New Jersey Motorsports Park
Location
Millville, New Jersey, USA
Current Local Time
Track Info
New Jersey Motorsports Park - Millville, New Jersey, USA
Large motorsport complex with two independent road courses - the technical Thunderbolt Raceway and the fast, flowing Lightning Raceway
When was the track built?
New Jersey Motorsports Park was developed during the 2000s as a large racing, training and entertainment complex in southern New Jersey. It opened in 2008 with two separate road courses, karting, skid pads, garages and a clubhouse.
The names reflect local history. The nearby Millville Army Air Field trained fighter pilots during the Second World War, including pilots who flew the P-47 Thunderbolt. Thunderbolt Raceway and Lightning Raceway were named after the P-47 and P-38 fighter aircraft.
Thunderbolt received a complete repave, revised curbing and improved run-off areas for 2024. The optional Devil's Pass configuration was added for the 2026 season.
When was its first race?
The first headline professional race on Thunderbolt was the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series event on 31 August 2008. Oswaldo Negri and Mark Patterson won in a Ford-powered Riley Daytona Prototype for Michael Shank Racing.
The opening season also included Formula BMW, sports cars and the ARCA stock-car series, quickly establishing the new venue on the American racing calendar.
What's the circuit like?
- Two independent tracks: Thunderbolt and Lightning can operate separately, allowing different events to take place at the same time.
- Technical Thunderbolt: Its long straight is followed by heavy braking, while the slower corner sequences reward accurate positioning and good traction.
- Fast Lightning: The shorter course has a more flowing rhythm, blind approaches and the distinctive final “Light Bulb” corner.
- Multiple configurations: Thunderbolt can use an optional chicane, the classic Esses or the newer Devil's Pass section.
Thunderbolt is normally used for major races, while Lightning is especially popular for club competition, testing, track days and driving schools.
Lap records and benchmarks
- Formula Atlantic: 1:10.469 - David Grant, Swift 016.a, 2024.
- Daytona Prototype: 1:12.440 - Max Angelelli, Dallara DP01, 2008.
- Formula Regional: 1:13.786 - Kyle Kirkwood, Ligier JS F3, 2018.
- Superbike: 1:20.076 - Jake Gagne, Yamaha YZF-R1, 2021.
- Mazda MX-5 Cup: 1:31.7819 - Gresham Wagner, Mazda MX-5, 2020.
- Lightning Formula Atlantic: 0:58.630 - John Thompson, 2008.
Thunderbolt, Thunderbolt with its chicane, Devil's Pass and Lightning are different layouts. Their times should not be compared directly.
Why is it famous?
The park has hosted Grand-Am sports cars, ARCA stock cars, Trans-Am, Formula Regional, Formula 4 and professional motorcycle racing. MotoAmerica regularly uses Thunderbolt for close Superbike, Supersport and King of the Baggers competition.
NJMP is also important to grassroots motorsport. SCCA, NASA, vintage-racing organisations, endurance series and marque clubs use both circuits throughout the season.
Why go?
NJMP offers unusually close access during major events. A race ticket normally includes paddock entry, allowing visitors to see the cars, motorcycles, teams and garages. Selected meetings also include pre-race grid walks.
The wider complex includes a 1.1-mile karting facility, a restaurant, garages, suites and camping areas. Its location makes it accessible from Philadelphia, Atlantic City and other parts of the northeastern United States.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Thunderbolt Turn 1: Watch the field brake at the end of the main straight and challenge for position.
- Turns 3-5: A useful area for comparing lines through Thunderbolt's technical opening section.
- Turn 7 and the Esses: See how competitors prepare for either the classic corner sequence or the Devil's Pass alternative.
- Start and finish straight: Best for race starts, finishes and activity around the pit lane.
Bleachers, paddock access, grid walks and permitted viewing areas vary between events. Check the organiser's spectator information before travelling.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to New Jersey Motorsports Park (Millville)
New Jersey Motorsports Park is in southern New Jersey, around 45 miles from Philadelphia. Driving is by far the easiest way to arrive, although a direct NJ TRANSIT bus from Philadelphia to Millville makes visiting without a car possible.
Driving & parking (easiest way)
- From Philadelphia: head into South Jersey and follow the main road network towards Route 55 and Millville. Use 8000 Dividing Creek Rd for the final approach.
- From Atlantic City: travel west towards the Millville area and follow navigation to New Jersey Motorsports Park.
- When you arrive: follow NJMP and event signage rather than choosing your own route through nearby residential roads.
- Large RVs and race transporters: NJMP publishes special directions for large vehicles because some local routes are unsuitable. Check these before travelling.
Tip: If you are driving a large RV, trailer or race transporter, do not simply follow the shortest route shown by your navigation app.
Bus from Philadelphia
- Route 408: NJ TRANSIT operates a direct bus route between Philadelphia and Millville.
- After reaching Millville: you will still need a taxi or rideshare for the final journey to the circuit.
- Allow plenty of time: bus travel is considerably slower than driving, so it works best if you are staying overnight rather than making a tight race-day journey.
- Before returning: check the final Philadelphia-bound departure before the event starts, especially for evening racing.
There is no passenger railway station at the circuit, so bus plus taxi is the most straightforward public-transport option.
