December 16, 2004 

Bridgeport Speedway

83 Flood Gate Road

Bridgeport, NJ 08014

856-467-4408

 

                                                                    News From Bridgeport Speedway

 

Running wild on Friday night, 358 open competition Modifieds will highlight an action packed program for 2005.  358 Mods will be competing in a 25-lap feature.  Joining the 358’s will be a new crate motor division.  Rules will follow for both divisions and information pertaining to the crate motors will be forth coming. 

Both divisions will race on the spacious 5/8-mile track starting at 8:00 pm.

 

Friday we’ll see the return of quarter mile track.  Three divisions will compete, 270 Micro Sprints, 600 Micro Sprints.  Also joining the Micro’s will be 4-Cylinder Stocks.  Rules will follow for all divisions.

 

Saturday night will still feature the Big Block Modifieds and Sportsman. The Outlaw Stocks will be a welcome addition to the Saturday Schedule. Jasper Sprints will run on select Friday and Saturday nights.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

News from Bridgeport Speedway

 

 

Bridgeport Speedway holds 2004 Awards Banquet

 

Bridgeport Speedway 2004 awards banquet was held on Saturday, December 4th at Dover Downs Rollins Center Ball Room.  475 people attend the banquet to honor 2003/2004 champions.  A 55,000-dollar point fund was distributed and over 40 awards were presented. 

 

Bridgeport Speedway management team honored Friday night’s 2003 champions Warren Stradley-4 Cylinder champion, Alan Durham 125 Micro Sprint champion, Jesse Hartman 270 Micro Sprint champion, Glen Heverin 600 Micro Sprint champion and Pat Hires Outlaw Stock champion.  All other 2003 champions were honored during the 2004 season.

 

Friday night 2004 top five in each division were honored.  Top five in the 4-Cylinder division Jeff Walls, Dave Bentley, Dave Bentley JR, Warren Stradley and Terry Sammons.  Top five for 270 Micro Sprints included Nick Wean, Jay Hartman, Jimmy Carpenter, John Blanda and Jeff Hartman.  Top five for the 600 Micro Sprints are Glen Henerin, Rick Stief, PJ Gargiulo, Jack Conover and Staurt Carmichael.  Outlaw Stocks top five Joe Trumbetti, David Gould JR, Mike Hires, Brian Ludwig and Rich Franchetti.

Friday night specialty award Hard Luck 4-Cylinder Jim Hughes, 270 Frank Venezia, 600 Kyle Smith and Outlaw Stock Steve Stark.  Star of the Future award went to 4-Cylinder Terry Sammons, 270 Lance Clayton, 600 Bill Thomas and Outlaw Stock Dave Gould. 

Most races won award went to 4-Cylinder Jeff Walls, 270 Jesse Hartman, 600 Tim Lulg and Outlaw Stock Pat Hires.

 

Saturday night specialty awards Hard Charger Jasper Sprints Mark Bitner, Sportsman Richie Pratt JR and Modified Mike Iles.  Hard Luck award went to Jasper Sprints Jeff Muelier, Sportsman Dan Cogdill and Modified Jimmy Chester.  Most Improved Driver award went to Jasper Sprint Jon Brennfleck, Sportsman Sean Carman and Modified Steve Durand.  Star of the Future award went to Jasper Sprint Lee Nardelli, Sportsman Drew Ricco and Modified Don Barone.  Best appearing Car and Crew award went to Jasper Sprint Joe Grandinetti, Sportsman Mark Forte JR and Modified Glenn Hyneman.  Most Races won in 2004 Jasper Sprints Mark Bitner, Sportsman Richie Pratt JR and Modified Ricky Elliott.  Mechanic of the Year award went to Jasper Sprint Jeff Foote, Sportsman Richie Pratt SR and Modified Burt Collins.  Rookie of the year went to Jasper Sprint Joe Thuet, Sportsman Mark Schweibinz and Modified Bob Sarkisian.  Sportsmanship award went to Jasper Sprint Chip Brown, Sportsman Tom Miller and Modified Mike Franz.

 

Top ten Jasper Sprint drivers went to John Wyers, Mark Bitner, Jon Brennfleck, Dave Brown, Jeff Foote, Joe Thuet, Jim Wyers, Bob Rasussen, Shane Smith and Lee Nardelli.

Top ten Sportsman drivers went to Richie Pratt JR, Rich Stinson JR, Ron Roberts, John Pursell, Kevin Collins, Sam Westcott JR, Drew Ricco, Eric Kormann, Bill Kilingmeyer and Paul Collins.

Top ten Modified drivers went to Duane Howard, Ricky Elliot, Doug Hoffman, Wade Hendrickson, Jamie Mills, Mike Iles, Kyle Strickler, Steve Durand, Rick Laubach and Kevin Hirthler.

Top Owners awards were presented to Jasper Sprint John Wyers, Sportsman Phil Comisky and Modified Glenn Hyneman.

 

Sponsor Awards were presented to Alliance Concrete and Holiday Inn Select.  Appreciation Awards were presented to Marie Price, Frank D’Antonio and Bud Stone for all their hard work during the season.  The George Wingate Memorial Award was presented to Jim Oldt.  The Walt Chernokal Memorial Award was presented to Bob Brown SR.

 

Jeff Ahlum MC the ceremony and Tom Miller performed his “Heroes of Rockin Roll” show.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For Immediate Release – Thank You

News from Bridgeport Speedway

Contact: Dave Adams (856) 467-4408 www.bridgeportspeedway.net

 

RICK LAUBACH WINS NJ STATE 358 TITLE

 

Bridgeport, NJ (11/27/2004) – Under blue skies and temperatures in the upper fifties, 57- 358 Modifieds took to New Jersey’s fastest speedway for the Saturday portion of the Great Turkey Chase. Quakertown, PA ace Rick Laubach took the top laurels in the headliner 25-lap New Jersey 358 Modified feature event. Ken Watson won the thrilling Outlaw Stock 20 lapper.

 

At the green of the New Jersey 358 Modified Championship race, Bechtelsville, PA driver Ray Sweinhart jumped out the lead over pole sitter Darren McCaughey and fifth starting Wade Hendrickson. Kevin Hirthler brought the action to a halt with a hard hit into the first turn guardrail. Hirthler was shaken but otherwise he was ok.

