Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14
New Jersey Motorsports Park 8000 Dividing Creek Rd Millville, NJ 08332
Year Opened: 1955
Capacity: 150,000
New Jersey’s Place to Race
Taking over part of a historic WWII airfield, New Jersey Motorsports Park is a unique facility. Featuring two race circuits, condos on site, and historic landmarks, this is definitely a track that sets itself apart from the rest. Having hosted the likes of Indy NXT and IMSA in years past, the current marque event is the annual Summer SpeedTour round. Featuring SVRA, FR and F4, and Formula Race Promotions, this event offers lots to see in a state that doesn’t have much when it comes to motorsports.
Food & Beverage 2
There isn’t much for concessions at NJMP – aside from a few food trucks, the offerings are slim. There is one concession stand at the bottom of the main paddock building next to the track store, but some days it isn’t even open for fans. There is, however, a full-service restaurant on premises that is open during race weekends called The Finish Line Pub, that is always popular among crews and drivers.
Atmosphere 3
The track itself has undergone some significant renovations in recent years – a full repave of the track, as well as upgrades to the viewing grandstands, are just a few of the changes. There are also the new trackside condos that are under construction, which should add to the quality of the experience at NJMP.
While no large single grandstand exists for the track, multiple small general admission grandstands are placed around the circuit, meaning you can watch from numerous angles around the course to catch the action all day. The main paddock also features a two-floor building with a second-level patio that overlooks the back straight, as well as a track team store downstairs where you can pick up NJMP merchandise.
Neighborhood 3
The town of Millville is uniquely located just outside the famous Jersey Shore area of Cape May. Located in the southern portion of the state, this quiet town doesn’t have much in terms of attractions outside of the track and the Airport Museum next door. There are several restaurant and hotel chains nearby that can satisfy your needs, but this area is kind of out of the way from most other parts of the state that would be more attractive to tourism.
Fans 3
The fans at NJMP don’t have many large events at the circuit anymore, meaning the SpeedTour weekend is the biggest race of the year. With that said, while they don’t come out in droves for the race, they still make their presence known with a respectable crowd on race day. Add to this the car shows that are scheduled during the event, and you have solid attendance when looking down from the rooftop viewing platform.
Access 3
To get to New Jersey Motorsports Park, take route 55 south from Highway 40 or the greater Philadelphia area. Then, just follow all signage to the Millville Airport – there is plenty of signage taking you to the track once you get closer. Parking on site is plentiful and easy to find, and a large track map helps you find your way once you get inside the main entrance. However, once off route 55 most of the roads are small town roads with plenty of stop signs and traffic lights, leading to a slower drive into the facility.
Return on Investment 4
Tickets to SpeedTour weekend at NJMP are very affordable; a one-day ticket is just $20, and a three-day pass only costs $40. Parking on site is free and plentiful – add to this the ease of getting around the circuit to view multiple locations from various general admission grandstands, and you have a great race value for the whole family.
Extras 4
The track was once part of a WWII fighter training field, so you can see various artifacts from that era around the circuit. The biggest attraction is the gun sight test range, where bullet holes are still visible in the concrete bunker right next to the track.
The track also has a rooftop terrace on the main tower, giving you views of practically the entire circuit. Finally, autograph sessions are held for FR and F4 drivers during the weekend, giving you a chance to meet some of the brightest stars of racing before they make it to the big time.
Final Thoughts
Though not the most spectacular or special circuit around, New Jersey Motorsports Park fills a need in the region. Not much is available for motorsports enthusiasts in New Jersey, so this circuit offers something not found elsewhere nearby.
If you’re looking to check a track off the list, a swing through the Garden State may be in the cards if you’re here during SpeedTour weekend.
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