New Jersey Motorsports Park [Archive] - Improved Touring Racing Forums

emwavey

06-03-2004, 04:12 PM

Article pieces:
"MILLVILLE -- The municipal airport will be the site of a $100 million motorsports resort park,... Millville officials and developers announced Tuesday... The centerpiece of the plan is Thunderbolt Raceway, a 4.1-mile-long course designed to host a broad range of automotive and motorbiking events beginning in spring 2006... The Millville site is to be an improved version of the VIR, Siegel said..."

>>> For the Full Story:
http://www.thedailyjournal.com/news/storie...ews/551611.html (http://www.thedailyjournal.com/news/stories/20040602/localnews/551611.html)

Poll: (bottom right-hand side)
"Daily Journal Interactive Poll"
http://www.thedailyjournal.com/index.html#

I've been talking to one of the guys on the "green flag committee", JD King, and it looks like things are really moving along. Support from other local racers on this matter is most appreciated... he's asking, "please vote often, and ask members of your circle of friends to vote often".

Translation:
This is so (insert favorate adjective here) Cool!!!

"A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday June 15 at 7:00 at Millville City
Hall,
12 High Street, 4th Floor Commissioner's Chambers. For more information, the
number is (856) 825-7000. If you live in Cumberland County, please consider
attending this meeting and showing your support for the project."

------------------
-dave
8)
Got Photos?... post 'em here: http://y3k.shacknet.nu:31338/gallery/

gran racing

06-03-2004, 10:14 PM

Ah, I was thinking Millville CT. NJ still pretty cool, but a bit of a longer trip!

------------------
Dave Gran
NER #13 ITA
'87 Honda Prelude

emwavey

06-04-2004, 07:41 PM

Here's the website...

http://www.njmotorsportspark.com/

If ... no I mean WHEN this is built, my drive to the track will be about 40 minutes.

The cool thing about this for some anyway, is it is being built right next to an airport. Some of the more well-to-do folks would be able to store their car on site, most likely have it worked on, and basically fly in, drive/race, and fly out. They are also planning a 200 room Hotel on site with lots of posh ammenities.

The main track looks like it can be divided into two smaller tracks... each having it's own paddock area. There is also a tri-oval and a go-kart track.

Please help us and vote, the more often the better!

------------------
-dave
8)
Got Photos?... post 'em here: http://y3k.shacknet.nu:31338/gallery/

[This message has been edited by emwavey (edited June 04, 2004).]

emwavey

06-05-2004, 09:32 PM

This is a quote from our Regional Exec from the S. Jersey Region SCCA...

"Subject: South Jersey Region in need

ADVERTISEMENT

Friends and racers,

This in an all out appeal!!

This track is proposed in South Jersey and means a great deal to the local
community, the least of which is the South Jersey Region, SCCA.

Please go to http://www.thedailyjournal.com/ and look on the right side of the
page and submit a "yes" vote, be sure to hit the "submit" button. Even if you've
voted before, please do again, it seems you can vote from the same computer
about every hour. There is a radical group down our way that has resorted to
contacting environmentalist groups that are casting unfavorable votes without
any knowledge of this project, just by word of mouth. Please read the website,
look at the plan and vote knowing that the previous use of this land was to act
as a dumping ground for chicken waste from several delaware facilities.

It will provvide a central location for our autocross events as well as a great
racing facility. The track proposed is not only a track, but a complete package
multi use facility.
Please check www.njmotorsportspark.com (http://www.njmotorsportspark.com) park for details. This is a real deal
effort being backed by the priciples behind VIR(Virginia International Raceway)
http://www.virclub.com/ which has been a huge success and the savior of the
Danville area businesses and economy.

Please forward this plea to all avenues of your racecar contacts, message
boards, forums, etc. This survey could be used against our project and give the
naysayers amunition.

Thank you,

JD King
Regional Executive
South Jersey Region SCCA
www.sjr-scca.org (http://www.sjr-scca.org)

THawkbh

06-06-2004, 03:39 PM

Awsome. Can always use a new racetrack. http://Forum.ImprovedTouring.com/it/biggrin.gif

------------------
Drew
18 years old
Wyndenup Racing
ITS Mazda RX-7 #99 - Me
Historic '76 Porsche 914-6 #49

emwavey

06-10-2004, 10:48 AM

Editorial:
Cooperation can overcome track concerns
http://www.thedailyjournal.com/news/storie...ion/602196.html (http://www.thedailyjournal.com/news/stories/20040609/opinion/602196.html)

The article also sums up the voting results... thanks to everyone who participated in the poll, even if the poll doesn't carry weight, I appreciate the support.

------------------
-dave
8)
Got Photos?... post 'em here: http://y3k.shacknet.nu:31338/gallery/

emwavey

06-16-2004, 02:40 PM

I went to the town-hall meeting last night with 4 other folks from the South Jersey SCCA. Local, Business, Public, and Union represetatives were all there to offer their "full" support to the project. Of the 30+ folks who spoke only three offered any type of questioning,... of which was just a matter of fear and lack of understanding about the project.