 

The early laps a torrid pace at the front seen Newfield, NJ Jimmy Chester take the high road picking off position after position to grab the lead from Sweinhart on the 6th lap. On the next circuit, Sweinhart began to slow as Bridgeport Speedway’s all-time leading Modified feature winner took over the runner up position. As the action was getting hotter in the front, Bill Klingmeyer made contact with the inside track tire in turn one slowing the action.

 

When the restart was about to be given the 2000 Modified Champ Wade Hendrickson was forced pit side with a flat tire eliminating him from the top five. Chester restarted the event but quickly found Seaford, DE ace Ricky the rocket Elliott hard on the charge. As the leader were motoring down the back straight Elliott powered the Jake Marine small block past Chester for the lead bringing along Horton for the ride. The yellow would fly for a sixth place running Richie Pratt, Jr. slowing in turn four. At the same time third place running Chester would experience a flat tire and retire to the pit area.

 

The restart on lap 18 had Elliott leading Horton and Quakertown, PA driver Rick Laubach in the Lincoln Auto Body car. One lap later Laubach would move past Horton for second. With the five to go sign Elliot was maintaining a comfortable lead over Laubach and Horton. Suddenly as the leader were going into turn four for the two to go signal, Elliott’s car slowed to a spot handing over the lead to a fast running Laubach in the Dieter Schmidt TEO. The last two lap shootout had Horton give one last shot at Laubach as he held off the challenges to pick up his first NJ 358 Championship win. Horton finished a close second followed by Tommy Beamer, Wade Hendrickson rebounding from his earlier flat tire and Sportsman chauffer Drew Ricco for a fine run of fifth.

 

The Mighty Modifieds Non-Winners main event seen the field come down for the green flag with Mark Forte, Sr. grabbing the lead followed by Mike Gular and Kyle Strickler. The race was slowed on lap three when Jason D’Allesio made contact with the turn one guardrail. During the caution period Forte, Sr. went pit side with tire troubles.

 

The race resumed for one lap till Ryan Godown and Joe Pulzella got together in turn two slowing the event. The restart had Strickler lead over Stephan Durand. When action continued Strickler and Durand began to wage a war for the lead till the race was again slowed for debris. As the leaders continued the battle for the top spot, Tommy Beamer and Bob Sarkisian were moving closer in third and fourth respectively.   

 

As the race hit the halfway mark the yellow was waved again for a slowing Forte, Sr. At the same time Sarkisian dropped from his fifth place position. Strickler was still on top over Durand and an invading Norman Short.

 

The restart had Durand out gun Strickler for the lead and begin to pull away from the field. Short then pulled into third by Tommy Beamer. Lap 15 had Beamer experience problems and drop from the event.  Also at the same time Strickler had some trouble and made a pit stop.

 

As been the case of the event another problem for the front as Short stopped in turn two and then the rains came.

 

Stephan Durand was awarded the much deserved win over Vince Gagliando and

 

 

The Outlaw Stocks had Pat Conaway jump out the early lead over Ken Watson and the newly crowned Champ Joe Trumbetti. Conaway continued to hold a slight lead over Watson. As the leaders entered turn one on lap six Watson tried to get the advantage over Conaway using a lap car as a pick. The move was unsuccessful as Conaway pulled away to a five car advantage at lap 10.

 

The caution waved for a roof that became dislodged and flew onto the speedway from Trumbetti as he was running in a distant fifth. When the event was restarted, Conaway found some pressure from behind from Watson and Pat Hires in tow. The top three continued to run under a blanket when the action was halted for a roll over by Robert Baird. After the red flag, Conaway continued at the front with Watson right on his tail. As the leaders received the two to go sign Watson moved down low under a lap car and rubbed by Conaway for the lead and motored on for the win.

 

 

 

358 Modifieds

Heat 1 – Pratt, Jr., Hindley, Sheetz, Hughes, Kormann

Heat 2 – VanHorn, J. Chester, Radd, Ricco, Beamer

Heat 3 – Laubach, Horton, Swinehart, Dmchowski, Wescott, Jr.

Heat 4 – Elliott, Hendrickson, McCaughey, Godown, Mills

Consi 1 – Gular, Kline, Strickler, Hirthler, Beltz

Consi 2 – Cozze, Klingmeyer, Haggenbottom, Briggs, Coffey

 

Feature 25 Laps – RICK LAUBACH, Jimmy Horton, Tommy Beamer, Wade Hendrickson, Drew Ricco, Darren McCaughey, Dave VanHorn, Larry Kline, Kyle Strickler, Jamie Mills, Ryan Beltz, Bill Briggs, Bryan Coffey, Mike Hughes, Donnie Radd, Eric Kormann, Ricky Elliott, Ryan Godown, Frank Cozze, Richie Pratt, Jr., Mike Gular, Sammy Wescott, Fred Dmchowski, Tom Hindley, Tommy Sheetz, Bill Klingmeyer, Ray Sweinhart, Micky Haggenbottom, Jimmy Chester, Kevin Hirthler DNQ- John Pratt, John Townsend, Rob Rotasky, Joe DeMaris, Billy Chester, Mark Forte, Jr., Byrant Brown, Mike Mamanna, Jeff Harrison, Fritz Epright, Frank Holmes, Tom Miller, John Stengle, Jack Hartnett, Scott Holmes, Steve Warner, Jeff Paulson, Mark Schwiebinz, Ken Hammond, Rodney Cerdorey, Keith Brightbill, Tom Hager, Glenn Smith, Ron Roberts, Scott Smith, Lou Farina, III, Jim Falzini

 

Outlaw Stocks

Heat 1 – Conaway, Trumbetti, Starke, Alley

Heat 2 – Watson, Hayes, Ashland, DeGarmo, Hart

Feature 20 Laps – KEN WATSON, Pat Conaway, Joe Trumbetti, Steve Stark, Jeff Dirkes, Tom Alley, Walter Hayes, Pat Hires, Mike Hires, Robert Baird, John Read, Mike Clark, Frank Ashman, Jesse DeGarmo, Jim Honaker DNS – Dave Williams

 

Big Block Modified Non-Winners Feature – STEPHAN DURAND, Vince Gagliardo, Shawn Reimert, Kyle Strickler, Butch Glisson.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                        November 17, 2004

83 Flood Gate Road

Bridgeport, NJ 08014

856-467-4408

 

News from Bridgeport Speedway

 

Turkey Chase race is reschedule for Saturday, November 27th and Sunday, November 28th.  Pits open at 10:00 am, Grandstand opens at 11:00 a.m. and racing starts at 1:00 pm.  Two big days of racing will include the Big Block Modified, 358 NJ Championship race, Outlaw Stocks, Super Stocks, Sportsman, Non-winner Modified & Sportsman race.  Also joining the Saturday program will be the 4-Cylinder Stocks and Micro-Sprint Nationals. 

