Hoffman Memorial Race: Friesen Edges Sheppard for 52nd STSS Career Win
The 126 car, owned by Glenn and Bonita Hyneman, returned to Bridgeport with Dominick Buffalino behind the wheel. The car featured a new Morrison big-block engine in a 2022 Bicknell chassis. Despite setting fast time in qualifying, Buffalino's race ended early due to a flat tire after contact with Matt Sheppard.
Two dirt racers battle side-by-side
Stewart Friesen claimed his 52nd STSS career win, putting him ahead of Matt Sheppard's 51 victories. This marked the 204th STSS event, with Bridgeport hosting 8 previous races across its various configurations. Ryan Watt remains the only repeat STSS winner at the track.
Friesen, coming from a NASCAR Truck Series race where mechanical issues ended his strong run, will compete at Martinsville before heading to the Super DIRTcar Series opener at New Egypt Speedway.
Anthony Perrego showed impressive recovery, advancing from 24th to finish in the top-5. Matt Sheppard, after a 300-mile journey from Savannah, NY, finished second and now leads the STSS south series points by 14 over Dillion Steuer.
Rick Laubach ran his Syracuse Super DIRT Week car with a Sy-Murray big block, leading his heat race before fuel pressure issues ended his day. He plans to race at Big Diamond on Fridays, Bridgeport on Saturdays, and select Super DIRTcar Series events.
The feature race saw only 14 of 30 starters finish. A late-race incident involved Alex Yankowski, Ryan Godown, and Billy Osmun, with Godown and Osmun suffering significant damage. Pole-sitter Billy Pauch Jr. retired early due to power steering failure.
The event honored former Promoter Doug Hoffman, who ranks among Bridgeport's top-5 all-time winners with 123 victories. The next STSS event is scheduled for May 6th at Accord Speedway.