One woman wanted to know about her property value since her property was about a mile from the track and on what would be the "main" access road. My wife and others talked to her after the meeting talking to her about places like Lime Rock Park and VIR, and how you wouldn't otherwise know these tracks existed if you were just passing through the area. Residential houses are at least as close if not closer to the track.

The Millville officials voted 5-0 in favor of the track. Jeff VanDrew was there to offer his support in person. Other higher ranking officials and professionals also offered their support. Nearby towns, laborers, etc.

There are still many specifics to hash out, but the initial plan looks Solid!

Hopefully we'll have another Northeastern track in the next two years. I'll bet this development will be finished before Raush Creek. :P

emwavey

07-20-2004, 02:49 PM

Thunderbolt Raceway:
http://www.njmotorsportspark.com/

I hope most of you have heard about this by now, if not then you'll probably be either more excited, or maybe more tentative about getting excited, then the folks who have heard about it.

The town of Millville, NJ has been approached by Harvey Siegel, who is a key figure in VIR's redevelopment, about building a track in Millville, NJ.

A local newspaper reporter for the Star Ledger, Matt Futterman, wrote an article about his impressions about his trip to VIR, about what Thunderbolt would do for Millville's economy, and some back ground information on the track and the progress.
http://www.nj.com/business/ledger/index.ss...27643101600.xml (http://www.nj.com/business/ledger/index.ssf?/base/business-7/1090127643101600.xml)

Don Fauerbach, who visited VIR with Futterman, is a talk-show host for a South Jersey radio station. Don is doing a one-hour show about the Thunderbolt and is requesting folks to call in. Listen tonight, July 20th, on WVLT, (92.1 on the FM band) from 10-11pm.

To call in: 856-696-0092

------------------
-dave
8)
Got Photos?... post 'em here: http://y3k.shacknet.nu:31338/gallery/

emwavey

10-19-2004, 11:58 AM

Millville Motorsports Park (Thunderbolt Raceway) update

Source: The Daily Journal | http://www.thedailyjournal.com
http://www.thedailyjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?
AID=/20041018/NEWS01/410180308/1002
By Joseph P. Smith (Staff Writer)
[email protected]

MILLVILLE -- Developers proposing to build a $100 million motorsports resort here should learn from city planners tonight whether their conceptual plan is up to speed.

N.J. Motorsports Park LLC is asking the Planning Board to declare its general development plan "complete" as far as meeting basic local ordinance requirements, an important first step in the planning process. There will be no public testimony at the meeting.

A favorable board vote would allow developers to go to the next stage, consisting of one or more special public hearings over the next few months. That will culminate with a crucial vote by the board on whether it accepts or rejects the plan for what would be the largest commercial development in the city's history, after which the developers could pursue the purchase of the land.

City Engineer John Knoop III said Friday that the general development plan being looked at by the board is very similar to a draft submitted in late August. In response to questions from city officials, Knoop said, the developers have included some clarifications.

"They'll say they want 'trackside villas,'" Knoop said, giving one example. "What does that mean?"

Assistant City Engineer Brian Prohowich said developers also have added details about the potential impacts on police and fire services should the $100 million park-like motorsports facility be built.

The N.J. Motorsports Park, whose centerpiece would be a 4.1-mile road course called Thunderbolt Raceway, is planned for 707 acres of city-owned land at Millville Airport. It is billed as a $100 million investment that would create 1,500 full- and part-time jobs to staff hotels, a conference center, restaurants, racing-related businesses and new educational facilities.

Races could begin by late spring or early summer 2006, if the project receives all necessary approvals.

One agency whose approval is needed is the Delaware River & Bay Authority, which operates the airport under an agreement with the city. It is expected to approve a resolution endorsing the sale at a meeting set for Tuesday in Delaware.

Joseph Savaro, a principal in the motorsports development firm, said the resolution calls on the DRBA and city to reach an agreement on the sale, which he called a relatively minor step.

Meanwhile, the Federal Aviation Administration is reviewing the motorsports project. The FAA's approval is needed for airport-based development projects.

Savaro said an application was submitted about two weeks ago. "It's in a binder probably 10 inches thick," he said.

The FAA is expected to take two months to review the application, he said.

Originally published October 18, 2004

Thunderbolt Raceway
http://www.njmotorsportspark.com

------------------
-dave
8) <A HREF="http://www.nerdsracing.com
Got" TARGET=_blank>http://www.nerdsracing.com
Got</A> Photos?... post 'em here: http://y3k.shacknet.nu:31338/gallery/

emwavey

11-02-2005, 10:54 AM

Thunderbolt Raceway Developmental Planning Meeting - 11/21/05

Note: Date has been moved from the 14th to the 21st. The date change allows for this to be the only item on the agenda.

http://www.njmotorsportspark.com/

Attention Race Fans and Sports Car Crazy People:

Your attendance is requested at the next Millville, NJ public
meeting scheduled for Monday, November 21, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. This
meeting will take place in the presence of the Millville Planning
Board to determine site plan approval for the Thunderbolt Raceway
project, which includes a public hearing for comments. Though there
may be the necessity of a second site plan meeting if this one runs
over the time allotted, the more important meeting is this first one
(11/21).

Now in blunt English: What we need are folks who are pro-
Thunderbolt in seats at this public meeting.