 

Bridgeport will raffle an ATV to one lucky fan.  All proceeds will go to the Gibbstown Recreation Center.

 

Saturday, November 27, 2004 358 Modified Championship race, Outlaw Stocks & Big Block non-winners feature.  Also running on Saturday’s card Micro-Sprint Nationals, 270’s, 600’s & 4-Cylinder Stocks.  An open practice for Big Blocks, Super Stocks & Sportsman will take place.  358 Championship race will be the first feature event.

 

Sunday, November 28, 2004 Bridgeport Speedway will have the Big Block Modified run a 30-Lap $3000 to win sponsored by Hoffman Bros.  Also running on Sunday, November 28th will be a Sportsman 25-Lap feature, a 20-Lap Super Stock, and a 20-Lap non-winner Sportsman event.

 

Admission for adults is $20, Students (12-18) $8, and kids under 11 years of age are FREE!  Pit passes will be $30.  A 2-day admission pass to all events is $35.  A 2-day pit pass for both days is $50.  Bridgeport Speedway is located in Bridgeport, NJ on Flood Gate Road.  Exit 14 off of 295 between Walt Whitman and Commodore Barry bridges.  For more information, call the track office at 856-467-4408 or visit the official website at www.bridgeportspeedway.net

 

Bridgeport Speedway announces plans for the 2004 End of the Year Banquet.  The event will be held on Saturday, December 4,2004 at Dover International Speedway, Dover Downs Hotel and Conference Center in Dover, Delaware (1131 N. Dupont Highway).  Cocktail hour begins at 6:00pm with dinner following at 7:00pm.  Track Champions will be awarded along with dancing and entertainment throughout the evening.  Cost per person is $65.00 and a cash bar will be available.  Call Pam James at 302-875-4196 or Aileen Oldt at 856-848-6081 for more information.  Tickets are limited.  Accommodations for the evening:  Dover Downs Hotel-302-857-2114 or Fairfield Inn & Suite, Dover-302-677-0900 (shuttle available)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November 15, 2004


83 Flood Gate Road
Bridgeport, NJ 08014
856-467-4408

News from Bridgeport Speedway

The management team of Bridgeport Speedway would like to thank the fans and competitors for their support on Saturday, November 13th. The excessive amount of rainfall on Friday created havoc to the track surface. The track crew worked into the night on Saturday with no relief in sight. At 6:00 a.m. Sunday morning the track crew took to the track and by 8:00 a.m. there was no way the track surface was going to be conducive to racing. The management team at that point cancelled the weekend and reschedule for the week of the 27th. All wristbands will be honored on that weekend or the first 3 races of the 2005 season. The management team will also have a fan appreciation night scheduled for 2005 for all fans to come and experience an unforgettable night of racing.
In 2005, many changes will occur at the facility with a variety of different classes of racing and promotions and a consistent update of the facility. Thanks again for all your support.

Bridgeport Speedway Management Team

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bridgeport Speedway- The Fastest Dirt Track in the East
83 Floodgate Rd
Bridgeport NJ 08014
Track Phone: 856-467-4408
Event Contact: Dave Adams
Media Contact: Arianne Hegeman
(609) 381-9345
www.bridgeportspeedway.net

                                   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WITH THANKS


Bridgeport NJ- November 4, 2004- It Ain't Over Yet at Bridgeport Speedway!  The Turkey Chase Race is set for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; November 12th, 13th, and 14th 2004.  Three big days of racing will include the Micro Sprint Nationals, the DIRT Southeast Series Big Block Modifieds and Sportsman competition.  The Fastest Dirt Track in the East has much more scheduled for a weekend jammed pack with action.

Mardi Gras Monster Truck Racing will also be on hand to provide Monster Truck Rides to race fans for only $6.00.  Bridgeport will raffle an ATV to one lucky fan, just one more reason to come out for the Turkey Chase weekend! 

Friday, November 12th 2004-  The 270cc and 600cc 2004 Micro-Sprint Nationals will take place at 6:30pm, with gates opening at 4:30pm. A full show of Outlaw Stocks and 4-Cylinder big guns will run during the first day of the Turkey Chase weekend.  Practice for the Big Blocks and Sportsmen will also be held on Friday, November 12th. 

Admission for adults is $16.00, students (12-17) $8.00, and kids under 11 years of age are FREE!  Pit passes will be $30.00.  A 3-day admission pass  to all events is $45.00.  A 3-day pit pass for all three events is $75.00. Bridgeport Speedway is located in Bridgeport NJ on Floodgate Rd.  Exit 14 off of 295 between Walt Whitman and Commodore Barry bridges. For more information, call the track office at 856-467-4408 or visit the official website at  www.bridgeportspeedway.net

Saturday, November 13th 2004- Bridgeport Speedway proudly welcomes the DIRT Southeast Series as Hoffman Bros. presents Time Trials, a Go-for-the-Pole Dash, Last Chance Race, and a 40-Lap Feature.  The North will battle the South to see who will prevail. $4,000 is up for grabs as the Big Blocks take on the Fastest Dirt Track in the East. Big guns Ricky Elliott and Tim Fuller will both be looking for a trip to victory lane.  Also running on Saturday, November 13th will be a Sportsman 25-Lap feature and a 20-Lap Non- Feature Winner event.  Practice is also scheduled for the 358's and Super Stocks. Fans of Vintage Stocks will enjoy a historical look at decades of race vehicles.  To properly celebrate a successful season, Bridgeport will host a FREE Pig Roast immediately following the races.  Saturday admission: Adults- $20.00/Students 12-17 $8.00/Kids 11 and under are FREE.  A 2-Day pass to  both days is $35.00 and a 2-Day pit pass is $50.00.

