Doug Hoffman backs up last weekend’s flawless victory with a surprising come-from behind- win at CarQuest Auto Parts Night at Bridgeport Speedway
The Big Block Modified 25-lap feature event winner was decided on the last turn of the last lap during CarQuest Auto Parts Night at Bridgeport Speedway, Tuesday June 29, 2004. Kenny Brightbill appeared to have his first win since 1997 until Duane Howard’s wreck on turn 3 brought out the caution, gathered the field and gave Doug Hoffman a shot at the win. “The Invaders” proved to be quite a challenge for the locals as the DIRT Southeast series drivers took on the Bridgeport regulars. The night was jam packed with action along with a heartfelt remembrance of the old days at Flemington Speedway with former promoter Paul Kuhl on hand for the night’s festivities.
Bridgeport regular Jammin Jamie Mills started on the pole, held the position for 6 laps and dropped out of the race on lap 7. Brightbill took the lead on the same lap with a dominating move on the front straightaway. He ran away from the rest of the pack while a tough battle for 3rd broke out between Rick Laubach, Ricky Elliott, and Duane Howard.
As the final lap drew closer, Doug Hoffman planned his attack on Kenny Brightbill. As the two leaders raced wheel to wheel coming out of turn 4 on the last lap, Hoffman crossed the finish line running outside of Kenny Brightbill. Hoffman won his third feature event at Bridgeport this past Saturday night and backed it up with a spectacular finish in the Bridgeport Modified Non-Point event Tuesday evening.
The top five in the CarQuest Auto Parts Big Block Modified event were: Doug Hoffman, Kenny Brightbill, Ricky Elliott, Jimmy Horton, and Mike Iles.
Sam Wescott wins big in the Sportsman Division at Bridgeport during Car Quest Auto Parts Night, Tuesday June 29th
Sam Wescott took the lead from pole sitter Paul Collins on lap 3 of the 25 lap feature, using the inside line to his advantage. Richie Pratt Jr loomed in third place just waiting for his chance to lead. Pratt and Wescott battled side by side for the lead on lap 9 as a 4 car scuffle involving Paul Collins, Ron Roberts, Rich Stinson, and Bob Lineman waged for the third spot on turns 1 and 2. Lap 13 found Pratt suffering from mechanical failure as his second place sportsman smoked it’s way into the pit area. Wescott enjoyed a half-of-a-straightaway lead while Rich Stinson stole second place from Ron Roberts. Sam Wescott’s third feature win of the season was locked in as the final laps were counted.
Rounding out the top five were; Sam Wescott, Rich Stinson, Ron Roberts, Paul Collins and Mike Hughes.
Brian Seidel collects win number 4 when the URC Sprints visited Bridgeport Speedway for Car Quest Auto Parts night on Tuesday June 29, 2004
Brian Seidel was once again the class of the field with this 4th win of the Advanced Auto Parts URC Sprint 2004 season. The lead was shared between a few different drivers,
keeping the fans on the edge of their seats. Randy West led the field on lap 1 and continued in the top spot for 7 laps. West would be the first of many race leaders to have mechanical problems throughout the night. His misfortune on lap 7 handed the lead over to Ed Aikin. Aikin held on the lead for a few laps with Sean Michael, Dave Ely, and Kevin Welsh not too far behind him. On lap 13, Kevin Welsh flew by Aikin with Dave Ely in tow for second. The lead would switch between Welsh and Ely for several more laps. As the final laps approached, Kevin Welsh would become another leader to suffer mechanical problems, taking him out of the race and giving Dave Ely a chance to catch his breath. As the white flag flew and Dave Ely came around turn 3 fans watched as the Dave Ely, the race leader lost the steering in his vehicle. He hit the wall hard and flipped over, causing significant damage to his car. Fortunately, Dave Ely was uninjured. Brian Seidel who had a strong run in the top five for most of the night would cross the finish line first. He was followed by Dave McGough in second, Ed Aikin in third, Sean Michael in fourth and Jason Claus in fifth.
Modified Last Chance Race Results June 29, 2004 (8 laps) 1. GR Smith 2. Tom Pompei 3. Mark Forte 4. Mike Iles 5. Jimmy Chester 6. Mike Franz 7. Kerry Kratz 8. Jeff Ebersol
600 Micro Feature Results June 29, 2004 (25 laps) 1. Gary Hunter 2. Tim Luig 3. Rick Steif 4. Glen Heverin 5. Rob Vivon6. Phil Meisner 7. Bill Thomas 8. Derek Bartleson 9. Jack Conover 10. Dan McMahon 11. Jim Tippin 12. Mark Harkleroad 13.George Ulmer 14. Gary Waegel 15. Rich Mycoff 16. Snookie Vent 17. Kyle Smith 18. Ralph Cunningham19. Matt Ward 20. Davey Sammons 21. Barry Racan 22. Charlie Groling 23. Scott Smith 24. Mark Nestor 25. Sam Casella 26. Dave Graziano
Sportsman Feature Results June 29, 2004 (25 laps) 1. Sam Wescott 2. Rich Stinson 3. Ron Roberts 4. Paul Collins 5. Mike Hughes 6. John Heckler 7. Eric Korman 8. Bob Lineman Jr 9. Kevin Collins 10. Dennis Price 11. Rob Pierce 12. Jim Britt 13. Drew Ricco 14. Lou Farina 15. Joe Langshaw 16. Mark Forte Jr 17. Bob Lilick 18. Richie Pratt Jr 19. Larry Kline 20. Bill Klingmeyer
21. Dan Cogdill 22. Steve Lozorak 23. Sean Carman 24. Mark Schweibinz
ARDC Midget Results June 29,2004 (25 laps) 1. Ray Bull 2. Don Trent II 3. Dave Shirk 4. Frank Polimea 5. Michelle Miller 6. Steve Craig 7. Mike Miller 8. Scott Zippo 9. Tracey Miller 10. Jack Spence 11. Carey Becker 12. Fred Schell 13. Billy Courtwright 14. Steve Buckwater
URC Sprint Feature June 29, 2004 (25 LAPS) 1. Brian Seidel 2. Dave McGough 3. Ed Aikin 4. Sean Michaels 5. Jason Claus 6. Jon Eldreth 7. Josh Weller 8. Trevor Lewis 9. Joe Zuczek 10. Dave Ely 11. Kevin Welsh 12. Tim Hogue 13. Scott Pursell 14. Randy West 15. Kramer Williamson 15. Coyle
Bridgeport Speedway is located on 83 Floodgate Rd off of 295 at exit 14 in Bridgeport NJ. The “fastest track in the East” is working to become the best track in the East, offering fans family ticket packages and improving the facilities at the speedway. Brand new rest rooms and skyboxes have recently been installed, the first of many renovations scheduled for Bridgeport Speedway. For more information about events at the track, check out www.bridgeportspeedway.net or call Dave Adams at 856-467-4408.