the thirty lap Modified feature event. After several attempts to complete lap number 7, Sammy Martz, Jr. came away with the lead on the lap seven restart. Martz, Jr. led the way for just two laps before mechanical woes sidelined the third generation racer. Howard led the way on lap nine but Williams raced Howard for the lead on a lap ten restart. Williams raced ahead of Jordan Watson on lap ten while Ryan Krachun and Howard raced for third.
Watson kept Williams in his sights as the field reached the halfway mark. Howard raced in third followed by Krachun and Matt Stangle.
With ten laps to go, the leaders were racing in traffic. Billy Osmun III slowed when mechanical issues sidelined him from the race. Osmun had been racing just outside of the top five.
Several cautions kept the field close in the final laps. Watson had several opportunities to challenge Williams on the restart but Williams had some good restarts. Williams raced to the win over Jordan Watson. Stangle and the Ace Materials No. 6 were rolling the bottom of the track to finish third. Krachun finished fourth with Howard in fifth. HJ Bunting was the sixth place finisher followed by Rick Laubach, Jojo Watson who recovered from an early race incident, Sam Martz, Sr. and Jim Britt.
It was quite a week for Williams. Not only did he win his second race of the season but he and wife, Sara announced that they are expecting their first child.
F& L Doors heat races were won by Howard, Osmun and Jordan Watson.
Brian Papiez took the lead in the 25 lap 602 Sportsman feature on lap four and never looked back. There was plenty of action behind the leader first with Thomas Prychka and Jax Yohn battling for second. Matt Peck and Travis Hill broke into the top five before the crossed flags, picking their way through positions as the laps counted down.
With Papiez and Yohn out in front, Peck took over third with about five laps to go. Travis Hill followed with Prychka completing the top five at the checkered. Ethan Bill finished sixth, allowing Hill to take the point lead by the slimmest of margins. Pete Serra finished seventh followed by Rick Wegner, Jr., David Jenkins and Stephen Yankowski.
Hoffman Discount Parts heat races were won by Ethan Bill, Jax Yohn and Pete Serra.
Jeramy Doerr ended his winless streak by leading the Prime Design Street Stock feature from flag to flag. The finish was on of the best ever as both Mike Hughes and TJ Henry raced Doerr to the finish. It was three cars under a blanket all the way to the checkered. Drew Brocklebank and Tom Wills, Jr. completed the top five at the checkered.
After coming close on so many occasions, Doerr was finally able to pick up the win.
Doerr was also the winner of the DTM Powersports heat race.
Eric Jennings became a three-time winner in the North East Wingless Sprints. Jennings raced from his third place start into the lead by the completion of lap number one. Jennings never looked back. Brian Spencer raced in second and did close the gap on Jennings several times but never got close enough to challenge the leader.
Jennings took the win over Spencer, Stan Ploski III, Ricky Rutt and Eric Miller.
Jennings also collected the win in the Victory Fuels heat race.
DANNY’SPIZZA PIZZAZZ MODIFIEDS FEATURE (30 LAPS):
1. Neal Williams, 2. Jordan Watson, 3. Matt Stangle, 4. Ryan Krachun, 5. Duane Howard, 6. H.J. Bunting, 7. Rick Laubach, 8. Joseph Watson, 9. Sam Martz, Sr., 10. Jim Britt, 11. Stan Frankenfield, Jr., 12. Jim Gallagher, Jr., 13. Blaine Bracelin, 14. Cale Ross, 15. Billy Osmun, III, 16. Sean Metz, 17. Frank Cozze,18. Mike Franz, 19. Sammy Martz, Jr., 20. W.B. James, DNS – J.R. Fulper
1. Brian Papiez, 2. Jax Yohn, 3. Matt Peck, 4. Travis Hill, 5. Thomas Prychka, 6. Ethan Bill, 7. Pete Serra, 8. Rich Wegner, Jr., 9. David Jenkins, 10. Stephen Yankowski, 11. Shane Kassekert, 12. Justin Newhard, 13. Brian Rogers, 14. Mike Baldwin, 15. Scott Hulmes, 16. Anthony Sisco, 17. Robert Tete, 18. Erik Mattson, 19. Billy Chester, DNS – Luke Bunting, Greg Nailor
PRIME DESIGN LANDSCAPING STREET STOCKS (15 LAPS):
1. Jeramy Doerr, 2. Mike Hughes, 3. T.J. Henry, 4. Drew Brocklebank, 5. Tom Wills, Jr., 6. Nick Sandone, III, 7. Kevin Heckman, 8. Terry Chaney.