Directions/Location:
Main Street, Millville, NJ

Map:
http://www.google.com/maps?q=Millville,+NJ&hl=en

Millville, NJ website:
http://www.millville-nj.com/index.html

If you have any questions feel free to email me. If I don't know
the answer, I'll do my best to find one.

Sincerely,
David Hess
SJR Activities/At Speed
emwavey (at) yahoo.com

Joe Lee

11-02-2005, 01:43 PM

Hi David! Hope your season went well ... I am going to try to goet to this meeting. Is there anything in particular you'd like us to do?

garyk

11-02-2005, 05:07 PM

am trying to round up a few bodies

emwavey

11-03-2005, 10:57 AM

Originally posted by Joe Lee@Nov 2 2005, 05:43 PM
Hi David! Hope your season went well ... I am going to try to goet to this meeting. Is there anything in particular you'd like us to do?

64316

Hi Joe,

It's not until I look back at the season that I realize that I had a very full and fullfilling season. This year I completed another SCCA School (3 total since there was over a year since the first double school), a double regional at VIR, instructed at our region's first track day(s) event at Pocono L., a race with you folks (NASA-NE @ Pocono S.), and competed in a few autocrosses with SJR. I'm also hoping to go to the HPDE with you folks up at Lime Rock. It might not sound like a lot, but figure aside from the normal time spent, I'm helping bid on a new contract, and I have a 14 month old that I completely adore.

To do? Good question. If you can bring some more folks with you, that would be great. Since it's a planning meeting, I don't think they need anyone to speak. I think they are just looking for physical persons in the seats to offer moral support. However I'll check with one of the green-flag committee members just to be sure.

Hope to see you in CT next week.

lateapex911

11-03-2005, 09:48 PM

Ooops..sorry, answered my own question.

midngn

11-08-2005, 01:55 AM

Count me in! Hell I'll even go down and help dig!!

emwavey

11-08-2005, 02:13 PM

Originally posted by midngn@Nov 8 2005, 05:55 AM
Count me in! Hell I'll even go down and help dig!!

64877

I have a couple of shovels and an axe for those stubborn roots. ;)

As a member of the Green Flag Committee and RE for the SJR, J.D. King posted this information a couple of days ago:

This is an important meeting for us!! This racetrack will be the new home
for the South Jersey Region's activities.

An announcement was made today that will lead to the approvals needed by the
FAA to get the first phase of construction underway. And, although this
isn't the end of the work needed to get the first shovel in the ground, this
is a huge step.

We, as a region, need to be prepared to work as never before in seeing this
project come thru. It will require us to work on things such as putting a
work force together to act as officials for the many SCCA and non SCCA
events that are sure to come. It is the SCCA that will be called on to staff
the corners and much of the other officiating duties when other sanctioning
bodies such as ALMS, Grand Am, etc. come to "our" track.
Great days ahead folks, great days indeed!!

JD

anthonywill3

11-09-2005, 05:40 PM

Originally posted by emwavey@Nov 8 2005, 06:13 PM
I have a couple of shovels and an axe for those stubborn roots. ;)

As a member of the Green Flag Committee and RE for the SJR, J.D. King posted this information a couple of days ago:

This is an important meeting for us!! This racetrack will be the new home
for the South Jersey Region's activities.

An announcement was made today that will lead to the approvals needed by the
FAA to get the first phase of construction underway. And, although this
isn't the end of the work needed to get the first shovel in the ground, this
is a huge step.

We, as a region, need to be prepared to work as never before in seeing this
project come thru. It will require us to work on things such as putting a
work force together to act as officials for the many SCCA and non SCCA
events that are sure to come. It is the SCCA that will be called on to staff
the corners and much of the other officiating duties when other sanctioning
bodies such as ALMS, Grand Am, etc. come to "our" track.
Great days ahead folks, great days indeed!!

JD

64921

I will be there!!!

emwavey

11-22-2005, 02:46 AM

For those who couldn't make it to the meeting, the Millville town counsel passed the [developmental] proposal. There were only a couple questions raised by locals about sound dbs., however much of the fear is understandibly from folks who have never been around a track like this. Legally the track is only required to be below 80 dbs (at a certain distance from the track) however they have gone above and beyond what is expected legally and have agreed to keep the sound down to a very low 55dbs. If necessary they will install barriers to achieve this level.

Drainage, trash removal, job creation (both temporary and permanent), positive effect to the arts district, and traffic flow were all discussed and are going to be addressed in the building process.

What I find refreshing, and maybe I'm naive, standing across the room from Lee Brahin, I didn't see a weathered, tough-as-nails businessman, I saw a motorsports enthusiast who is effected by and interested in the concerns of the town of Millville. As was said in the meeting to all who've put forth this rather large and time consuming effort, "thank you for enduring all our questions and concerns ..."

To the town of Millville and I think I speak for all who will be racing at your track, we look forward to spending our dollars, and will treat your town as if it were our very own.

One hurdle remains, FAA approval. The rumblings I've been hearing is that the approval process is about 90%.

To those who made it out, thanks for your support!

turboICE

11-22-2005, 11:55 AM

I'm a bit confused - what does the FAA have to do with a motorsports park?

