HOFFMAN TOPS HEARN IN THRILLING TURKEY CHASE 50 SATURDAY AT BRIDGEPORT

BRIDGEPORT, NJ NOVEMBER 15, 2003 . . . . A big crowd and a field

of one-hundred and thirty-three race cars filled the Bridgeport Speedway on

Saturday for the Great Turkey Chase Northeast season finale for the big

block modifieds and sportsman. Doug Hoffman of Allentown, PA collected the

$4,000 payoff for the win in the 50 lap Great Turkey Chase as Billy Briggs

was the winner of the twenty-lap sportsman feature. This event was the

third race of the COMDIAL Telephone Communications BIG SHOW Series and was

presented to remember former Bridgeport Speedway Promoter George Wingate. A

large crowd braved the cool and breezy day that offered a star filled field

of seventy-seven big block modifieds and fifty-six sportsman.

This Great Turkey Chase was co-promoted by Bridgeport Speedway track owner

Ed Kelley and special events promoter Bob Miller. "This show was a huge

success when you consider the time of year, elements of the weather and the

limited amount of time we had to organized and present the event", commented

Kelley who offer a smile at the end of this statement.

The COMDIAL Telephone Communications time trials saw Ricky Elliott set fast

time and collect the $200 bonus as well as a TACO Carburator. The Top

eight drivers in time trials (Elliott, Bob McCreadie, Billy Pauch, Mike

Iles, Rick Laubach, Brett Hearn, Richie Pratt and Duane Howard) went to

battle in the 5 lap "go for the pole Dash". Brett Hearn was the winner and

in doing so, earned the pole starting position in the 50 Lap Great Turkey

Chase for modifieds. With the large field of cars, two "C" mains were

presented with Pat Ward and Sam Wescott taking the win. Twenty-two cars

lined-up for the NAPA Auto Parts Last Chance Challenge and Ryan Godown was

the winner of that event.

In the Great Turkey Chase 50, Brett Hearn and Ricky Elliott went to battle

at the drop of the green flag. Elliott made several attempts to take the

lead but had to settle down and defend his runner-up spot as Doug Hoffman

moved into the picture. Tim Fuller was also on the move, passing Elliott

for third on lap ten. The battle was intense as the leaders swapped paint

in the run for the lead. Hoffman continued to work Hearn and using the

high groove, he moved into the lead on lap twenty.

With the halfway sign displayed, Hoffman, Hearn, Rick Laubach, Tim Fuller

and Ricky Elliott were racing in the top five. Suddenly, Frank Cozze was on

mission, moving into fourth on lap twenty-seven.

In the final stages, Hearn again moved closer to Hoffman but time was

running out. Frank Cozze was also enjoying a great run, moving into third

on lap forty-four. With the checker flag waiving, Doug Hoffman took the

victory over Brett Hearn, Frank Cozze, Rick Laubach, and Tim Fuller.

Fifty-six sportsman stock cars were split into four heat race events win

victories going to Bob Sarkisian, Ron Roberts, Bob Lileck and Dominick

Buffalino, Jr. Two modified consolations were presented with Paul Marra

and Tom Hager coming home the winners.

In the twenty lap sportsman feature, Billy Briggs was the winner, leading

the entire distance. Richie Pratt made a strong run for the win but had to

settle for second followed by Bob Lileck, Ron Roberts and Jim Dallett.

MODIFIED FEATURE FINISH: Doug Hoffman, Brett Hearn, Frank Cozze, Rick

Laubach, Tim Fuller, Ricky Elliott, Jimmy Horton, Pat Ward, Kenny

Brightbill, Danny Johnson, Jimmy Chester, Donny Radd, Dave Adams, Mike Iles,

Steve Bottcher, Bucky Kell, Gary Hager, Brian Kressley, Richie Pratt, Danny

Heiber, Mike Lyons, Bob McCreadie, Duane Howard, Darren MCCaughey, Billy

Pauch, Mark Bitner, Kevin Hirthler, Billy Decker, Mark Forte, Keith

Hoffman, Ryan Godown, Joe DeKutoski.

SPORTSMAN FEATURE FINISH: Bill Briggs, Richie Pratt, Bob Lileck, Ron

Roberts, Jim Adllett, Bob Sarkisian, Mike Lyons, Drew Ricco, Dom Buffalino,

Tom Mller, Larry Kline, Jack Swain, Gene swavinski, Donnie Kline, Dave Hunt,

Jim Britt, Jay Horton, Jeff Geiges, Brian Godown, Alan Hotaling, Steve

Lindale, Jim Falzin, Bob Dmuchowski, Paul Marra, Rich Page, Tom Hager, Eric

Korman.