Bridgeport, NJ – Jojo Watson raced to his second win of the season in the Auto Gallery No. 21w on Saturday night on Hessert Chevrolet night at the Bridgeport Motorsports Park. Watson won the first race of the season for the Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz Modifieds and has weathered and some and down results before returning to Champion Brands Victory Lane.
Travis Hill raced to his third win of the 2023 season in the Cogdill No. 98 in the Precision Hydraulic & Oil 602 Sportsman while Mike Hughes picked up his fifth win in the Prime Design Lansdscaping Street Stock feature.
Watson became just the second repeat winner in the Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz Modifieds. Watson joins Cale Ross with a pair of victories.
The combined efforts of Mother Nature and the Bridgeport track crew produced a great racing surface that was to Watson’s liking.
Billy Osmun III raced Mike Franz for the lead on the opening lap, racing ahead off of turn two. Watson raced up to second on lap two with Sam Martz, Sr. taking over third one lap later.
W.B. James ran into difficulties with four complete, bringing out the caution for the first time. The restart put Osmun and Watson side-by-side for the restart and that’s the way they stayed until Watson pulled ahead off of turn two. It was Watson, Osmun, HJ Bunting, Sammy Martz, Jr. and Martz, Sr through lap five.
JR Fulper raced into the top five on lap six until current point leader, Jordan Watson took the spot on lap nine.
Jojo Watson pulled away from the field as he set a blistering pace. Osmun, Bunting and Martz, Jr. raced nose-to-tail while Martz, Sr. held down fifth with Jordan Watson and Ryan Krachun battling just behind the top five.
The Watson-Krachun battle continued until the final laps. Krachun took over sixth on lap twenty-two but Watson reclaimed the position in the final laps.
Jojo Watson raced to the win over a very persistent and consistent third generation Osmun. Osmun has led many laps and raced among the top three in many races this season but is still looking for that first win. Bunting finished third followed by the Sammy, Jr. and Sam Martz, Sr. to complete the top five. Jordan Watson finished sixth followed by Krachun, Neal Williams, Rick Laubach and Jim Britt.
F & L Doors heats were won by Osmun and Bunting.
David Hartman had the No. 53 on the pole for the start of the Precision Hydraulic & Oil 602 feature event. Hartman led the first three laps while there was three and four wide racing behind the leader. Hill, Jax Yohn, Matt Peck and Sammy Martz, Jr. made it four wide while racing in the top five. Hill took over second on lap four before multiple cars tangled in turn one.
The lap four restart saw Hill use the outside line to take the lead. Hartman raced in second until mid-race when Brian Papiez, Ethan Bill and Peck raced ahead. Doing double duty on Saturday night, Martz, Jr. raced into the top five late in the race.
Hill had plenty of lapped traffic ahead as the laps counted down, allowing Papiez to close in on the leader with about three laps to go. Hill got up on the wheel when Papiez caught the leader and put a few car lengths between first and second as they raced to the checkered. It was Hill for the win over Papiez, Bill, Martz, Jr. and Peck. Stephen Yankowski finished sixth followed by Yohn, Luke Bunting, Hartman and Brian Rogers.
The Hoffman Discount Part heat races were won by Hill, Papiez and Bill.
Tom Wills, Jr. won his fifth Street Stock feature of the season one week ago and Mike Hughes equaled that mark with his win on Saturday night.
Jeramy Doerr led the way on the start but Lee Allen raced three wide with Doerr and Hughes to lead the first lap. Allen led the way for five laps before Hughes raced out in front. Hughes found the track to his liking as he first used the inside to advance his position and then went to the outside later in the race.
Doerr had his hands full with Wills, Jr. pressuring for the runner-up spot.