A one day pit pass for Saturday night is $30.00.   The Sportsman events and practice sessions are set to begin at 1:00 and gates open at 11 am. The DIRT  Southeast Series race will start in the evening.  A racer's flea market will begin early, from 7-11 am.  Any vendors looking to attend the flea market, the cost is only $5.00.  Come join the US Army Recruit and 94 WYSP for an entire day full of fun at Bridgeport Speedway. Bridgeport Speedway is located in Bridgeport NJ on Floodgate Rd.  Exit 14 off of 295 between Walt Whitman and Commodore Barry bridges. For more  information, call the track office at 856-467-4408 or visit the official website at www.bridgeportspeedway.net

Sunday, November 14th 2004- The New Jersey State 358 Modified Championship will be held at Bridgeport Speedway on Saturday, November 14th.  Gates will open at 10am. A 25-Lap Main Event for 358 Modifieds offers  $2,000 to win!  An open tire rule is in place for Sunday.  A full show of Super Stocks plus an additional 20-Lap BigBlock Modified Non-Feature Winner Race is also on the day's race card.  Admission is Adults: $20.00/ Students  12-17 $8.00/  Children under 11 years of age are FREE.  A pit pass for the day is $30.00. Bridgeport Speedway is located in Bridgeport NJ on Floodgate Rd.  Exit 14 off of 295 between Walt Whitman and Commodore Barry bridges. For more information, call the track office at 856-467-4408 or visit the official website at www.bridgeportspeedway.net 

Bridgeport Speedway announces plans for The 2004 End of the Year Banquet. The event will be held on Saturday,  December 4, 2004 at Dover International Speedway, Dover Downs Hotel and Conference Center in Dover, Delaware ( 1131 N. DuPont Highway). Cocktail hour begins at 6:00pm with dinner following at   7:00pm.  Track  Champions will be awarded along with dancing and entertainment throughout the evening.  Cost per person is $65.00 and a cash bar will be available.  Call Pam James at 302-875-4196 or Aileen Oldt at 856-848-6081 for more  information.  Ticket orders must be received by November 10, 2004.  Tickets are limited. Accomodations for the evening:  Dover Downs Hotel-302-857-2114 or Fairfield Inn & Suite, Dover- 302-677-0900 (shuttle available)   
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bridgeport Speedway
83 Floodgate Rd
Bridgeport NJ 08014
856-467-4408
Event contact:  Dave Adams
Media Contact:  Arianne B Hegeman
609-381-9345
www.bridgeportspeedway.net


                         FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WITH MANY THANKS

Short Story Version for Radio, TV, and Columnists

Bridgeport NJ-Sunday, October 3, 2004- Bridgeport Speedway hosted The Jasper Sprint division, the Sunoco Sportsman Series, the Super Stocks, and a Demolition Derby.  The jam-packed schedule brought in an impressive crowd on Sunday afternoon.  Mark Bitner, Gene Stravinsky, Pat Conoway, Mike Hires, and Bob Lilick drove into Victory Lane at the Fastest Dirt Track in the Eastin the Jasper Engines/Sunoco Race Fuels sponsored events on   Sunday, October 3rd, 2004.  Joe Trumbetti earned the Outlaw Stock division point title with his fifth place finish in Sunday's Outlaw Stock event. Trumbetti just barely maintained his lead over the 2nd place points runner-up DavidGould Jr, who finished third for the day.   Bridgeport Speedway has enjoyed a successful season under new ownership as the track looks forward to the remaining events that include "The Turkey Chase Open" on November 13th, 2004. For more details on Bridgeport Speedway, visit the track's official website at www.bridgeportspeedway.net  or call the track office at 856-467-4408. Bridgeport Speedway is located at 83 Floodgate Rd in Bridgeport NJ just minutes off of I295 at exit 14.   

 

Details on the rescheduled event from Saturday, October 2nd will be announced at a later date.
______________________________________________________________________

Mark Bitner, Gene Stravinsky, Pat Conoway, Mike Hires, and Bob Lilick drove into Victory Lane at the Fastest Dirt Track in the East in the Jasper Engines/Sunoco Race Fuels sponsored events on   Sunday, October 3rd, 2004. 


Fast times were recorded with John Wyers, Scott McClaren (2nd), and Jeff Davis (3rd) timing in the three fastest laps in the Sprint series.  The Sunoco Sportsman series fastest laps were turned by Drew Ricco, Mike Lyons (2nd), and Tom Miller(3rd).  Kim Cook, Pat Conoway (2nd), and Mike Burns(3rd) had the quickest times in the Super Stock division.
 

The Vintage Stocks were brought out on the 5/8th mile clay oval.  Decades of racing were represented, as entries from the late 50's  to the late 80's competed in the Vintage Stock Feature at Bridgeport Speedway.  Wayne Weaver drove into Victory Lane in the Vintage Stocks with his dominating performance in his first race car from 1980 .  Weaver was reminded of days past at The Fastest Dirt Track in the East. "It felt pretty good out there,it was nice coming back to Bridgeport".  
 

Mark "Mr. Twister" Bitner won his third feature of the 2004 Jasper Sprint division in the Jasper Engines-sponsored event at Bridgeport Speedway.  He claimed the second spot in points prior to Sunday's race, finishing behind John Wyers in the final point standings.  Mark Bitner, of Florence NJ dominated the 20-lap feature on the 5/8th mile clay oval.  Bitner began lapping cars on the5th circuit and continued to do so until lap 9 when the first caution flag flew for a tangle in turn 3 that involved Douglas Suitor,Steve Struble, and Joe Thuet.  The event went another 6 laps before the second caution flew, bringing the field back together.  Shane Smithheld on to number two spot on the second restart, hoping for a shot at the lead.  Bitner closed the door once again as he led the  remaining laps, unchallenged.  The top five finishers were Mark Bitner, Shane Smith, Jim Bewley, John Wyers, and Jim Wyers.     

