Opening Weekend: Speedway Creates Buzz
By Robert Press
The Daily Journal

Millville, N.J. (July 12, 2008) – The N.J. Motorsports Park shifted into higher gear Saturday as racing enthusiasts of all stripes welcomed the new Millville attraction.

Bobby Jackson, a Vineland resident, said the Motorsports Park will be a boost to southern New Jersey — especially Millville and Vineland.

“It’s going to be good for the area,” he said.

According to Jackson, the new park is a great addition to an area sorely lacking in things to do.

“They have the racing and go-karts here, and I think that’s going to bring a lot of kids,” he said.

“It’s needed for the youth around here,” he added.

Aldo Pinotti, a New York City native who has been racing for around five years, came down to help out with the driving school. In his experience, good tracks are hard to find around the city.

Though it’s still a bit of a drive, he feels Millville has finally supplied one.

“It’s awesome,” he said. “The track’s nice and smooth, everything is clear, there are lots of different classes. Close to the city, there aren’t too many good tracks.”

Pinotti was pleased with the crowd, noting, “the more people there are, the nicer it is.”

Rui Borges is a self-proclaimed weekend racer from Somerville. He lauded the track, calling it “top-notch” and even referring to it as one of the best tracks on the East Coast.

Even more important to Borges, upon seeing the crowd and competition, was the idea that the sport is alive and well.

“It’s good to see motorsports is still growing in popularity,” he said. “I thought it was going to die down, with fuel prices and the economy the way they are.”

Bridgeton resident Matthew Fields said he has a long-held interest in racing, so the new park is a great chance for him to catch some action somewhere other than on the television.

“It’s better to see it in person,” he said. “You don’t have the opportunity to do that very often. You go down to Dover and pay so much for tickets … this place is brand new, it’s nice to be in on the ground floor.”

Fields said the track should benefit everyone.

“These people are crazy about cars,” he said. “And this should provide an avenue for a few people, like mechanics. This thing should take off; it’s really needed in this area.”

Steve Fanelli and his driver, Ambros Vuldo, have worked together for more than five years in the formula pro racing circuits. Fanelli’s experience with racing goes back around 20 years, and he expressed his approval of the facilities.

“It really is a nice setup,” he said while strapping Vuldo into a gray formula vehicle. “To see a new track like this, it’s a great attraction. Facilities-wise, it’s nice to have all of these vendors here.”

Bergen County resident Rahul Reddy is new to the sport, having participated in around four events. He said the motorsports park is a fine venue.

“It’s great,” he said. “Fresh pavement — can’t beat it.”

The variety of competitors pleased Reddy.

“They have everything here,” he said. “From Elantras to Ford GTs.”

As for how the track feels to someone new to the sport:

“The first time on the track, it’s a bit unnerving,” Reddy said. “But after three times around, it’s just comfortable.”