Hughes took the win over Doerr, Wills, Jr., Drew Brocklebank and Allen. Spider Ensinger, Jr. finished sixth followed by Spider, Sr., Nick Sandone, Chris Allen, Sr. and Terry Chaney.
The DTM Powersports heat races were won by Doerr and Wills.
The Modifieds, 602 Sportsman and Street Stocks are joined by the North East Wingless Sprints and Vintage Cars for next Saturday’s event.
DANNY’S PIZZA PIZZAZZ MODIFIEDS FEATURE (30 LAPS)
Joseph Watson, 2. Billy Osmun, III, 3. H.J. Bunting, 4. Samm Martz, Jr., 5. Sam Martz, Sr., 6. Jordan Watson, 7. Ryan Krachun, 8. Neal Williams, 9. Rick Laubach, 10. Jim Britt, 11. Blaine Bracelin, 12. Brett Kelly, 13. J.R. Fulper, 14. Stan Frankenfield, Jr., 15. Mike Franz, 16. W.B. James, DNS – Duane Howard
PRECISION HYDRAULIC & OIL 602 SPORTSMAN (25 LAPS)
Travis Hill, 2. Brian Papiez, 3. Ethan Bill, 4. Brian Papiez, 5. Sammy Martz, Jr., 6. Stephen Yankowski, 7. Jax Yohn, 8. Luke Bunting, 9. David Hartman, 10. Brian Rogers, 11. Thomas Prychka, 12. Billy Chester, 13. Scott Hulmes, 14. Mike Loney, 15. Mike Baldwin, 16. Robert Tete, 17. Shane Kassekert, 18. Justin Newhard, 19. Wayne Weaver, 20. Anthony Sisco, 21. David Jenkins, 22. Bryan Brobst, 23. James Hill, 24. Erik Mattson, 25. Pete Serra, 26. Ethan Young
PRIME DESIGN LANDSCAPING STREET STOCKS (15 LAPS)
Mike Hughes, 2. Jeramy Doerr, 3. Tom Wills, Jr., 4. Drew Brocklebank, 5. Lee Allen, 6. Spider Ensinger, Jr., 7. Spider Ensinger, Sr., 8. Nick Sandone, III, 9. Chris Allen, Sr. 10. Terry Chaney, 11. Wes Camp, 12. Jeff Dirkes
📢 SCHEDULE UPDATE: We will be running our regular 3 divisions this Saturday Night. MODIFIEDS, SPORTSMAN & STREET STOCKS. We have removed the Midgets from the schedule. ‼️ THIS SATURDAY NIGHT, HARD CORE FOOT TO THE FLOOR ACTION WITH THE GROUND POUNDING MODIFIEDS AT BRIDGEPORT MOTORSPORTS PARK. Please Like & Share this post ‼️ 🗓 Saturday August 12 🌟 MODIFIEDS – Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz Bridgeton 🌟 SPORTSMAN – Precision Hydraulic and Oil 🌟 STREET STOCKS 🏎 4:00 Pits 🎟 5:00 Grandstands 🚦 6:15 Cars on track
Bridgeport, NJ – Neal Williams raced to the win in the thirty lap Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz Modified feature at the Bridgeport Motorsports Park on Saturday to a large crowd on Amwell Auto Body Night. Andy Best became the fifth different winner in the DCP Mid Atlantic Sprint Series action sponsored by Hessert Chevrolet on the High Banks as he raced to the win over Jeff Paulson. Ethan Bill joined Travis Hill and Brian Papiez as a multiple feature winners as he collected his second Precision Hydraulic & Oil 602 Sportsman feature win. Tom Wills, Jr. was back on top as he raced to his fifth feature win of the season in the Prime Design Landscaping Street Stocks.
The win was Williams’ first in Saturday night competition on the 4/10th track and it didn’t come easy. “My dad and Jim King spent the last two weeks rebuilding this car after the wreck,” Williams stated. Don Thornton joined the Sal DeBruno owned team this season after Thornton’s driver, Tommy Beamer, announced his retirement from racing at the end of last season. On Saturday night, Thornton celebrated the win with Williams and the No. 0 team. “This is Don’s motor that Morgantini did the rebuilt for us,” Williams continued. “This is only the second race on this motor. Without all of them (everybody on the crew), we’re dead in the water.”