What is the distance this 55dbs is measured at (I know not 50' but what is it)? I will gladly replace every LRP day with this track into perpituity and let those in CT have back their sticking quary - but not if this track is going to have sub 100db limits at 50' and no Sunday events.

emwavey

11-22-2005, 12:38 PM

Originally posted by turboICE@Nov 22 2005, 03:55 PM
I'm a bit confused - what does the FAA have to do with a motorsports park?

What is the distance this 55dbs is measured at (I know not 50' but what is it)? I will gladly replace every LRP day with this track into perpituity and let those in CT have back their sticking quary - but not if this track is going to have sub 100db limits at 50' and no Sunday events.

66296

Good questions and I understand your concerns. I'll try and answer them as best I can and quench your concerns about over jealous, noise restrictive residents.

#1. What does the FAA have to do with this?
The land is adjacent to Millville Airport, and from what I understand, the FAA has to grant clearances to land this close to an airport.

#2. What is the distance this 55dbs is measured?
Please don't quote me on this, but I think the measurements where taken at 12 different locations. I think the distance was something like four thousand feet. Again this is what the track owners are predicting the sound levels to be when the track is operational. If this sound level is not met, they are willing to install phyical barriers.

To further expand on the sound thing. What we had last night was only one or two people who were in favor of the track, but just expressing their concerns about sound level before the track is built as opposed to after. I can understand their concerns, and rightly so they feel better expressing what is on their mind now, rather then waiting until after the track is built and feeling like they have absolutely no say.

As far as 100db limits at 50' and no events on Sundays, I can not comment on, but I can say that comparing Lakeville, CT to Millville, NJ is definitely not an apples to apples comparison. Millville is in need and has a desire to become a "destination". Taxes have been rising, retirees on a fixed income are the most threatened with the tax increase, and the arts district, with a once booming glass-blowing industry, is on the brink of extinction. The citizens see this as a great source of revenue and jobs. 98% of the folks in the meeting last night were totally in favor of this project.

Not sure why you would have a problem running sub 100dbs on track... RX-7? ;)

Just did a search and found a local newspaper article covering the meeting... thought this might answer more directly some concerns/questions:
Thunderbolt Raceway Article in the AC Press (http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/cumberland/story/5715727p-5733205c.html)

turboICE

11-22-2005, 01:30 PM

240sx - it is a truck engine afterall.

I agree it is good to have agreements on how to deal with logistics like sound in advance. And anything that includes the ability to remedy sound rather than eliminating it is a very good thing.

I am excited with the entire prospect and given the people doing it have high expectations and confidence it will be done right for all involved, racers and community included.

I guess I just took the opportunity one more time to express how much the population around LRP really ticks me off, the track was there before them and before they were so uppity out there.

benspeed

11-22-2005, 02:05 PM

Thanks for the meeting recap - excellent news!

pgipson

11-22-2005, 02:47 PM

It;s interesting to compare this track development with the experiences in Phoenix of Arizona Motorsports Park. Another track built adjacent to an airport (in this case an Air Force base).

There are large housing developments located about 1 mile away. The noise complaints began with the first weekend event, an SCCA double regional. Eventually noise levels during events were measured outside the closest houses and db readings in the low 50's were recorded. That is a lower noise level than you find in a typical office! The complaints continued and escalated until the county revoked the track operating permit.

While noise was the cause it was not cited in the revocation. The county went after other aspects of the track operation, including certain statements made by a track "representative" that the facility would not be a commercial operation and would be used by the owner and his "friends". While these were not restrictions on the track per se, the county supervisors concluded the permit was issued based on misleading statements and voted to shut down the track.

The issue is now in litigation, and the track is negotiating with the county to get a new operating permit.

In this case, there are definitive noise standards agreed to up front. That would seem to be a logical and prudent action.

Greg Amy

11-22-2005, 02:51 PM

Originally posted by emwavey@Nov 22 2005, 10:38 AM
The land is adjacent to Millville Airport, and from what I understand, the FAA has to grant clearances to land this close to an airport.
66305

As a pilot, I can tell you that this is not a slam-dunk, in any way, shape, or form.

The FAA and the Aircraft Owner's and Pilot's Association (www.aopa.org) are very much against granting waivers for any use of land or zoning changes unrelated to aviation. The primary reason is that these waivers tend to be abused in the long run; it's not too far along where you'd expect suburbia to encroach on the racetrack and airport boundaries, making the land far, far more valuable as subdivisions than a racetrack. Soon, everyone is complaining about the airplane and racetrack noise, the racetrack gets sold, the airport boundaries are compromised, and then the airport gets threatened with closure. This country loses, on average, a public-use airport per week.

Finally, any easements in airport property limit its ability to expand as necessary in the future; once gone, never to be seen again. Here's a circular at the AOPA web site in regards to compatible airport land use:

http://www.aopa.org/asn/land_use/part2.pdf

Personally, I'm mixed; I'd like to see a new racetrack in the region as much as anyone. However, given the choice between saving an airport and building a new racetrack I'm going to support the airport. - GA

philstireservice

11-22-2005, 04:17 PM

I have checked the real estate in this area, after reading about the proposed track, and it is definitely a "needy" area. I would think it is not such a desirable location for a home when you have an airport, and now the possibility of a race track, in the area. Well maybe.......... if you have a motorsport related business ....:) :happy204:

turboICE

11-22-2005, 04:54 PM

I think raceway park felt similarly about the desirability of their surrounding land - and all the locals want them closed now.

