On a hot June afternoon, NASCAR made its return to New Jersey Motorsports Park for the third year in a row, fans got to see up and coming drivers like Will Rodgers, Ryan Vargas, Anthony Alfredo, and more competing on Thunderbolt Raceway.
Will Rodgers won last year’s race and was looking to become the first back to back winner. Rodgers along with current NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Noah Gragson are the only winners so far since the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East division debut at New Jersey Motorsports Park in 2016.
The day started off with practices for both BMW and NASCAR while fans got to enjoy the tailgate party at the NJMP fan zone. Hell on Wheels BMX stunt show then displayed unique stunts that the fans were enjoying before both BMW and NASCAR qualified for their races.
Not long after qualifying, the BMX stunt show resumed while fans who purchased the Turn 3 VIP Experience got to have a private autograph session with the drivers.
The action then ramped up with BMW taking the track for the first race of the day which lasted for forty minutes. After the race, then it was time for the pit road autograph session and fan walk where fans got to meet the drivers, get autographs and take pictures. Soon after, the fans left to take their seats and opening ceremonies got underway.
Ernie Francis Jr, who won the 2017 Trans-Am championship and Trans-Am race at NJMP last year along with last year’s winner Will Rodgers lead the field to the green. Francis would lead the first six laps before Will Rodgers passed him and didn’t look back. Rodgers then lead the last forty-nine laps to claim his second win at New Jersey Motorsports Park.