The race saw JR Fulper take the lead on the opening lap as Billy Osmun III took over second. Fulper led Osmun, Mike Franz, Sam Martz and Williams through the first five laps.
Fulper started to pull away from the field as his laps as the race leader grew. Osmun made contact with the wall just before halfway and losing several positions.
Fulper led the field through the halfway mark followed by Franz, Martz, Williams and Osmun.
A caution with seventeen laps completed, erased Fulper’s advantage and regrouped the field for a double file restart. Franz challenged for the lead and became the race leader as the field left turn two on lap eighteen as Williams moved up to second.
Franz led for ten laps as Williams closed the gap. With just three laps to go, Williams slid by Franz to take the lead. It was Williams who took the checkered over Franz, Osmun, Martz and Matt Stangle who made his way from deep in the pack to a top five finish. Ryan Krachun finished sixth followed by Fulper, Jojo Watson, Frank Cozze and Cale Ross.
F&L Door Modified heats were won by Sam Martz, Williams and Mike Franz.
Jeff Paulson drew the pole but it was Andy Best who led every lap of the twenty-five-lap feature event for the DCB’s Plumbing Mid Atlantic Sprint Series presented by Hessert Chevrolet. Best led every lap to capture his first win of the season.
Paulson raced in second with Larry McVay, Kevin Nagy and Buddy Schweibinz completing the top five for the first eight laps. Schweibinz got a little wide between turns one and two on lap eight and Bob DeVault took over fifth.
Best took the win followed by Paulson, McVay, Nagy and DeVault. Nagy and DeVault are both previous winners. Schweibinz finished sixth followed by Tim Iulg who was the race’s Bruce’s Auto Body Hard Charger, going from sixteenth to seventh. DJ Tanner, Mark Bitner and Dale Eggert completed the top ten rundown.
The Izzy Trucking and Rigging heat races were won by Phil Meisner, Best and DJ Tanner with Rick Stief picking up the win in the B Main.
Ethan Bill raced to his second feature win of the season after taking the lead from Matt Peck on lap eighteen.
Polesitter, Robert Tete led the way through the first six laps as Matt Peck raced into second. On a lap seven restart, Peck went to the outside and Bill to the inside of Tete with Peck taking the lead.
Bill began to close in on Peck as the race neared the halfway point. With ten laps to go, Peck had the back of the field ahead of him and Bill behind him as he navigated his way around the High Banks. After battling for the lead for several laps, Bill took the lead on lap eighteen with Peck keeping the pressure on the leader.
Bill raced to the checkered over Peck, Wayne Weaver, Travis Hill and Jax Yohn. Stephen Yankowski finished sixth followed by Tete, Scott Hulmes, Bob Lineman, Jr. and David Jenkins.
Hoffman Discount Parts heat races were won by Robert Tete, Scott Hulmes and Ethan Bill with Brian Rogers winning the consolation.
The 602 Sportsman Division had warm wishes for two of its own. Chuck Sayres, of the No. 39 driven by Matt Peck, is recovering from surgery this past week. Peck did all he could to win Saturday night’s race for him. Saturday night’s race was last race of the season for Dan Hulmes who heads off to serve his country this week. All the best to them both!
After sweeping the first four feature events of the 2023 season, Tom Wills, Jr. has collected top five finishes in the next five races. On Saturday night, Wills returned to his winning ways.
Polesitter, Nick Sandone led the first three laps with Wills taking the lead on lap four. Wills started to pull away from the field as Sandone and Drew Brocklebank raced for second. Brocklebank moved into second on lap eight.
The final five laps were riddled with yellow flags, keeping the field close.
Wills drove to his fifth win of the season over Brocklebank, Spider Ensinger, Jr., Jeramy Doerr and Mike Hughes. After several setbacks throughout the night, Hughes battled back for a top five finish.
Wills was also the winner of the DTM Powersports heat race.
