Ricky Elliott, Ken Watson, and two first time winners Jon Brennfleck and Tom Miller drove into Victory Lane on Saturday, September 11th 2004 at Bridgeport Speedway
Ricky Elliott, of Seaford DE, was the first driver to take the checkered flag at Bridgeport Speedway as he led only one lap in the 25-lap, Pepsi-sponsored, Big Block Modified Feature. That one lap just happened to be the one that mattered most. Mark Forte of Blue Anchor NJ, led the early laps as he was locked into a 10-lap battle with Don Barone. Barone of Greenbrook, NJ pulled out in front of Forte on lap 11 coming out of turn 4. Just seconds prior to a yellow flag, Forte regained the lead as he and Barone split lapped cars on lap 14. Kevin Hirthler of Green Lane PA, made the most of the restart when he ducked underneath Forte advancing into the lead position. A multi-car pile up brought out the 4th caution when Wade Hendrickson was involved in a heart-stopping wreck in turn 3 on lap 15. Once confirmation that all drivers involved were alright, the green flag flew and Hirthler led as the feature stayed green until lap 22 when Jimmy Chester who was running strong all night long, blew a tire and was forced to pit. The closing laps brought a surprising ending when Ricky "The Rocket" Elliott made a power-move on turn one, stealing the lead from Hirthler. Elliott secured the top spot and took home his 9th Bridgeport trophy this season. Bridgeport race fans got to see long-time veteran Don Fanslau take his last laps around Bridgeport. Fanslau of Swedesboro NJ, announced his retirement after 25 years of racing. He will take on a new role, as car owner for Kyle Strickler next season. Don "Slick" Fanslau began his racing career on June 9, 1979 and passed the torch to Strickler this past Saturday night
Jon Brennfleck, of Ewing, NJ became a first time winner when he took home the Jasper Sprint trophy Saturday night at Bridgeport. After running a consistent season in 2004, Brennfleck finally came home in the top spot in the 20-lap feature. Jack Curtis of Frazer, PA and Jeff Davis from Mt. Laurel, NJ battled for first with Curtis leading the field for 16 laps. While Curtis led, Jon Brennfleck ran in the top ten, preparing for his charge on the 17th circuit. Brennfleck and Curtis fought side by side on the back straightaway until Brennfleck outraced Curtis in the final laps. Brennfleck drove into 92.5 WXTU Victory Lane for the first time at Bridgeport NJ, excited to claim his first career win at The Fastest Dirt Track in the East.
Tom Miller became the second first-time winner at Bridgeport Speedway on Saturday, September 11, 2004. Better known as "Elvis", Miller was noticeably elated to earn his trip to the winner's circle. "Finally! That feels good" Miller declared in his post-race interview. Miller led all 20 laps in the Sunoco Sportsman feature but not without some challenges during the very first lap. After 3 consecutive restarts before one lap could be recorded, Tom Miller exercised his ability to get out front on each restart. Once the race was underway, Miller demonstrated just how bad he wanted the win. Point leader Richie Pratt Jr got caught up in 2 of the 3 cautions on the first lap, putting him in the back on the restarts. Kevin Collins, hailing from Laurel DE, fought his way through the pack taking the third spot from Bill Klingmeyer on lap 17. A three car battle for 2nd ensued on lap 18, between Klingmeyer, Collins and
Ron Roberts. The final laps allowed Collins to take 2nd while Miller enjoyed crossing the finish line first.
The Outlaw Stock division made a special Saturday night run at Bridgeport Speedway. In a 20-lap feature, the lead was shared between two different drivers, Ken Watson and Brian Ludwig. Brian Ludwig led for the first 13 laps as Watson worked his way up to the back of Ludwig's bumper. Watson got by Ludwig on a restart on lap 14. A 6-car battle for the top spots began on the following lap as Watson barely crossed the finish line after turning sideways out of turn 4 on the last lap. Watson managed to hold on to the lead and scored his 2nd win of the Bridgeport 2004 season. This was Ken Watson's 7th career win at Bridgeport.
Big Block Modified Results ( 25 Laps) 1 Ricky Elliott 2 Duane Howard 3 Kevin Hirthler 4 Doug Hoffman 5 Don Barone 6 Mike Iles 7 Kyle Strickler 8 Mike Franz 9 Mark Forte 10 Troy Ale 11 Steve Durand 12 Carmine Infante 13 Jimmy Chester 14 Bob Sarkisian 15 Joe Pozzella 16 Joel Boinske 17 Bobby Firth 18 Jamie Mills 19 Wade Hendrickson 20 Howard O'Neal 21 Mark Schweibinz 22 Butch Glisson 23 Scott Irwin 24 Dave Howard
Sunoco Sportsman Results (20 Laps) 1 Tom Miller 2 Kevin Collins 3 Bill Klingmeyer 4 Ron Roberts 5 Rich Stinson 6 Sean Carman 7 Drew Ricco 8 Steve Lindale 9 Dennis Price 10 John Kelly 11 Rob Pierce 12 John Pratt 13 Paul Collins 14 Bob Lineman Jr 15 Sam Wescott 16 Dave Hunt 17 Mark Forte, Jr 18 Bob Lilick 19 Brian Sadler 20 Anthony Moran 21 Richie Pratt Jr 22 John Salvatore 23 John Pursell 24 Billy Harris 25 Tim Apgar 26 Don Bogey
Jasper Sprints Results (20 Laps) 1 Jon Brennfleck 2 Jack Curtis 3 Jeff Davis 4 Mark Bitner 5 John Wyers 6 Mares Stellfox 7 Jeff Foote 8 Joe Thuet 9 Dave Brown 10 Lee Nardelli 11 Bob Rasmussen 12 Shane Smith 13 Torrey Rose 14 Vince Gangemi 15 Jim Fowler 16 Jim Wyers
Outlaw Stock Feature Results (20 Laps) 1 Ken Watson 2 Brian Ludwig 3 Mike Hires 4 Steve Stark 5 Gary Klimeeczak 6 Rich Franchetti 7 David Gould Jr 8 Joe Trumbetti 9 Ron Dirkes 10 Frank Ashmen 11 Jeff Dirkes 12 Jess Degarmo 13 Bob Dooley 14 Fred Ingham 15 Rick Latza 16 Brandon Alettzmo 17 Joan Read 18 Chris Prychka 19 Rick Haegle 20 Rick Erbrink 21 Chuck Faisst 22 Bill Dwespohl 23 Pat Hires