In the end if there is any imrpovement in the area which would be a desirable outcome of any project - they will eventually want the track gone saying it is a nuisance.

lateapex911

11-23-2005, 02:54 AM

To the best of my knowledge, the houses surrounding Lime Rock pre date the track (and it's what, the 2nd or 3rd oldest track in the coutry?), and often by a considerable amount. The church across the street is WAY older....maybe a hundred years older.

When Lime Rock was originally conceived, the community and Jim Vail, the tracks bull dozer driving originator met and decided on a set of operating standards in an attempt to protect the community.

Whether the local residents' attitudes are to your liking or not, the houses and community were in place looong before the track, and the agreements have been inplace forever.

(Perhaps the specifics of the agreements has been modified slightly over the years, but the original intent has always been to peacfully co-exist with the community that has a significant number of houses, and a community church, that are in very close proximity to the track in several locations.)

(And while this might seem like a very pro Lime Rock post, trust me, the track has not covered itself in glory recently in it's business dealings to my eyes....lwith actions like a near doubling of it's fees, {$42,000 for a friday/saturday race rental}, a technique of promising things then failing to deliver, and a generally poor attitude.)

emwavey

11-23-2005, 12:15 PM

Originally posted by GregAmy@Nov 22 2005, 06:51 PM
As a pilot, I can tell you that this is not a slam-dunk, in any way, shape, or form.

The FAA and the Aircraft Owner's and Pilot's Association (www.aopa.org) are very much against granting waivers for any use of land or zoning changes unrelated to aviation. The primary reason is that these waivers tend to be abused in the long run; it's not too far along where you'd expect suburbia to encroach on the racetrack and airport boundaries, making the land far, far more valuable as subdivisions than a racetrack. Soon, everyone is complaining about the airplane and racetrack noise, the racetrack gets sold, the airport boundaries are compromised, and then the airport gets threatened with closure. This country loses, on average, a public-use airport per week.

Finally, any easements in airport property limit its ability to expand as necessary in the future; once gone, never to be seen again. Here's a circular at the AOPA web site in regards to compatible airport land use:

http://www.aopa.org/asn/land_use/part2.pdf

Personally, I'm mixed; I'd like to see a new racetrack in the region as much as anyone. However, given the choice between saving an airport and building a new racetrack I'm going to support the airport. - GA

66328

Greg,

Don't get me wrong, I'm still not completely sold this whole thing is going to happen. I work for the FAA and I understand some of the legalities that can crop up and drown projects.

The reason I'm confident about this has nothing to do with what we see or read in the news. It has more to do with whom the project leaders are, who they know, and how the town, county and state perceives this. This isn't the first proposal for this land, however this is the first proposal that seems to make the most sense for this community.

If and when this track is built I don't see the airport going away, I see it's air traffic increasing. Instead of folks flying commercially into ACY or PHY, I can see private aircraft flying in, taking a shuttle to the track, then a limo to the casinos or to the Millville arts district.

Two things to consider: The town is connected to the history of this airport, since it is considered "America's First Defense Airport", [ http://www.millvilleairport.com ]and part of the reason why they see this project more as a protection-of rather then an encroachment-on the airport.
The second and one that directly addresses your concern is: The land being used was already zoned as commercial property, and just happens to be adjacent to the airport. If this Thunderbolt Raceway/Millville Motorsports Project didn't snag it someone else would have. Millville doesn't want subdivisions there, or a Home-Mart and I would imagine neather does AOPA or the FAA.

Anyone else interested in co-ownership of a trackside condo? :)

benspeed

11-23-2005, 12:41 PM

Originally posted by emwavey@Nov 23 2005, 04:15 PM

Anyone else interested in co-ownership of a trackside condo? :)

66460

Yes - I'll put down $$ for a spec condo! Who to contact?

Thanks,

Greg Amy

11-23-2005, 01:08 PM

Thanks, Dave, I appreciate the response. In fact, it appears that AOPA is already well ware and involved in the process; I contact the ASN volunteer for MIV and he responded:

"Thank you I have been aware and following for some time now. I have addressed concerns with DRBA and have been keeping AOPA aware. They have worked with this developer on several other locations near or next to airports."

So, it sounds like everyone's working with everyone else to make sure this is a smooth transition.

Originally posted by emwavey@Nov 23 2005, 10:15 AM
Instead of folks flying commercially into ACY or PHY, I can see private aircraft flying in...

Like me, if I can talk Matt into driving the rig there solo... ;)

The land being used was already zoned as commercial property...
66460

Further good news. Somehow I was under the impression this was airport property that was being released.

And, I'm encouraged to hear that the town is a supporter! So, when's our first event, Ben? - GA

emwavey

11-25-2005, 11:37 AM

Originally posted by benspeed@Nov 23 2005, 04:41 PM
Yes - I'll put down $$ for a spec condo! Who to contact?

