2015 Bridgeport Speedway 1/4 Mile Information & Awareness

Bridgeport, NJ – The hot topic this current off-season surrounding NJ oval track racing, in particular Bridgeport Speedway’s 1/4 mile events has been the newly formed ‘head and neck restraint’ law. The NJSP, who governs all racing in the state of New Jersey, has mandated that all drivers will be required to wear a head and neck restraint system meeting SFI specification 38.1 while having an SFI tag certified by the manufacturer.

This information is 100% accurate for the ‘weekly’ racers in the 600, 270, and 4 and 8 cylinder
divisions.  However, the NJSP does realize that this new rule could and would affect any races where certain touring series visit NJ as well as any special track events that have an out-of-state presence. The ‘head and neck restraint’ rule WILL NOT be in affect at select certain events.  As in previous years, all drivers must still wear some sort of head and neck protection even if not meeting the SFI 38.1 specification.

The 1/4 mile Poker Series events as well as the two end-of-year special events have been granted this exemption.  Six Sunday Poker events (May 3, May 31, June 21, July 5, Aug 23, and Sept 13 as well as Sept 26 ‘Romp in the Swamp’ event and the Bill Thomas Memorial Oct 23/24 Weekend.  600 and 270 micros along with the Slingshots and Stage-1 Modifieds as well as the STARS Mod Lites and ARDC midget events will also be on the exemption list dates.

*All Friday night competitors MUST adhere to the ‘head and neck restraint’ rule – no questions asked. Even if you are not a regular driver at Bridgeport, to race on a ‘non-exempt’ night (including practices) you MUST have the proper equipment to compete on the track.  If you are unsure of your status please call thetrack office at 609-856-4407 or Danny Serrano at 609-433-4487.

These ‘special show’ exemptions have a two-year leniency policy (2015 & 2016) however, the track strongly suggests that all drivers obtain the proper safety apparatus for this newly passed rule before the concrete deadline starting January 2017, any driver competing in the state of NJ MUST have the certified and up-to-date equipment.

All other NJ racing rules are still in affect as previous years.  Please look over the following link
http://njsp.org/divorg/operations/mv-racetrack-info.html to make sure the driver and race car is up to the NJ safety standards.*Age Requirements Defined – To race a 600 micro sprint you MUST be 16 years of age (providing proof of age and parent/minor wavier signed).  270 micros and Slingshot drivers must be at least 14 years of age (providing proof of age and parent/minor waiver signed.)  Any driver wishing to compete in the aforementioned special events who DO NOT meet these age requirements, please log onto the website above and go through the necessary steps to obtain the privilege to compete (it is based on a case-by-case scenario and is also very time-sensitive to the event).  If you need help regarding this subject please contact Danny Serrano at 609-433-4487.

600 Wingless Micros – Although every car is required to have a working transponder, traditional hand scoring is still an important part of all racing events.  Without a prominent number on the side of a wing, hand scoring can certainly be that much more difficult.  Bridgeport is highly recommending the use of a ‘number plate’ which can be attached to the rear vertical roll cage bar.  The maximum sheet metal plate measurement is 10″x 10″.  We greatly appreciate the drivers’ help and cooperation in this matter.

There are two practice sessions on the 1/4 mile scheduled before the season opens up on Friday, April 10.Saturday, March 21 and Saturday, April 4 all divisions who plan on competing on the 1/4 mile track at any point during the 2015 season, are encouraged to participate in these practices.  The chase for the 2015track championships will begin on April 10 as the wingless 600 mircos, 270 micros, 4-cylinders, and 8-cylinders are set to compete on opening night.  For all the latest information you can log ontowww.bpspeedway.com.