 

The Sunoco Sportsman division saw its thirteenth different driver win in the2004 season at the Fastest Dirt Track in the East. Gene Stravinsky, of Cream Ridge NJ, started on the pole and took home the trophy in the 20-Lap event. It was his first career win in the Sportsman division.  Kevin Collins ran in the second spot with consistent pressure from Mike Lyons and Mark Schweibinz. On lap 9, Schweibinz stole the second position from  on Collins but only held on to it for one lap.  Mike Lyons passed Schweibinz on Lap 10 with a power move coming out of turn three.  Jim Britt benefited from Collins running high on the 18th circuit, Britt moved into the third spot as the final laps approached.

Gene "The Machine" Stravinsky was followed by Mike Lyons in second, Jim Britt in third, John Pratt in fourth, and Rich Scagliotta in fifth.   Pat Conoway proved why he had the second-fastest lap in time trials as herecorded the victory in the Super Stock division at Bridgeport Speedway. Conoway took the lead from Ralph Gargiulo on the second lap of the 20-Lapfeature.  While Conoway looked to be running away with the race, a battle for second ensued between Ralph Garguilo and Ron Coverly. Conoway kept thelead through the caution-marred event as Mike Burns worked on Garguilo and Coverly for second. Burns moved up to second place on lap 14.  5 laps later, Burns made a late-race charge for the lead, almost taking the spot from Conoway on the closing lap. Pat Conoway, Mike Burns, Ron Coverly,

 

Billy Pauch Jr, and John Hewett rounded out the top five in the Super Stock Division at Bridgeport Speedway.   Mike Hires fought hard for his second win of the 2004 Bridgeport Outlaw Stock season.  He started on the pole, but fell back to third after he traded paint with Pat Conoway on lap 6.  Conoway took the lead from Hires and dominated until lap twelve when Conoway  and a lapped car were involved in a wreck on the  front straightaway, Conoway relinquished the lead to Hires, and Hires never looked back.  As Hires led the pack, Joe Trumbetti stayed in the top five, knowing that was all he would need to secure his points lead for the division  title.  Hires crossed the finish line first, followed by Ken Watson, David Gould Jr, Bob Hopely, and Joe Trumbetti.  David Gould Jr's third place effort would not be enough to take over the point lead as Joe Trumbetti was crowned the Outlaw Stock champ in the post-race ceremony. Only 14 points separated the two drivers, proving how competitive this series has  been all year long.       

 

 The on-Winner's race in the Sunoco Sportsman division showcased side by side racing on every lap.  The 20-lap event featured Sportsman drivers who had not won a feature anywhere, at any track in the 2004 season.  Most of these drivers had come close throughout the season, but none had visited Victory Lane, until tonight.  Bob Lilick, of king of Prussia PA finally brought home a Bridgeport trophy, as he led the majority of the 20 lapevent. Dave Matz who started 12th, had a strong car and was running in the  top five when he spun on the frontstretch on lap 6, bringing out a caution that would send him to the back of the field. Lilick took the top spot from Dave Hunt of Bridgewater NJ on the 8th circuit, after a restart coming into turn 2.  Lilick survived several cautions andmanaged to hold off serious challenges from Bruce Hirthler.  The top five finishers in the Non-Winner's event were: Bob Lilick,  Bruce Hirthler,  Dave Hunt,  Mike Mongiello  and John Pratt.  

Jasper Sprint Feature (20 Laps)

1 Mark Bitner 2 Shane Smith 3 Jim Bewley 4 Jim Wyers 5 John Wyers  6 Jay Grasso Jr 7 Scott McClaren 8 Jon Brennfleck 9 Jeff Davis 10 Al DeAngelis  11 Bob Rasmussen 12 Mike Piersig 13 Mares Stellfox 14 Dave Brown  15 Jack Curtis 16 Bob Adams 17 Riki Likowski 18 Lee Nardelli  19 Steve Schmidt 20 Steve Struble 21 Torrey Rose 22 Douglas Suiter  23 Joe Thuet 24 Jeff Foote

Sunoco Sportsman Feature (20 Laps)

1 Gene Stravinsky 2 Mike Lyons 3 Jim Britt 4 John Pratt 5 Rich Scagliotta 6 Kevin Collins  7 Mark Schweibinz 8 Bruce Hirthler 9 Drew Ricco 10 Paul Collins 11 Larry Kline 12 Rich Stinson 13 Bill Klingmeyer 14 Dave Hunt 15 Bob Lilick 16 Jim  Robertson 17 Billy Briggs 18 John Bangs 19 Brett Houffman 20 Blaine Sadler   21 Tom Mawson 22 John Salvatore 23 Jimmy Horton IV 24 TomMiller   25 Mike Bailey 26 Billy Harris 27 Billy Pauch Jr 28 Art Liedl 29 Eric Kormann  30 Bill Tanner

Super Stock Feature (20 Laps)

1 Pat Conaway 2 Mike Burns 3 Ron Coverly 4 Billy Pauch Jr 5 John Hewitt 6 Ron  Barnsted 7 Kevin Bifulco 8 George Marrero Jr 9 James Hewitt 10 Ralph Gargiulo 11 Alan Hurley 12 Kim Cook 13 Arthur Talello 14 Paul Marra 15 Tony Giglio  16 Bill Liedka 17 Norm Saxton 18 Frank Dorry Jr 19 Pete Forarty 20 Tom Anderson  21 Al Boytis 22 Billy Furch 

 

Outlaw Stock Feature (20 Laps)

1.Mike Hires 2 Ken Watson 3 David Gould Jr 4 Bob Hopely 5 Joe Trumbetti  6 Ron Dirkes 7 Jeff Dirkes 8 Alan Fiel 9 Chuck Faisst 10 Rick Erbbrink  11 Dave Ecret Jr 12 Erbrink 13 Walter Hayer 14 Joe Ecret 15 Brandon Palermo 16 Jess Degarmo 17 Rich Franchetti 18 Steve Taylor 19 Fred Ingham  20 Robert Bard 21 Chris Prychka 22 Steve Stark 23 Brian Ludwig 24 Leroy Radcliff 25 Pat Conaway   
 

