Tracks News: New Jersey Motorsports Park (NJMP) To Expand Thunderbolt Circuit
Following the successful completion of a multi-million dollar repave and renovation project for the 2024 motorsports season, New Jersey Motorsports Park (NJMP) announced that it is continuing its infrastructure investment with the addition of a new course configuration ahead of the 2025 season.
The new section is named “The Devil’s Pass”, and it offers a layout that will be a fast, flowing variation of the Thunderbolt Classic circuit.
The Devil’s Pass VS. Thunderbolt Classic
The Devil’s Pass retains the traditional Thunderbolt circuit through Turn 7, which exits onto a flat-out sweeping bend to the right.
Whereas the Thunderbolt Classic circuit then slows and turns hard right for the tight technical Turn 9 and 10 section of the course called The Devil, The Devil’s Pass variation will continue to accelerate onto an additional straightaway followed by a 90 degree left, which will rejoin the original circuit halfway through the existing Esses.
“This offers the challenging flow of setting up through the sweeping right and subsequent straightaway for a new braking zone and passing opportunity – and a critical turn to execute perfectly for maximum speed down the front straight,” explained Brad Scott, President and Chief Operating Officer of NJMP.
Professional racer Alex Sedgwick agreed. “This will be an interesting new addition, opening up a new passing opportunity for race events and increasing the average speed of the lap, demanding something different from car and driver when compared to what is usually a relatively slow speed, low commitment area of the track.” Sedgwick finished 2nd in the 2024 Porsche Carrera Cup North America championship in the top Pro division driving for PT Autosport with JDX Racing and hosts coaching sessions for NJMP’s Drivers Club members.
Devil’s Pass will integrate with the classic circuit as shown below.
The Devils Pass is a Game-Changer for NJMP Drivers and Riders
“There are a number of important details involved in getting this right,” Scott continued as he reviewed the design diagram. “There are 358 linear feet of new racing surface, with a slight negative camber in the new turn, and 100 linear feet of what is known as Melbourne curbing. The runoff area is comprised of a grass strip, followed by paved runoff, and finally an FIA grade 12” gravel pit. The guard rails behind the tire bundles will be raised to 4-levels instead of the typical 3-level for additional safety, and movable tire bundles enable the change between circuit configurations. The project also includes the required underground basins to capture water runoff.”
NJMP Managing Director and experienced racer RJ Valentine added: “As racers ourselves, one of the issues Lee (Brahin, fellow Managing Director) and I strongly believe in at any track is flow, and with the creation of this configuration we are certain that we’ll be achieving an interesting new flow and new passing zones. Our goal is to attract additional top-level professional series to NJMP.”
Beginning with the 2025 motorsport season, both the Thunderbolt Classic and Devil’s Pass circuits will be available for NJMP’s drivers, riders, clubs, partners, and professional series. And both retain the option of the Turn 3 chicane, resulting in four unique and enticing layouts for NJMP members and customers.
“This is Phase 2 of our multi-year investment in Thunderbolt,” said Scott. “The Phase 1 repave and renovation received great reviews during the 2024 season, including dozens of new track records set across various racing classes. The Phase 2 construction of a new course configuration is something we are really excited about.”
Created with the help of a team of NJMP members and partners, the Devil’s Pass final design is being led by Bryce Engelhart, Lead Designer at Technical Track Design (TTD), who provides his expertise in track design and safety to the project.
The Future of New Jersey Motorsports Park
Lee Brahin, NJMP Managing Director, emphasized the ongoing commitment to the motorsports complex. “We continue to invest and expand Thunderbolt. And our next focus will be on Lightning, which is near and dear to my heart as it was the first circuit to be run when we opened for the 2008 season. Lightning is very fast and unique in many ways, and I simply love driving it.”
Over its 15-year history, NJMP’s Thunderbolt has hosted major professional automobile and motorcycle racing series, has been enjoyed by grassroots racing clubs with their national and regional events, has played a role in driver and rider education through the many schools and development days held there, and has left countless drivers and riders challenged and smiling after their track days. Thunderbolt is home to the NJMP Drivers Club and NJMP Riders Club. And it has been used by major manufacturers as well as film crews for their projects.
NJMP encourages those who are interested in experiencing the new configuration to learn more about track rentals, NJMP Track Days, and exclusive memberships at NJMP.com.
Black Friday Sale
This is your chance to live out the driver’s dream and secure an exclusive standard track membership for half the price! New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, NJ, is offering Drivers Club standard memberships for only $10,000 for a limited time only.
Typically priced at $20,0000, this exclusive membership offers more than 35 track days a season. Receive professional instruction from experienced drivers to master each of NJMP’s two road-racing racetracks: Thunderbolt and Lightning. Gain access to pro driver days, where a seasoned professional driver lends one-on-one advice to members with a track walk and throughout the day. Enjoy delicious catered breakfasts and lunches at the Finish Line Pub and relax by the exclusive outdoor pool with your family and friends as your hosted guests.
Be one of the first people to experience the brand-new Thunderbolt Devil’s Pass reconfiguration in 2025 which will retain the traditional Thunderbolt circuit through Turn 7 but exit onto a flat-out sweeping bend to the right.
The Driver’s Club is perfect for those who have a need for speed, looking to improve their driving skills while enjoying the company of the motorsport community.
Visit NJMP.com to learn more about the Drivers Club benefits and discounts, as well as how to apply today before the sale ends on December 1, 2024!