Some weekends redefine what club racing can be. NASA Northeast’s June Jam at New Jersey Motorsports Park’s Thunderbolt Circuit did exactly that.
Over 30 Super Touring (ST/SU) entries took to the track, creating one of the largest and most competitive fields in NASA Northeast history. The paddock was filled with everything from stout ST4 and ST5 builds to powerful ST2, ST1, and SU machines, showcasing the incredible diversity that has made NASA Super Touring one of the fastest-growing series in the region.
The strength of the field was perhaps best illustrated in ST5, where 18 cars answered the call for Saturday’s race. Wheel-to-wheel battles stretched throughout the field, proving that some of the best racing wasn’t just at the front. ST4 also delivered an impressive turnout with seven starters on Saturday, producing close, respectful racing from green flag to the checkered.
Just as exciting was the resurgence of the upper Super Touring classes. Veteran competitors Barry Smith and Ed Henderson came out with their ST1 machinery, while newcomers Nicholas Winter and Brian Hildebrandt debuted in Super Touring aboard a pair of Ford Mustangs. SU saw a flurry of exotic factory racecars with Frank LaRosa in a Ferrari 488 Challenge and James Wilson in a Lamborghini Huracan Super Trofeo Evo2.
Super Touring 5 Spotlight
ST5 Race Results for Saturday
1. Kyle Turns – BMW E36 M3
2. Besik George Menabde – BMW E46 330Ci
3. Umur Selek – Subaru BRZ
ST5 Race Results for Sunday
1. Umur Selek – Subaru BRZ
2. David Graver – BMW 128i
3. Dillon Brennan – Honda Civic EJ2
“After two seasons, I finally had the car fully dialed in,” said Kyle Turns after driving the No. 267 BMW to Saturday’s ST5 win. “I’ve battled engine and suspension issues, so it was nice going into the weekend knowing the car was ready and the only thing left to improve was the driver. I’ve been putting work into the driver mods, (and I’m) stoked to come away with the win.”
Super Touring 4 Spotlight
ST4 Race Results on Saturday
1. Jose Suero – Honda S2000
2. Phil Albertson – Ford Mustang GT
3. Chris Carter – Acura Integra
ST4 Race Results on Sunday
1. Mason Bursac – BMW E46 M3
2. Besik George Menabde – BMW E46 330Ci
3. Griffin Gamcsik-Uly – BMW E36 M3
“It was fantastic to see such a massive turnout in our series. The on-track action was phenomenal. I had a blast battling it out with Phil Albertson and Chris Carter, you guys ran a hell of a race.” Said Jose Suero, Northeast ST Director and ST4 competitor.
“The weekend highlight for me happened off the track on Sunday. While talking to Phil, my 5-year-old son was with me and said something to him. I can’t remember exactly what was said, but Phil looked at him and said, ‘But your dad is a really good driver too.’”
“Seeing the look on my son’s face is something I can’t even describe.” Suero said. “That kind of validation from a fellow competitor in front of my boy meant the world to me. I don’t know if Phil realizes how much that meant, but thank you, man. Truly.”
While moments like this tell part of the story, they don’t capture everything that made the weekend special.
After Saturday’s races, 22 Super Touring drivers arrived on the pre-grid for a memorable group photo. BMWs, Hondas, Subarus, Mustangs, Acuras, and more lined up side by side. After a day of racing, the drivers came together to celebrate the community they’ve built. Cars battle-wounded showed up, some under their own power, some not – some even arrived being pushed by golf carts! This was a moment that couldn’t be missed.
Mike and Kim of Windshadow Photo Studios captured the moments behind the lens and made us look like superstars. These photos weren’t just about the cars – it was about the people and camaraderie that define NASA NE Super Touring.
Weekends like this don’t happen by accident. They’re supported by racers who welcome new competitors, share their passion for the class, and create an environment where fierce competition and a strong sense of community thrive together.
Record-setting laps, huge fields, and incredible racing made June Jam at NJMP Thunderbolt one of the most memorable events in NASA Northeast Super Touring history.
