New Jersey Motorsports Park – Thunderbolt Raceway

[Wellardmac]

So everything is approved?

Any chance that they'll have space for AX there?

[Phokaioglaukos]

I think Steve will post a full report, but the last approval needed is for the FAA to approve the city's sale of the land to the developer. That is not expected to be a problem, but it has not happened yet.

In addition, there is a state proposal to increase the sales tax just for the area covered by the track development by two percentage points. The rate in that area is currently one-half the regular rate because it's a depressed area. If the increase goes through, the additional funds will go to the developer, I understand. It does not seem that this additional payment stream to the developer is a condition to breaking ground.


Check the web site for the track. There is a kart track planned and autocross too, I think, but I'm not sure what phase that is.

[Tony356993]

Thanks Nick and Chris for the update.

[Brian Minkin]

wellardmac wrote:

So everything is approved?

Any chance that they'll have space for AX there?

AX space is not in the features that they are promoting at this time. It looks as if in addition to the road course they will have a world class Karting Center with rental carts and certainly race series. If you dont want to take your Porsche on the track then perhaps this is the way to compete in Motor Sports.

My hat is off to Nick for joining their Green Flag Comittee. This certianly gives us presense within their organization. Nick please dont forget us boys back in Philly!

I am in contact with James Redman who is their Director of Motor Sports Activities and is the one responsible for setting up the track rentalls for 2008. I am sure their are others from the exec in touch with him as well as he believes he already has requests from our region for track dates.

It is going to be a great facility right in our back yard.

[Wellardmac]

I like carting, that could be a lot of fun.

[smankow]

Chris, Nick & I attended the public meeting in Millville.  Chris & I arrived early and had a chance to speak with Don Fauerbach, who is running their Green Flag charity wing (which will soon include Nick Hatalski) as well as spearheading much of the project efforts within Millville.  Although seating was open, Don asked us to sit with the group supporting the project.  We later found out that the reasoning was that a strong show of support for the project would aid the Committee Members, who had been under pressure from all sides.

All of us were quite impressed with the professionalism that was exhibited throughout the meeting.  Any and all interested parties were given the opportunity to be heard.  Nick, as well as a rep from the Schattenbaum Region, provided details of estimated money spent throughout the weekends.  Those opposed to the project focused more on tax abatements, which ended up being very overblown as currently this area (owned by Millville) generates $0 of tax revenue.

At the close of public discussion, each committee member voiced their views of the project (all positive) siting not only tax revenue but that NJMP would provide a new industry to the area along with over 6,000 new jobs directly from the park.  Each also noted that Cumberland County, where Millville resides, is the poorest county in the state of NJ and they continually fight with Trenton to retain the tax advantages that have kept them going.  Ultimately, the issue came to vote and it was unanimously approved.

After the meeting, the track supporters gathered at a local pub to celebrate.  We invited Harvey Siegel and Lee Brahin, the two majority owners of NJMP, to join us at our table.  Although we didn't have their undivided attention, we did have a good opportunity to talk with them about the project, including why they chose Millville, what they need to do to get started (final FAA approval for land sale) and estimated start (January 2007), completion (track laid in Sept. 2007) and opening (Spring 2008).  The knowledge and experience of these gentlemen was astounding.  They each took the time to personally thank all of us who came to support them at the meeting.

When all was said and done, we were glad that we made the trek to Millville.  Hopefully, our time spent and with Nick getting involved there, will reap some benefits for RTR.  They were aware that RTR had been in touch with them about a variety of dates, but they haven't begun to book anything yet.  They did tell us that most of the requests have been for the full track, although it's subject to change.  They are expecting to hold spectator events (RACES) in 2008.

I'm sure that I missed something here, but I'm sure that Nick and Chris will comment, as necessary.

Steve

[smankow]

one other point, as you look at the various track configurations you will see one common theme.  Millville Airport, which is adjacent to the track, was used during WWII to practice bombing runs.  Because of its history, each track configuration is named after an airplane.

 

Steve

[Nick]

[size=3]The final hurdle for Thunderbolt Raceway 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

telephone: 908 624 0880

He resides in Union, NJ and is an attorney. He is quite familiar with the legislation, so please either e-mail him or call his staff to voice your support and desire for the Senator to move this bill as soon as possible, so Governor Corzine can sign the bill in December.

Please take a moment from your day to contact the senator. Please spread the word. If each of us makes contact with him, it will surely make a difference.
[/size]

[smankow]

just sent my letter to the Senator

[Phokaioglaukos]

Just sent my e-mail:

The Honorable Ray Lesniak,
 
I write in support of [size=3]Sports and Entertainment District legislation (Bill # A 1054) [/size]to facilitate the development of Thunderbolt Raceway in Millville. This project will produce wonderful economic benefits to Millville and the surrounding area, drawing tens of thousands of race and track enthusiasts and their families, including me. I urge you to progress this bill as expeditiously as possible so that construction may begin early next year.
 
Very truly yours,
 
Christopher G. Karras