By Pete Wortman
SWEDESBORO, N.J. (May 16, 2026) — Andrew Turpin of Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania captured his first career victory with the DCB Plumbing & Heating Mid-Atlantic Sprint Series presented by Capitol Renegade Saturday night at Bridgeport Speedway.
Turpin took advantage of his front row starting position by leading all 25 laps of the A-Main. He negotiated lapped traffic masterfully during the second half of the event before holding off a fast-closing Kyle Spence in the final laps to score the biggest win of his young career.
Turpin and Eddie Wagner brought the 24-car field to the green flag with Turpin quickly taking command as third-starting Tyler Grau charged forward to challenge for the lead. Wagner and Spence, making his first career series start, chased the top two while eighth-starting Jon Brennfleck quickly worked into the top five.
Ninth-starting Troy Betts took fifth away from Brennfleck just before the event’s first caution waved on lap four for opening night winner Tim Iulg, who slowed on the backstretch and ended his evening. A three-car frontstretch tangle on the restart saw Ryan Stillwaggon roll onto his side, forcing a second restart attempt.
The ensuing restart proved to be the event’s final caution. Grau dove underneath Turpin but could not complete the slider as Turpin maintained the lead. Spence continued his impressive run by grabbing third from Wagner before racing side-by-side with Grau for second. Defending series champion Betts also continued his charge and was scored fourth after just six laps.
By halfway, Turpin had stretched his lead to half a straightaway as he began encountering lapped traffic. Grau, Spence, and Betts all raced closely together while trying to reel in the leader, but Turpin instead used traffic to his advantage and extended his lead to nearly a full straightaway.
The battle for second intensified late in the race as Spence held off Betts before tracking down Grau. Spence finally secured the runner-up spot with three laps remaining, while Betts followed him past Grau on the next circuit. Spence closed rapidly on Turpin in the closing laps, but time ran out as Turpin crossed the line 1.27 seconds ahead for his first MASS triumph.
Spence turned in an impressive runner-up finish in his first series appearance. Betts increased his point lead with his third podium finish in as many races. Brian Carber rallied from 12th starting position to finish fourth, while Dave Brown, winner of the previous series event, completed the top five.