DANNY’S PIZZA PIZZAZZ MODIFIEDS FEATURE (30 LAPS)
Neal Williams, 2. Mike Franz, 3. Billy Osmun, III, 4. Sam Martz, Sr., 5. Matt Stangle, 6. Ryan Krachun, 7. J.R. Fulper, 8. Joseph Watson, 9. Frank Cozze, 10. Cale Ross, 11. Jordan Watson, 12. Rick Laubach, 13. Stan Frankenfield, Jr., 14. H.J. Bunting, 15. Jim Gallagher, Jr., 16. W.B. James, 17. David Hunt, 18. Blaine Bracelin, 19. D.J. Hunt, 20. Sammy Martz, Jr., 21. Duane Howard, 22. Sean Metz
DCB’S PLUMBING MID-ATLANTIC SPRINT SERIES FEATURE (25 LAPS) presented by Hessert Chevrolet
Andy Best, 2. Jeff Paulson, 3. Larry McVay, 4. Kevin Nagy, 5. Bobby DeVault, 6. Buddy Schweibinz, 7. Tim Iulg, 8. D.J. Tanner, Jr., 9. Mark Bitner, 10. Dale Eggert, 11. Eddie Wagner, 12. Phil Meisner. 13. Rick Stief, 14. Christian Rumsey, 15. Kenny Laureno, 16. Jared Kreider, 17. Cory Cornell, 18. Darren Cox, 19. Justin Nowlen, 20. Dirk Rimrott, 21. Tim Tanner, 22. Dan Leaper, 23. Keith Anderson, 24. Danny Buccafusca, DNQ – Shelby Kelly, R.J. Panella, David Luther, Jon Brennfleck
PRECISION HYDRAULIC & OIL 602 SPORTSMAN (25 LAPS)
Ethan Bill, 2. Matt Peck, 3. Wayne Weaver, 4. Travis Hill, 5. Jax Yohn, 6. Stephen Yankowski, 7. Robert Tete, 8. Scott Hulmes, 9. Bob Lineman, Jr., 10. David Jenkins, 11. Justin Newhard, 12. Billy Chester, 13. Pete Serra, 14. Luke Bunting, 15. Shane Kassekert, 16. Mike Loney. 17. Aaron Conover, 18. Brian Rogers, 19. Dave Damiano, 20. David Hartman, 21. Dave McElroy, 22. Brian Papiez, 23. Dan Hulmes, 24. Eric Mattson, 25. Thomas Pyrchka, DNS – Howie Finch
PRIME DESIGN LANDSCAPING STREET STOCKS (15 LAPS)
1. Tom Wills, Jr., 2. Drew Brocklebank, 3. Spider Ensinger, Jr., 4. Jeramy Doerr, 5. Mike Hughes, 6. Kevin Hockman, 7. Christian Ensinger, 8. Nick Sandone, III, 9. Lee Allen, 10. Terry Chaney, 11. Doug Ensinger
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 22, 2023) – Rising star Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) claimed a cathartic victory in the Drag Specialties Bridgeport Half-Mile as Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, made an unforgettable debut at Bridgeport Speedway in Swedesboro, New Jersey.
Daniels’ triumph came by a scant 0.095 seconds over his Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle title rival, Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Rogers Racing/SDI Racing FTR750), with JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750), and Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) all in contention for a win.
The victory couldn’t have been better timed for the Estenson Racing ace, as he simultaneously halted Mees’ momentum and reclaimed the title lead, if only by two points (280-278). The outcome was arguably even more important for his psyche after he’d wound up second in a series of prior head-to-head matchups with the legendary rider.
Mees, who controlled the middle portion of the race after getting past early leader Beach, was unable to drop the pack the way he did last time out. That’s in part due to the fact that Beach, Daniels, and Fisher – all desperate to prevent that escape from transpiring – continued to attempt to slide underneath Mees. Those attempts would occasionally see a rider other than Mees sneak into first momentarily but never in a way that the lead change stuck.
That is until Daniels worked out a high line that allowed him to roll through the corners and power down the straights. That line eventually allowed him to storm past Mees and immediately open a small advantage.
But the cagey Mees adapted and closed back in for one last strike. That came in the race’s final corner, where the champ attempted a slide up on the leader’s flank, but Daniels kept it pinned and held Mees at bay by just fractions of a second at the line.