Thanks,

66462

The town of Millville is holding it's annual Christmas parade this evening, (Friday, Nov. 25th) JD King, member of the green flag committee, and Don Faurbach (sp?), one of the folks in "the-know", will be there as well. I'll ask one those folks and see when they will start taking deposits on the condos.

emwavey

11-29-2005, 06:50 PM

I did actually remember to ask about the condos. Deposits won't be taken until after ground breaking.

The outside design of the condos are pretty set, and there will be a balcony overlooking the track, however the interior has been, as my source said, "... redesigned a few times".

The basic layout will be;
ground floor - garage,
second floor - living space (living room, eating area, kitchen, 1/2 bath),
third floor - bedroom(s) and bath.

The higher priced of the 2 optional condos will be in the mid to upper 300K area.

The parade was pretty cool. Despite just having undergone surgery and November 25th being his wedding anniversary, the mayor was on the Thunderbolt Raceway float, amongst some youngsters and their go-karting trophies. Following the float was a Roush Mustang, a SSC Mini Cooper, an ITE 3 Series Beemer, a Daytona Cobra Kit Car (said to have cost in excess of 100K... and it showed), a Sunbeam Tiger, and bringing up the rear, yours truly in, a well worn ITA CRX and behind me, was an RV with Thunderbolt banners on each side. Two cars dropped out, one before the parade got underway and one after about 8 blocks or so.

The experience was pretty cool, I had a friend's son, Max, in the car with me and we handed out a few SJR SCCA stickers that were stuffed in my glove compartment. About mid-parade, Max's father gave us a stack of Thunderbolt stickers (he was walking and handing them out). Lots of gawkers, some requests for a burn-out (what do you expect them to say?) and a few brave enough to engage a brief conversation.

One kid walked up to the car and asked if he could shoot a little video. Being a bit of a ham I said "Of course".
He remarked, "... this is my dream car".
I replied, "mine too". I smiled and got a little teary-eyed.

This whole racing thing is a dream come true. From the first time I saw my first ITA CRX at Road Atlanta I felt an unexplainable urge to do this. The brief encounter at the parade was an incredible reminder of just how blessed/thankful I am. It's most appropriate that the parade was the day after Thanksgiving.

mgyip

11-30-2005, 04:48 PM

Originally posted by emwavey@Nov 29 2005, 05:50 PM
One kid walked up to the car and asked if he could shoot a little video. Being a bit of a ham I said "Of course".
He remarked, "... this is my dream car".
I replied, "mine too". I smiled and got a little teary-eyed.

66986

So you're saying that this kid had low expectations, eh? ;)

Don't worry, Rob Troxell's son says that the General Li is his favorite car in the MARRS series after his father's (of course). I wonder if Rob shouldn't be teaching his son to set his sights higher - MUCH higher :lol:

alberto_mg

12-01-2005, 11:17 PM

I know a bunch of the Bridgehampton guys who fought the closure of that track for years. Guy Frost in particular might have some input suggestions regarding this. You can reach him at [email protected]

emwavey

12-07-2005, 11:25 AM

Originally posted by mgyip@Nov 30 2005, 08:48 PM
So you're saying that this kid had low expectations, eh? ;)

naw, it's like making a wish for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. :blink:

gwalsh

04-25-2006, 12:18 PM

Has anyone heard any info about the planning board meeting last week concerning Thunderbolt Raceway? There's nothing on the website.

aeronca65t

11-14-2006, 02:09 PM

I just got it from one of the EMRA guys.
Sounds like we should get on the phone, e-mail, snail
mail, whatever....
Any messages sent should emphasize the postitive aspects of this new race track on the economy of South Jersey.,

Thanks,

N.McCabe / EMRA RaceChair

____________ _________ _________ _________ ______

Our final hurdle is to see Governor Corzine sign the
Sports and Entertainment District legislation (Bill #
A 1054) that has been approved in the NJ Assembly and
not yet heard in the senate economic growth committee
and the full senate. The bill needs to be signed by
Governor Corzine in December for NJMP to break ground
in Feb-March 2007. Assemblyman Jeff Van Drew, the
leading sponsor of A 1054 has asked that we all
respectfully contact Senator Ray Lesniak, who holds
the keys to the senate approval of the bill. Senator
Lesniak chairs the senate economic growth committee,
and he must agree to hearing the unaltered version of
the assembly bill A 1054 in his committee and release
the bill to the full senate, where Senate President
Codey must agree to place the bill for a full senate
vote. Senator Lesniak can be contacted as follows:
senlesniak@njleg. org <mailto:senlesniak% 40njleg.org>
telephone: 908 624 0880

Please take a minute and send an e-mail to Senator
Lesniak urging him to support this important piece of
legislation! !!!!! Let your voice be heard and prepare
to race on a new track in 2008 !!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks,

Joe Volpe.
NJMP Green Flag Committee

benspeed

12-01-2006, 07:09 PM

I'm from NJ and will send a letter.

PDoane

12-05-2006, 06:16 AM

A newspaper article last week said it had finally cleared the committee, gone to the full Senate.

wdether

12-07-2006, 07:10 PM

I believe there are two Senate voting sessions next week, Monday the 11th and Thursday the 14th. I visited the Legislature's website today and looked at the bills up for vote on Monday but did not see A1054 listed. The slate of bills up for vote on Thursday have not been posted yet. I will post here if I see/hear any developments.