Sunoco Sportsman Non-Winner Event (20 Laps) 

1 Bob Lilick 2 Bruce Hirthler 3 Dave Hunt 4 Mike Mongiello 5 John Pratt 6 John   Salvatore 7 Billy Pauch Jr 8 Jimmy Horton IV 9 Anthony Moran 10 John Stangle  11 Mark Forte, Jr 12 Troy Kay 13 John Bangs 14 Brett Houffman 15 Brian Lilick  16 Shawn Gunther 17 Tom Mawson 18 Scott Hulmes 19 Blaine Sadler 20 Jesse Hill   21 Rob Price 22 Harry Landis 23 Dave Matz 24 Fred Tomarchio 25 Mike Brannigan 26 Tom Miller Jr 27 Rich Reider 28 Joe Damaris 

 

 Bridgeport's End of the Year Banquet is set for Saturday, December 4th 2004 at Dover International Speedway (Dover Downs Hotel and Conference Center). Cocktail hour begins at 6:00pm with dinner following at 7:00pm.   Cost is $60.00 per person, Call Pam James at 302-875-4196 or Aileen Oldt at856-848-6081 for more information.  Ticket orders must be received by November 10, 2004.  Tickets are limited. Accomodations for the evening: Dover Downs Hotel-302-857-2114 or Fairfield Inn & Suite, Dover-302-677-0900 (shuttle available).  Bridgeport Speedway is located on 83 Floodgate Rd in Bridgeport NJ at exit 14 off of I295.  For more information on events at the track, call the track office at 856-467-4408 or visit the official website at www.bridgeportspeedway.net 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bridgeport Speedway- The Fastest Dirt Track in the East
83 Floodgate Rd
Bridgeport NJ 08014
Track Phone: 856-467-4408
Event Contact: Dave Adams
Media Contact: Arianne Hegeman
(609) 381-9345
www.bridgeportspeedway.net
                                           FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WITH THANKS

Bridgeport NJ- Wednesday, September 29, 2004:  Bridgeport Speedway announces plans for The 2004 End of the Year Banquet.  The event will be held on Saturday, December 4, 2004 at Dover International Speedway, Dover Downs Hotel and Conference Center in Dover, Delaware ( 1131 N. DuPont Highway).  Cocktail hour begins at 6:00pm with dinner following at 7:00pm.  Track Champions will be awarded along with dancing and entertainment throughout the evening.  Cost per person is $65.00 and a cash bar will be available. Call Pam James at 302-875-4196 or Aileen Oldt at 856-848-6081 for more information.  Ticket orders must be received by November 10, 2004.  Tickets are limited.  Accomodations for the evening: Dover Downs Hotel-302-857-2114 or Fairfield  Inn & Suite,Dover- 302-677-0900 (shuttle available)


Track Champions:

Big Block Modifieds:   Duane Howard (2nd track championship )

Jasper Sprints:              John Wyers (won by 6 points)

Sunoco Sportsman:      Richie Pratt Jr -Defending track champion

Outlaw Stocks and the Micro Sprints will finish their season the weekend of October 2nd.

Saturday, October 2, 2004- 1:00pm-  Bridgeport Speedway will host a weekend   full of competitive racing at The Fastest Dirt Track in the East. Saturday, October 2, 2004, hosts the Micro-Sprint Nationals and the 4-Cylinders.  Time trials will begin at  1:00pm with the pits opening at 11:00am.   


Sunday, October 3, 2004- 1:00pm- An exciting race card will top off the weekend at  Bridgeport Speedway on Sunday, October 3, 2004.  The pits will open at 11:00am, with  the competition starting at 1:00pm. 

 

Events include Superstocks, Jasper  Sprints, Outlaw Stocks, and a Non-Winner Sportsman Feature, all of which will be followed by a demolition derby.  The Fastest Times in the Jasper  Sprints will bring the winner $500.00, second fastest will award $300 and third will hand out $200.00.  The Superstocks and Sportsman divisions will also hand out $500.00 for the quickest times.  


Bridgeport Speedway is located on 83 Floodgate Rd in Bridgeport NJ, just off of exit 14 on I295.  For more information on events at Bridgeport, contact the track office at 856-467-4408 or visit the official website at www.bridgeportspeedway.net  



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 25, 2004

News From Bridgeport Speedway

For Immediate Release Please                                                                                

Contact: Dave Adams (215) 768-8007
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                                              Howard, Pratt and Bitner Feature Event Winners Saturday Night
                                               Howard, Pratt and Wyers Crowned As '04 Season Champions
 
                                                                          By Randy Kane
 
 
    Big block modified point championship contenders Ricky Elliott and Duane Howard headed into the action Saturday night at the Bridgeport Speedway five-eighth-mile spacious clay oval running neck and neck in a dead heat, tied for the number one position as the night began. With the eventual season-long points championship on the line at the checkered, every position was important for both drivers with an extra-distance 30-lap main event on the menu. With heat race points awarded at Bridgeport, Howard, actually, carried a two-point advantage going into the main event, but neither driver felt like the other had an edge, going into the main event, which was sponsored by Onyx Waste Services.
 
    With the green, Carmine Infante, who started third in the 24-car field aboard the Buff Farms No. 24 entry, grabbed the top spot on lap one. By lap 2 the caution was waving, with Infante stopping in turn 4 as his right rear tire exploded. Veteran Jimmy Chester was also headed to the pits, retiring from the event after just 2-laps.
 
    The new green saw Mark Forte Sr., who started outside of row one in the back-up Glenn Hyneman owned No. 126X car, grabbing the number one position for lap 3, with the yellow flying again. The restart showed second-generation racer Wade Hendrickson, with the Atlantic Wood Floors No. 2 mount, vaulting out on top, after starting the race from tenth spot. The yellow waved after 4-laps and once again after 5-laps were completed, with Hendrickson still in command. By lap 5, though, Duane Howard was up to second and on the move, after starting fourteenth in the primary Glenn Hyneman owned No. 126 machine.
 
    Hendrickson retook the top spot with the green for laps 6 and 7, with another caution for Sam Wescott stopping in turn 4 after 7 circuits were in the books. Howard was still runner-up, Mike Iles was third and Ricky Elliott, who started fifteenth with the J and M Roofing and Builders No. 85 ride, now into fourth-place.
 