The win was Daniels’ first-ever Half-Mile triumph in the premier class, moving him to within a TT win of the Grand Slam. It also saw him up his season-long podium streak to 13 in the process.
“It’s been one heckuva year,” a jubilant Daniels said. “These Half-Miles are kind of the kryptonite for the Yamaha and for me on a twin. I remember on the 450, I won like six Half-Miles in a row in 2020, but when I got on a twin, it was kind of difficult.
“Jared has just been kicking our butt. He won every Mile and almost all the Half-Miles. This is his forte right here. I had to reach back and grab that one. I was so nervous. That top – you’ve really got to roll it. It’s all about momentum. For a couple laps, I was just trying to get in the lead so I could do it. I knew once I cleared their front, I could roll. It just feels so good. It’s so awesome.”
Beach, Fisher, and Robinson finished third through fifth, respectively, with Briar Bauman (No. 3 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 790 Duke) leading the second half of the top-ten in sixth.
Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Indian FTR750) came home in seventh, followed by Henry Wiles (No. 17 BriggsAuto.com/Martin Trucking Indian FTR750), Ben Lowe (No. 25 Rackley Racing/Mission Foods Indian FTR750), and Cameron Smith (No. 34 Martin Trucking/Fredericktown Yamaha MT-07).
Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER
Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) continued the torrid start to his Progressive AFT career, scoring a third Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER victory in just 14 attempts.
After dominating his heat and Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda Challenge, the young Aussie came into the Main Event as the strong favorite to end the evening atop the box. And while that ultimately proved true, he had to earn it.
Drane found himself mired in fifth following a less than ideal opening lap. He then had to work to erase the gap and systematically fight his way through Jared Lowe (No. 63 Mission Foods/Helmet House Honda CRF450R), Chad Cose (No. 49 1st Impressions Race Team/Husqvarna Racing FC450), and Chase Saathoff (No. 88 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) before finally shifting his sights to the race-long leader.
That happened to be his teammate, Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), who had pulled more than a second on the field in his bid to secure a first win of the season.
Drane pushed Brunner’s hope back at least another weekend. He reeled in his Estenson Racing stablemate and then threw a series of slide jobs at him before finally overhauling him in a pass that saw the two make contact mid-corner.
Once out front, the Drane freight train continued full steam ahead and he took the checkered flag with nearly a second in hand.
Drane said, “I was just working the whole race, trying to catch up. And then right towards the end I got close enough to make the move – I didn’t mean to run into him, but that’s just racing. I can’t thank the whole team for all the work they put in throughout the day. Their work makes this all possible. I’m going to keep it going, keep the confidence up, and go into the next race just like this one.”
Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) made it two Aussies in the top three, finishing off his charge up from seventh with a last-corner overtake of Saathoff to steal away the final spot on the podium.
Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) executed an impressive climb of his own, battling his way from the LCQ and an early 13th-place position to round out the top five.
Lowe’s run up through the field came at the expense of reigning class champion Kody Kopp (No. 1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F), who was a tick off his usual form most of the night.
The Red Bull KTM star finished sixth after winning the previous three races. But despite the minor dip in form, Kopp still boasts a commanding championship lead, which now stands at 45 points (255-210) over Saathoff. Brunner is a close third with 208 points, while the surging Drane has closed to within striking distance of second as well at 207.
Next Up:
The stars of Progressive American Flat Track will now tackle one of the most renowned races in two-wheel motorsport with this year’s edition of the famed SC2 Peoria TT at the Peoria Motorcycle Club in Peoria, Illinois, on Sunday, July 30. Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/peoriamotorcycleclub/events/peoria-tt-60731 to reserve your seats today.
For those that can’t catch the live action from the circuit, FansChoice.tv is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Sign up now and catch every second of on-track action starting with Practice & Qualifying and ending with the Victory Podium at the end of the night at https://www.fanschoice.tv.
FOX Sports coverage of the Drag Specialties Bridgeport Half-Mile, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, July 30, at 1:30 p.m. ET (10:30 a.m. PT).
For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.
Thank you to everyone that makes the Kingdom of Speed Possible…..