Bill Etherington
NNJR

DaveITB1

12-07-2006, 10:22 PM

Hey Joe,

Just sent the Senator my letter.

Thanks for the heads up on bringing attention to the bill.

Keep your fingers crossed.

Dave

PDoane

12-08-2006, 07:05 AM

Just heard on the radio this morning that the pilots are worried that the grandstand/lights/etc. would be distracting during landings.

The FAA approval was still pending.

Here is what an AC paper printed recently

Panel OKs special funding district for motorsports park
By SABA ALI, Staff Writer,
The Press of Atlantic City

(Published: November 28, 2006)

TRENTON — Plans for the motorsports park in Millville advance as legislation to help finance the project and federal approval to release the land used by the airport moves toward completion, city and state officials said.
Legislation to create a special sports and entertainment district in Millville that will generate revenue for projects such as the New Jersey Motorsports Park was unanimously approved by the Senate Economic Growth Committee on Monday.

Assemblyman Jeff Van Drew, D-Cumberland, Cape May, Atlantic, called the committee approval a tremendous victory for the region and the state. Van Drew, along with Assemblyman Nelson Albano, D-Cumberland, Cape May, Atlantic, were the architects of the legislation.

State Sen. Nicholas Asselta, R-Cumberland, Cape May, Atlantic, is the primary sponsor for the legislation in the state Senate.

The legislation could hit the Senate floor for a final vote as early as next month, Asselta said.

Once this legislation is approved, it will allow Millville to include an additional 2 percent sales tax on purchases made in the district. The revenue will be used toward paying for the project's infrastructure, Van Drew said.

“It is the biggest governmental jump-start for economic growth since what was done for Atlantic City,” he said.

The committee did require a few minor changes to the legislation before passing it through to the Senate.

The changes included wording to ensure there won't be any state guarantee of loans and that the district would not go beyond Millville, said state Sen. Raymond J. Lesniak, D-Union, chairman of the Economic Growth Committee.

Lesniak said the changes were minor and the specialized district funding for the motorsports project would not impose any burden on the state or on neighboring municipalities.

The district will enhance the economic development by providing a funding mechanism through private capital, he said, confident that it will receive approval from the Senate.

Lesniak said his optimism is driven by having seen the results of similar creative funding used in the case of the Jersey Garden Outlet Mall in Elizabeth.

Van Drew emphasized that revenue created by the district will come into the city when the park is operational and not in advance. The revenue would not be used for bonding purposes and would not affect taxpayers.

Approval for the funding district is needed for developer New Jersey Motorsports Park LLC to acquire a $5 million loan from the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority and a $2 million loan from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Van Drew said.

A majority of the $100 million needed to complete the park is coming from private investment. The legislation shows a commitment by the state in the future of the project, Van Drew said.

The city is also moving closer to completing both the land release from the Federal Aviation Authority and the munitions sweep, said Donald Ayres, the city's director of economic development.

Ayres said the mayor needs to sign off on the preliminary memorandum of agreement that sets up a protocol for handling any items of archaeological or historical significance found during construction.

The agreement is one of the final steps toward completing the environmental assessment, which will allow the FAA to release the land for the project.

A resolution for the mayor to sign the agreement could be included in next week's commission meeting agenda, Ayers said. Field work for the munitions sweep has also been completed and is waiting on documentation.

Developers and the city are moving closer to setting up a realistic date for construction to begin on the park, he said.

Greg Amy

12-08-2006, 09:15 AM

Just heard on the radio this morning that the pilots are worried that the grandstand/lights/etc. would be distracting during landings.[/b]

Anyone that's landed at a major city airport (Nashville, New Orleans, Providence, Logan, etc) at night knows that it's not a unique scenario. Besides, how many night lights are there going to be at a club racing facility?

And, it's a non-issue during daylight hours.

The FAA's (and AOPA's) major issue with it are in regards to encroachment. This country is losing an average of a small airport per week to residential and commercial encroachment. The FAA/AOPA want to make sure this is compatible use, and that it's not "the camel's nose under the tent" of future complaints and closure. the knee-jerk reaction from the pilot community - a reaction learned from years of encroachment - is "NO!" Disagree? Shall I mention Riverside and Ontario Motor Speedway, as two examples?

However, it is also understood that any thing that can created a barrier to incompatible encroachment is a good thing. Pilot's LOVE to have warehouses, commercial, railrods, highways, and factories nearby, as no one wants to build houses there...

