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SWEDESBORO, NJ – The second annual Joe Kay (JWK12) Memorial Weekend lived up to every expectation as fans packed the grandstands at Bridgeport Motorsports Park and witnessed an unforgettable night of racing on the ultra-smooth, high-banked racing surface. With emotional tributes, side-by-side racing, and several first-time winners highlighting the program, it was the type of night that would have made Joe Kay proud.
Fans and competitors alike turned the grandstands red in honor of Kay, creating a fitting backdrop for one of the most memorable events of the 2026 season.
Leading the way was the DCB’s Plumbing & Heating Mid-Atlantic Sprint Series Joe Kay Memorial, where the Smith brothers put on a family showcase in the 30-lap, $4,012-to-win feature event. After both winning their respective heat races earlier in the evening, Mike Smith and Johnny Smith raced to a memorable one-two finish, with Mike collecting the prestigious Joe Kay Memorial victory and the $4,012 winner’s share.
A stellar field of 32 Sprint Cars signed in for competition, but when the checkered flag waved it was Mike Smith standing atop the podium ahead of Johnny Smith. Jared Kreider completed the podium with his strongest performance of the season in third. Defending series champion Troy Betts finished fourth, while fast qualifier Tim Iulg rounded out the top five.
The Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz Modifieds produced one of the most exciting finishes of the year as second-generation racer Mike Franz scored an emotional first victory of the season.
Rookie sensation Luke Bunting led much of the 30-lap feature before a mid-race restart placed Franz in position to challenge for the lead. Franz took advantage and appeared to have the race under control until former Bridgeport Champion and current point leader Ryan Godown charged from his 12th starting position to challenge for the win in the closing laps.
As the leaders took the white flag, Godown surged past Franz entering turns one and two. Refusing to surrender, Franz battled back on the outside and reclaimed the lead exiting turn two. The crowd erupted as Franz raced away over the final half lap to secure a thrilling victory over Godown. Bunting completed the podium in third, followed by Cale Ross and Brian Papiez.
The Demers Heating & Cooling Sportsman feature delivered another heartwarming story as Corey Andersen returned to victory lane.
When the opportunity arose to reunite with veteran car owner Howard Huepfel and the familiar No. 9A machine, Andersen wasn’t certain if returning to competition was the right decision. The young father of two ultimately trusted the successful history they had built together and climbed back behind the wheel.
Despite battling overheating issues during his heat race, Andersen started from the pole position in the 25-lap feature and never looked back. Holding off repeated challenges from Wayne Weaver, Andersen captured his first Bridgeport victory in recent seasons. Weaver finished second with Matt Ellery, Ronnie Solomon III, and Matt Peck completing the top five.
The D.A.’s Auto Body & Repair Rookie Division continued to showcase emerging talent as Drew Ziegler scored his second consecutive feature victory. Ziegler led the way over Brayden Morrison and Billy Interrante to continue his impressive early-season momentum.
In the Insta Signs Plus Four Cylinders, Lee Allen raced to victory ahead of Joe Garey Sr., Jon Parker, Kelly Fleming, and Rob Weil.
From emotional tributes and packed grandstands to breakthrough victories and dramatic finishes, the second annual Joe Kay Memorial Weekend delivered everything race fans could have hoped for. The combination of outstanding competition, family stories, and memorable first-time winners made for a special evening that honored the memory of Joe Kay in the best way possible—through great racing and an unforgettable atmosphere at the Kingdom of Speed.
