KONI Challenge

By The Franklin Lakes Journal

Published: August 31, 2008

Residents may have seen themselves being passed by colorful race cars on the state highways recently on their way to a new track in southern New Jersey. The brand-new New Jersey Motorsports Park was hosting some premier racing events such as the Koni Challenge and the Grand-Am. There was wide coverage prior to the races when driver Scott Pruett was involved in a crash in practice. Looking to pass a slower car, Pruett swerved and hit a barrier. The car was split in two, but Pruett did not suffer any major injuries and was able to get a replacement car delivered.

Local resident Joe Masessa doesn’t have the same name recognition as Pruett, but they share the same passion. The doctor from Franklin Lakes completed his rookie season of NASCAR Grand National Division in 2005. In this Labor Day weekend race, Joe was driving BGB Motorsports / Porsche 997 along with teammate Nick Longhi. Qualifying times for Masessa/Longhi had the pair in the middle of the pack about 3 minutes behind the highest qualifying time and 5 minutes ahead of the lowest. BGB’s interest in the Porsche 997 began in 2006, so this 2008 season is the team’s 2nd year with the car. The team was sponsored by Performance Drink and The Monticello Motor Club.

According to drivers and spectators, the new track in NJ has enormous potential. The management is addressing concerns raised by drivers, and grassy areas should be replacing the dirt fields that can leave a layer of dust on everything in the vicinity. One of the major benefits of those attending this weekend’s events was the intimate environment not usually enjoyed by racing car fans. “Being able to stand with the likes of Wayne Taylor, Max the Axe, Christian Fittipaldi and watch their engineers prepare these machines is something you can’t do in a lot of series”, reported one fan.

The racetrack is in Milliville, NJ, which is a bit over 2.5 hours from northern New Jersey. With an extra year to get the park in better shape, it should make for an excellent side trip for folks on vacation next summer. For the racing enthusiast, it’s probably a good trip anytime.

Below is a video of the new racetrack from a driver’s perspective. It was made earlier in July, but gives viewers an idea of the intensity of racing, and the dust problems for drivers. (3.5 minutes)