    Howard advanced to the number one spot with the green for lap 8, as a three-car battle came about for second spot. On lap 9 it was Iles spinning in turn 4 all alone, steering his Larkin Automotive No. 711 entry, bringing out the caution once again.
 
    Howard reclaimed the top spot with the restart, as Elliott moved into second on lap 10. Elliott pressured Howard, but Duane held his position, fighting off the challenges from Elliott prior to yet another caution after 14 were in the record books.
 
    With the new green and the crossed flags to follow, Elliott powered out in front, with Howard now second. Hendrickson still was third, with the best seat in the house, as the top two point-getters slugged it out between themselves. Elliott had a slim advantage lap-after-lap and remained out in front as the laps clicked off, with Howard still runner-up. On lap 22, veteran chauffeur Fritz Epright had his No. 1 mount go up in a cloud of smoke in turn 4, bringing out the caution for the eighth time in the fray after 22 were scored.
 
    Elliott assumed control with the green, in front of Howard, again, for laps 23 and 24, as Jamie Mills slowed in turn 1 to bring out still another yellow flag.
 
    The green flag saw Howard give it all it had, as Duane, who previously won the Bridgeport championship in 2002, powered out in front, with Elliott falling back to number 2, battling to stay in front of Hendrickson, for lap 25. Howard remained out in front and took a crowd-pleasing victory, giving Duane the point championship as well by 6 points, over Elliott, who finished up a stout second-place in the 30-lap affair. Hendrickson held on to finish a solid third, with Stephan Durand bringing home a strong fourth-place effort, with a great run by Don Barone to finish up fifth, after starting twentieth with his D & R Boat World No. 267 machine.
 
    Afterward, Howard, 41, revealed: "The restarts were everything tonight. Ricky certainly had more motor than we had and it was just a matter of whoever got into turn one and out of turn 2 first tonight, with all the restarts. I was glad the race finally ended and it was a great lift for the entire team. We needed a win in the worst way and tonight was the best night to get one. Ricky raced clean with me all night and I honestly don't know where that extra power came from on that last restart, but I wasn't about to settle tonight for second. No way."
 
    For Howard, who is a resident of Oley, PA., the win was his third this season and his first since May 8, 2004, giving Duane now 18 career Bridgeport Speedway victories. It was his second career track championship at Bridgeport.
 
    Ricky "The Rocket" Elliott submitted later: "All the cautions were make or break, tonight. We came a long way as a first-year team and we were considered out of it a couple of weeks back, when we were 30 points in back of the leaders. The guys on the team just never gave up and I'm proud of the team, my crew and the way our season turned out. We aren't going to hang our heads after this race tonight. There's no excuses. Duane ran a good race and my hat's off to those guys. They had a great year."
 
    Defending Bridgeport Speedway sportsman division champion, Richie Pratt Jr. needed a big night, with the sportsman division running a Twin-20's program to complete the season-long points battle, Saturday night. Pratt headed into the night 9 points behind point leader Rich Stinson Jr., with both eager to grab the championship, after battling it out and trading the top spot all season long between the two top-runners. In the first 20, Pratt started eighth and Stinson started sixteenth in the highly-competitive 26-car field.
 
    On the initial green in turns 3 and 4, Rob Pierce, Drew Ricco and Kevin Collins, all, got crossed up and brought out a caution prior to the green waving. Stinson clipped one of the spinning cars and suffered broken suspension parts on the front end, sending Rich to the pits for repairs before the 20-lap main even got going.
 
    With the green it was Billy Harris assuming command, after starting third. Pratt quickly advanced to third on lap one and claimed second by lap 2. By lap 3 Pratt was running wheel-to-wheel with Harris and the yellow reappeared after 4 tours were completed for a piece of debris on the speedway. Rich Stinson Jr. rejoined the field at that point, returning 4-laps down, but rejoining the race to try and make up as many points and positions as possible, with a second 20-lapper still to follow.
 
    Pratt slipped into the top spot with the new green for lap 5, as veteran Ron Roberts took over the number two position by lap 8 as Pratt started to pull away. A caution after 14-laps slowed things, but Pratt immediately took control and reclaimed the top spot with 15 completed. The Sewell, N.J., veteran simply pulled away from the competition and easily scored his ninth win of the campaign to regain the points lead. The win by Pratt increased his career win total to 34, tops in the sportsman division at the spacious raceway in south Jersey.
 
    Rounding out the top 5 were Ron Roberts second, with Dave Hunt third, Paul Collins fourth and John Pursell fifth overall.
 
    Rich Stinson Jr. finished up eighteenth at the checkered and dropped some 26 points in back of point leader Pratt going into the second 20 of the evening, falling to second in points.
 
    With the green in the second sportsman 20-lapper, Don Bogey immediately took control from the pole and stayed on top of the 26-car field through the first 6 circuits, before Eric Kormann, who started ninth, ducked underneath exiting turn 4 and slipped by to take control for lap 7. A quick caution bunched the field immediately, with Bogey falling to second and Bill Klingmeyer up to third at that point.
 
    The new green saw Richie Pratt Jr. take to the outside and power past the competition, running down the back part of the track. As the field completed lap 8, Pratt suddenly found himself out in front, with Kormann, Klingmeyer and Bogey trailing. A yellow after 9 tours regrouped the field again.
   
    The green and the crossed flags showed Pratt in total control, out in front of Klingmeyer, Kormann and, now, Ron Roberts. By lap 14, Rich Stinson Jr. joined the top 5, after starting eighteenth. On lap 16, Mike Brannigan smacked the outside backstretch wall as he started to spin. Brannigan's car dug into the clay surface and Mike rolled the ride over at least 3 times, prior to the red stopping things. Brannigan walked away uninjured.
 
    Again, the green and Pratt, who started fourteenth after the top 14 finishers in the first 20 were inverted, immediately pulled away. Pratt easily pulled off his second win on the night, gained his second consecutive track championship and increased his season win total to 10 for the second straight year. Pratt now has 35 career Bridgeport sportsman wins, which is tops at the track.
 