DANNY’S PIZZA PIZZAZZ MODIFIED A-MAIN (30 LAPS)
1. Mike Franz, 2. Ryan Godown, 3. Luke Bunting, 4. Cale Ross, 5. Brian Papiez, 6. Dillon Steuer, 7. Sammy Martz, Jr., 8. Neal Williams, 9. Danny Bouc, 10. Dominick Buffalino, 11. Stan Frankenfield, Jr., 12. Billy Osmun, III, 13. Kevin Hirthler, 14. Ryan Krachun, 15. Coleby Frye, 16. Wade Hendrickson, 17. H.J. Bunting, 18. Blaine Bracelin, 19. Frank Cozze, 20. Billy Pauch, Jr., 21. Anthony Tramontana, 22. Richie Pratt, Jr., 23. Johnny Bangs, 24. D.J. Hunt, DNQ – Jeff Parker, Kevin Borden, Rusty Smith
MID-ATLANTIC SPRINT SERIES – JOE KAY MEMORIAL – $4,012 TO WIN A-MAIN (30 LAPS)
1. Mike Smith, 2. Johnny Smith, 3. Jared Kreider, 4. Troy Betts, 5. Tim Iulg, 6. Brian Carber, 7. Adam Carberry, 8. Bob DeVault, 9. Jordan Thomas, 10. Rick Lafferty, 11. Eddie Wagner, 12. D.J. Tanner, Jr., 13. Shelby Kelly, 14. Jeff Weaver, 15. Robbie Stillwaggon, 16. Ryan Schultz, 17. Ryan Stillwaggon, 18. Tyler Grau, 19. Tim Tanner, 20. Matt McAnally, 21. Aidan Borden, 22. Kenny Laureno, 23. Cody West, 24. Mark Bitner, DNQ – Dave Brown, Dale Eggert, Mark Connely, Keith Anderson, Mike Shea, Kurt Rainey, Dan Leaper
DEMERS HEATING & COOLING SPORTSMAN A-MAIN (25 LAPS)
1. Corey Andersen, 2. Wayne Weaver, 3. Matt Ellery, 4. Ronnie Solomon, III, 5. Matt Peck, 6. P.J. Bozowski, 7. Travis Hill, 8. Zane Roth, 9. Brad Roberts, 10. Jesse Hirthler, 11. Trent Willey, 12. Charlie Cossaboone, 13. Brayden Morrison, 14. Billy Chester, 15. Aiden Spencer, 16. Ethan Young, 17. Dylan Morris, 18. Jim Wyers, 19. Christopher Buffalino, 20. John Scarpati, 21. Mike Hughes, Jr., 22. Tyler Lilick, 23. Kris Lilick, 24. Ryan Anderson, 25. Steve Kemery, DNQ – Lexi Wilson, Scott Hulmes, Chris Bergstorm, Matt Blakeslee, Justin Lilick, Randy Rommell, Dave Damiano, Pete Serra, Walter McIntyre, John Norcia, Tim Borror, Billy Interrante,
D.A.’S AUTO BODY & REPAIR ROOKIE A-MAIN (7 LAPS)
1. Drew Ziegler, 2. Brayden Morrison, 3. Billy Interrante, 4. Tom Carpenter, 5. Tyler Lilick, 6. Randy Rommell, 7. James Allen, 8. J.D. Darling, 9. C.K. Keiper, 10. Matt Blakeslee, 11. Sarah Lynn
INSTA SIGNS PLUS FOUR CYLINDER A-MAIN (15 LAPS)
1. Lee Allen, 2. Joe Garey, Sr., 3. Jon Parker, 4. Kelly Fleming, 5. Rob Weil, 6. Bri Stein, DNS – Dale Moll, Mark Stein
Bridgeport Motorsports Park returns to action next week as the 2026 season continues at the Kingdom of Speed with another exciting night of dirt track racing. Fans can visit the track’s official social media channels for schedules, results, and upcoming event information.
Thank you to everyone that makes the Kingdom of Speed Possible…..
VP Fuels
American Racer (Lias Tire)
Liberty Kenworth
Church’s Auto Parts
Premio Sausage
Precision Hydraulic & Oil
Millville Glass & Door
Design For Vision
Rodota Trucking & Excavating
Scrappy’s Auto Service
Hyper Racing
Izzi Trucking & Rigging
Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz
Ellery’s Pub & Grill
Ice Less llc.
Hoffman Discount Parts
Weaknecht Archery
Hisko Lowboy
Lineman Racing
Cenco Oil
Bob Hilbert Sportswear
Cassidy Painting
TW Metals
Hessert Chevrolet
Triple R Truck Parts
John Blewett Scrap & Waste Recycling
Pioneer Pole Buildings
F&L Doors – FLDoors.com
EZ Work Trucks
J&S Electrical
Melton Industries
Pro Tek Roofing
Johns Manville
Beacon Building Products
@Victory Fuel
DTM Kawasaki
Amwell Auto Body
Williams Napa
Prime Design Landscaping
Bett’s Garage
Insta Signs Plus
Fogg Chiropractic
Sublmtd Apparel
All State Auto Glass
Marvel’s Welding
A Service Company
Brewer Home Improvements, llc
Pete Clark & Sons Auto Body
Demers Heating and Cooling
Straight Up Construction
