Politicians Duke it out on Racetrack
By Robert Press
The Daily Journal
thedailyjournal.com

Millville, N.J. (August 4, 2008) – New Jersey politicians traded in their debate podiums and microphones for go-karts and helmets for a campaign race unlike any Cumberland County has seen before.

But it was all in good fun, because Saturday's race among 15 area politicians and other government officials at the New Jersey Motorsports Park F1 Karting Track was a time for nonpartisan celebration.

"This is what we've worked 10 years for: getting motorsports to Cumberland County," said Assemblyman Doug Fisher, D-3. "People are piling in, and this is exactly what we talked about."

Politicians from around the area were invited to the park to put on racing suits and helmets and drive around the go-kart tracks in an event organizers called "The Politics of Racing." It was one of a series of events at the new motorsports park designed to build excitement this summer as the county's largest entertainment venue introduces itself to the region.

Juvenile as it may seem, these were no at-the-shore bumper cars -- the karts are capable of traveling in excess of 50 mph. And the primary focus for all participants was the importance of even having the facilities to hold such an event in Cumberland County.

"This is great for everyone," Cumberland County Freeholder Douglas Rainear said while suiting up. "Obviously for the motorsports people, but not only for them. The New Jersey Motorsports Park is going to be a great community partner."

Rainear said it had been more than 40 years since he last climbed into a go-kart, and he'd never ridden on a professional track.

When asked who he was looking forward to leaving in the dust, Rainear responded: "Freeholder (Louis) Magazzu, definitely. And (Deerfield Mayor) Carol Musso second."

Vineland Mayor Robert Romano wasn't quite sure what to expect as he suited up, but he noted he wasn't entirely without experience.

"I've been in a few high-speed chases," said Romano, a retired Vineland police lieutenant. "It's different running these things, though."

Romano had to pull out of the race early after being strongly rear-ended by another racer and lightly injuring his neck. He laughed off the incident later.

Race director "Photo" Phil Swetz joked with the politicians beforehand while teaching them the basics, such as what they needed to know about racing flags and procedures. Still, the most important thing he stressed was made apparent when the politicians donned their identical racing suits and similar helmets:

"When you get on this side of the fence, you're not who you were," he said. "It doesn't matter if you're a politician or the pope — you get on this side of the fence, you're a racer."

In the end, it was Fairfield Mayor Marion Kennedy running away with the checkered flag. He dominated the field, working his way up from the very back of the pack to first place within several laps and even lapping several fellow politicians on his way to a victory margin of more than 26 seconds.

Kennedy, an avid racing fan, laughed as he took the flag to go on a victory lap.

"It's great," he said. "I loved it."