    Offered Pratt, later: "All we thought about all week was what we had to do to win everything here tonight. I lost a 60 point lead we had here 3 weeks ago and I played it cautious in the second race, once we got out in front in the points again. Once I got up there, I was fourth on that one restart, I just figured I'd run the outside and go for it. Stinson was running good all night too. It was really very unfortunate that he got wrecked there early in that first 20, but that's happened to us a lot this season. That's racing, I guess?"
 
    The 20-lapper for the Jasper Sprints brought along double points and that division also would see a champion crowned, once the night was done. John Wyers went into the night with a point lead of some 59 points over former modified racer Mark Bitner, but the potent Wyers No. 84 was heavily damaged in a wild flip in the first heat race. John jumped into the No. 84W normally chauffeured by his nephew, Jim Wyers, and started at the rear, with John's car unable to be repaired in time to run the feature event.
 
    At the start it was Mike Piersig jumping out in front, after starting on the pole. Piersig held the top spot without a challenge for the first 12 circuits, leading by half a straightaway over Torrey Rose, who started outside the front row. With 12 complete a yellow was displayed for debris.
 
    With the green, Piersig retook control, as Bitner slipped into second, after starting eighth in the 14-car field. By lap 15, Bitner got a good bite down low and dove underneath Piersig to take the top spot. Bitner easily went on to take the win and it was the second this season for "Mr. Twister," as Mark is known. A rookie this year, it was Mark's second career win at the track.
 
    Piersig wound up second, Rose claimed third and Dave Brown was fourth at the checkered. Joe Thuet rounded out the top five.
 
    John Wyers finished up a very cautious race in twelfth, but still won the championship by a mere 6 points at the checkered.
 
    Said Bitner: "The restart helped out a great deal. Late, the tires got hot and we started hooking up. I just rode along with it. I had a good year and it is nice to win the feature and I am pleased with second in points. John had a good year and he earned it all. I am very happy doing so well as a first-year team."
 
    John Wyers commented, afterwards: "My nephew helped us out a great deal. He offered his ride and I drove a cautious race. All race long I was counting spots and my nephew told me if I bend it I bought it, so I had to be careful out there." John just laughed.
 
    It was the first career track championship for Wyers at Bridgeport.
 
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                                                                           Heat and Feature Race Summary
 
    Big block modified heat winners-Duane Howard, Wade Hendrickson, Mark Forte Sr.
    Big block modified consolation-Jamie Mills
    Big block modified 30-lap main-Duane Howard, Ricky Elliott, Wade Hendrickson, Stephen Durand, Don Barone, Rick Laubach, Jamie Mills, Kevin Hirthler, Mike Franz, Howard O'Neal, Troy Ale, Mark Forte Sr., Mike Iles, John Townsend, Joel Boisnke, Dave Howard, Bob Sarkisian, Fritz Epright, Kyle Strickler, Joe Dekutoski, Sam Wescott, Tom Hager, Carmine Infante, Jimmy Chester
 
    Jasper Sprint heat winners-Jim Wyers, Torrey Rose
    Jasper Sprint 20-lap feature-Mark Bitner, Mike Piersig, Torrey Rose, Dave Brown, Joe Thuet, Shane Smith, Jon Brennfleck, Jeff Davis, Bob Rasmussen, Jeff Foote, Bob Adams, John Wyers, Jim Bewley, Lee Nardelli
 
    Sunoco Sportsman heat winners-John Pursell, Rich Stinson Jr., Richie Pratt Jr.
    Sunoco Sportsman consolation winners-Rob Pierce, Dennis Price
    Sunoco Sportsman first 20 finish-Richie Pratt Jr., Ron Roberts, Dave Hunt, Paul Collins, John Pursell, Eric Kormann, Bob Lillck, Bill Klingmeyer, Dave Matz, Dennis Price, Bruce Hirthler, Mike Brannigan, Don Bogey, Billy Chester, Mike Bailey, Bob Lineman Jr., Mark Schweibinz, Rich Stinson Jr., Dan Cogdill, Billy Harris, Anthony Tramontana, Greg Weiland, Drew Ricco, Kevin Collins, Steve Lozorak, Rob Pierce
    Sunoco Sportsman second 20 finish-Richie Pratt Jr., Bill Klingmeyer, Rich Stinson Jr., Eric Kormann, Ron Roberts, Bob Lillck, Kevin Collins, Don Bogey, Paul Collins, John Pursell, Dave Hunt, Bob Lineman Jr., Dennis Price, Billy Chester, Dave Matz, Mark Schweibinz, Mike Brannigan, Steve Lozorak, Dan Cogdill, Greg Weiland, Bruce Hirthler, Rob Pierce, Mike Bailey, Drew Ricco, Billy Harris, Steve Lindale (ALT) DNS-Anthony Tramontana
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jimmy Horton Returns for another Bridgeport Victory

 

Neshanic Station’s Jimmy Horton scored his sixth feature win of the year and 111th of his career at the Bridgeport Speedway Friday night. Horton, who has never had trouble getting around the big 5/8 of a mile track, found his way into the lead just before the halfway point. He then left the field in his wake to take the 25 lap main event.

 

Bob Sarkisian of Woolwich Twp, who won his first heat race of the year, lead from the start up until just before the halfway point, when Horton powered passed him. While Sarkisian was looking very impressive in the early going, Doug Hoffman took a big hit in his chance for a forth modified point championship at the track as he crashed on lap 3. Hoffman fell from first to third in points. Ricky ”the rocket” Elliott made a great move to pass Sarkisian on a mid race restart, but could not catch the leader. Horton, the all time win leader at Bridgeport Speedway went unchallenged the rest of the race to take the win.

 

     Duane Howard, who is tied with Elliott in points with only one race left, finished third. Wade Hendrickson had a strong 4th place finish after demolishing his car on Sept 11th. Rick Laubach returned for the first time since his September 2nd highway crash to finish 5th.

       

 

Mod Heat1

 

1

Ricky

Elliot

85,

2

Jimmy

Chester

44

3

Darren

McCaughly

28

4

Steve

Durand

5D

5

Craig

VonDoren

dr1

6

John

Dixon

47D

7

Carmine

Infante

24

9

Joe

Dekutoski

37

10

Jim

Stong

50