While I usually write about cheap dog-friendly & family activities, I’m making a slight exception with New Jersey Motorsports Park.  A day at the race track can be a cheap family activity, and while leashed dogs are permitted, I would discourage you from taking your pet due to the noise and heat.

The New Jersey Motorsports Park (NJMP) is located in Millville, NJ – 45 min to an hour from Atlantic City. The 700 acre site opened in July 2008 and is still developing. There are 2 road courses – the 2.25 mile Thunderbolt and the 1.9 mile Lightning course. If you want to see various corners of the track, plan on doing a bit of walking. It’s all flat and there are asphalt roads leading to most of the spectator stands, but parking might be a distance away. It is treeless and there isn’t much shade. The restrooms were immaculate and air-conditioned.

Concessions stands are available and depending on the item, not too unreasonable for a track. A hot dog, fries, & soda were $6.00, however, a bag of chips was $3.00.

NJMP major race events include motorcycle (AMA) and cars (ARCA Re/Max series, Ferrari, and Grand Prix). Admission to race events is not cheap. However, every once in a while, there is a practice – a track day – where there is no admission to watch.

The added benefit of a track day is the pit rules may be relaxed. For those not familiar with racing, the pit is where the race vehicles are kept and worked on. For most races, access to the Pits is restricted to pit crew members. When I was there for an AMA test day, we could walk thru the pits, see the bikes and the drivers – even get a view inside their trailers. While the vehicles on the course are not officially racing, we saw top AMA riders zooming and challenging each other. We were able to walk to the awards podium and take pictures of our family standing on the #1 spot. Spectators could climb the media tower for a four-story view of the track

NJMP has an event calendar. Check what’s upcoming and follow the link to the organization sponsoring the event. The AMA track day was listed as ‘private test’, but other organizations that are not as well known, have links to their sites. Then call the track to verify there is no admission.

Note that NJMP has some strict rules – they are regulated. A responsible adult must closely supervise all children under 17 years of age. No one under 18 years of age may operate a car or motorcycle anywhere on NJMP premises, without NJMP’s prior written approval. When you enter the park, you will be asked to sign a liability waiver.

Visit NJMP on a no admission day when either cars or motorcycles are ‘practicing’.  Bring a cooler, sunscreen, and bug spray.  Even if the kids only last a couple hours, they can have the thrill of watching.  For a major event, I would recommend ear plugs / ear mufflers for children, but practice events are often quieter. 

Cost: gas to get there.

NJMP permits leashed dogs. However, their official statement is “NJMP discourages bringing pets to the track. Pets will be allowed if they are leashed and then only if you clean up after them. Otherwise, NJMP will fine the owner and both may be asked to leave the facility. Do not take leashed pets onto false grid or pit areas. Pets are also not allowed in any of NJMP’s buildings or the concession area.”

I would also discourage taking your dog, even if he is accustomed to the loud noise. As mentioned, there is no shade. The stands are metal (hot in the sun).

Hours: Gate Hours – The main gate is generally open from 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Admission: Varies by event.

Handicap accessible: Yes

Dog-friendly: Yes, but dogs are discouraged.

Directions: Even folks who have been to NJMP get lost. If you’re programming a GPS, the park may be too new to be listed. It is next to MillvilleAirport, but the entrance is on a different road. NJMP directions page has links to Google Maps and Mapquest. 

Address: 8000 Dividing Creek Road
Millville, NJ 08332

Phone. (856) 327-7217