We'll see how it goes.

http://www.aopa.org/whatsnew/region/2006/061130nj.html

wdether

12-14-2006, 07:51 PM

There is good news from the NJ Legislature today. A bill (A3835), a slightly modified version of A1054 and discussed before, was introduced on Monday (12/11). The bill was voted on and passed in both the Assembly and Senate today (12/14). As far as I know, the bill awaits action by the governor. You can go to the website ( http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/ ) and download the bill (i.e. do a search on A3835). From the Legislature's website:

A3835 Authorizes creation of sports and entertainment district and imposition of additional taxes therein to finance development of sports and entertainment facilities.
Passed both Houses

Identical Bill Number: A1054 (2R) S313 (1R)
Last Session Bill Number: A4359 (1R) S2919

Van Drew, Jeff as Primary Sponsor
Albano, Nelson T. as Primary Sponsor
Fisher, Douglas H. as Primary Sponsor
Burzichelli, John J. as Primary Sponsor

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

12/11/2006 Introduced, 1st Reading without Reference, 2nd Reading
12/14/2006 Passed by the Assembly (48-30-0)
12/14/2006 Received in the Senate without Reference, 2nd Reading
12/14/2006 Substituted for S11
12/14/2006 Passed Senate (Passed Both Houses) (32-6)

Introduced - 13 pages PDF Format HTML Format

Bill Etherington
NNJR

rsx858

05-01-2007, 03:31 PM

Havent heard a whole lot of buzz about this project on the forums but it certainly looks like a winner. 3.98 mile road circuit with 11 or so configs.

According to the site this thing will be operating by 2008, wonder if scca has an interest in this... especially given the recent $$ issues with limerock.

http://www.njmotorsportspark.com/html/road_circuits.html

andrew240z

05-03-2007, 03:04 PM

From what I have heard all or most of the weekends are already booked. South Jersey region SCCA finally has its own track!!!

lateapex911

05-03-2007, 05:47 PM

Reading the site, they say they will begain actual construction in spring 2007...well, it's that time...anything happening there?

dtanthon

06-23-2007, 12:10 AM

http://www.scca-nnjr.org/NNJR_Race/NJMP_070622.pdf

Here are some newspaper articles on NJMP.

http://www.thedailyjournal.com/apps/pbcs.d...D=2007706220307 (http://www.thedailyjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007706220307)

http://www.thedailyjournal.com/apps/pbcs.d...ID=200770621014 (http://www.thedailyjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200770621014)

http://www.thedailyjournal.com/apps/pbcs.d...D=2007706190317 (http://www.thedailyjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007706190317)

anthony1k

06-23-2007, 01:28 PM

Great news! Thank you for sharing.

Mattberg

06-23-2007, 04:13 PM

Given they have the funding... That's a project that's got a chance as compared to the Palmer deal which is a total pipe dream concocted by some regional officials with shallow pockets. SCCA and the New England regions should be spending a lot of time with this track's management establishing long term relationship opportunities instead of chasing track ownership windmills at Palmer.

I'm sending in my $100 and application for a garage and contacted the home sales office about the condos. Anyone interested in going in on one of the condos? Love to see this facility happen!

lateapex911

06-23-2007, 04:43 PM

As always Matt, you love making a chump of yourself. And as usual you provide the same total lack of facts to support your silly little insult fest. So who in the NE Region has stepped on your little weenie that you are trying to spite?

Really, grow some integrity for once, and make reasonable posts.

RSTPerformance

06-23-2007, 05:48 PM

Matt your a real ASS

You might not like what we are doing on the other corner of the country from you, but you don't have to slam someone every friggen time you can... this thread is about NJMP, not Palmer or you.

Raymond

PDoane

06-29-2007, 12:38 PM

The website said they broke ground this month.

andrew240z

07-02-2007, 12:11 PM

I was on-site on Friday and they are moving lots of dirt and taking down trees. There was 8-10 big Tonka trucks getting after it...

racerdrew43

07-02-2007, 12:31 PM

If Harvey Siegel is involved, you can bet the place will be a "class act" - reference VIR

timelapseracing

07-02-2007, 02:20 PM

That's good news... :026: I'd like to see it get on the MARRS schedule too - it's only a little farther from me than Summit Point is.

Jason.

Greg Amy

09-19-2007, 09:47 PM

Picked up from another race forum:

"Just attended the official ground breaking ceremony. Grand am is in and others, June 2008 projected opening."

Andy Bettencourt

09-20-2007, 08:38 AM

Dear Santa:

Let Thunderbolt move forward without any glitches so it can be a NARRC track in 2008 and allow Matt to get that brain he has been wanting for years.

jay05

09-20-2007, 01:13 PM

Doesn't the Lightning Course look a little like Nelsons Ledges?
Lightning (http://www.njmotorsportspark.com/html/total_track_layout.html)

Nelsons Ledges (http://www.nelsonledges.com/TFMap.aspx)

Can't wait to go. My old stomping grounds.

lateapex911

09-20-2007, 03:03 PM

wdether

09-20-2007, 05:54 PM

I thought I remembered a plan where the two tracks were combined, but this new plan shows them to be completely seperate. What are the different lengths? Also, anyone know the current status of Tamworth? It seems pretty stalled. I wonder what happened to the money some people invested.....
[/b]

The official ground breaking ceremony was held yesterday. Chris Economaki was the featured guest of the event and will have the media building named after him. There were about 40 - 50 SCCA folks at the ceremony (thanks should go out to JD King for organizing the turnout and the party afterwards). At least 4 regions were represented in the crowd (South Jersey, Northern New Jersey, Philly Region, and WDC region).

Jake,
I believe Lightning is 1.9 miles while Thunderbolt will be 2.25 miles. I can't answer the question on the change in configuration, maybe someone a little more involved in the project could answer that. A 4 mile track does take considerably more volunteers to populate than the two proposed configurations.