Airports & transfers
- Philadelphia International Airport (PHL): the most useful major airport for most visitors. Multiple rental-car companies operate at the airport with shuttle transportation from the terminals.
- Atlantic City International Airport (ACY): another convenient option if its flights suit your journey. Rental cars are available directly at the airport.
- From Philadelphia without a car: travel into central Philadelphia and connect with NJ TRANSIT Route 408 towards Millville, then use a taxi or rideshare to NJMP.
- Travelling with race equipment: a rental car is strongly recommended if you have helmets, tools or large bags.
Taxis & rideshare
- From Millville: taxi or rideshare is useful for the final journey if you arrive by bus or are staying at a local hotel.
- Book ahead: availability can be more limited than in a major city, particularly early in the morning or after a large event.
- Return journey: arrange a pickup before racing finishes rather than assuming vehicles will be waiting outside the gate.
Staying at the circuit
- On-site suites: NJMP has VIP suites overlooking the racing facilities, allowing visitors to stay directly at the venue.
- Camping: RV and tent camping is available at the facility, although spectator camping is generally limited to major events.
- Nearby hotels: NJMP also lists hotel partners around Millville and Vineland for visitors who prefer conventional accommodation.
Book early for major race weekends, particularly if you want to stay at the circuit itself.
Accessibility
- Driving is easiest: arriving by car avoids the need to transfer between a bus and taxi in Millville.
- Rental cars: Philadelphia Airport lists rental agencies that can provide vehicles with hand controls when requested in advance.
- Event arrangements: contact NJMP before travelling to confirm accessible parking, spectator areas and the best entrance for your event.
Quick guide
- Driving? Navigate to 8000 Dividing Creek Rd, Millville and follow NJMP's event signs.
- Coming from Philadelphia without a car? Take NJ TRANSIT Route 408 to Millville, then continue by taxi or rideshare.
- Flying? Philadelphia International Airport offers the widest range of practical connections; Atlantic City is a useful alternative.
Check NJMP and NJ TRANSIT shortly before travelling, as event entrances, parking arrangements, gate times and bus schedules can change.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around New Jersey Motorsports Park (Millville, New Jersey)
Whether you’re here for sports cars, motorcycle racing, a track day or karting, New Jersey Motorsports Park puts you in rural South Jersey - close to aviation history, rivers and forests, with Cape May and the Jersey Shore easy to reach on a free day.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Tempest Raceway: NJMP's outdoor karting complex has a 1.1-mile circuit with several possible layouts. Check public karting sessions, age and height requirements before arriving.
- WheatonArts: Watch artists work with glass and pottery, explore the Museum of American Glass and take an easy walk along the nature trail.
- Millville Army Air Field Museum: A particularly fitting stop for race fans, explaining the area's World War II aviation history and its connection with P-47 Thunderbolt pilots.
- Maurice River: The river around Millville offers kayaking, fishing, boating, birdwatching and waterside trails when you want a quieter day outdoors.
Culture hits & rainy-day winners
- Millville Army Air Field Museum: Learn why the circuit's Thunderbolt and Lightning names make sense by exploring exhibits connected with the former military airfield.
- WheatonArts: The glass museum, artist studios and cultural exhibitions make this one of the best nearby options when the weather turns wet.
- Millville Arts District: Head into town for galleries, cafés and local businesses if you only have a couple of hours between track sessions.
Eat & drink after the racing
- Finish Line Pub: NJMP has its own family-friendly restaurant and bar, making it the simplest option when you do not want to leave the circuit after a long day.
- Millville: Head into town for casual restaurants and cafés without adding much travelling to your evening.
- Vineland: A useful alternative if your group wants a wider range of restaurants and everyday shopping.
The Finish Line Pub operates seasonally, so check current opening days if you are visiting outside the main racing months.
Active outdoors away from the track
- Maurice River: Rent or bring a kayak, follow riverside trails or simply look for birds in the preserved tidal habitats around Millville.
- Belleplain State Forest: Head south for forest trails, cycling, paddling and a quieter introduction to the natural side of South Jersey.
Easy day trips if you’re extending your stay
- Cape May: Explore colourful Victorian streets, the beachfront and Cape May Point, where you can climb the historic lighthouse and walk nature trails.
- Cape May County Park & Zoo: A strong family option with hundreds of animals, including giraffes and zebras, in spacious park surroundings.
- Wildwood: Swap race cars for a classic Jersey Shore day with a wide beach, boardwalk, amusement rides and plenty of family entertainment.
- Atlantic City: Walk the famous boardwalk, visit the beach and combine sightseeing with restaurants and entertainment for a full day away from motorsport.
Good to know when visiting NJMP
- Check which circuit you need: Thunderbolt and Lightning are separate tracks within the same large complex, so confirm your event location before arriving.
- Not every event is public: The calendar contains private rentals and track days as well as spectator race weekends, so check admission details for your date.
- You can stay on site: NJMP offers trackside accommodation and camping, useful for early starts or multi-day race meetings.
- Prepare for summer conditions: South Jersey can be hot and humid. Bring water, sunscreen and rain protection for long days outdoors.
Circuit access, karting sessions, event schedules, seasonal restaurants and attraction opening hours can change - check live calendars and booking information before travelling.