Justin Bonsignore Bio
Justin R. Bonsignore is an American professional stock car racing driver who has established himself as one of the most successful competitors in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. Born on February 3, 1988, in Holtsville, New York, Bonsignore competes full-time in the Modified Tour, driving the No. 51 Chevrolet for Kenneth Massa Motorsports. His career includes multiple championships and victories across regional and national racing circuits.
Bonsignore has also ventured into the NASCAR Xfinity Series, where he drove the Nos. 18 and 19 Toyota GR Supras for Joe Gibbs Racing. His versatility across different racing disciplines and consistent performance in modified competition have made him a respected figure in Northeastern motorsports. The four-time NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion continues to build on his legacy through competitive racing and strategic team partnerships.
Early Life and Background
Justin Bonsignore began his racing career with go-karts at the age of eight. His family has long owned and operated a Kart Racing Shop, providing him with early exposure to the racing circuit that paved the way for his professional career. This foundation in motorsports gave him valuable technical knowledge and competitive experience from a young age.
In 1997, Bonsignore competed in his first national event at Rockingham Speedway in North Carolina, finishing thirteenth. During his go-kart career, he achieved impressive statistics with eighteen national event wins, thirteen poles, and 45 top-five finishes across 81 national starts. Notable victories include Len Sammon’s Indoor Kart Race at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island, and the East End Shootout at Riverhead Raceway.
Path to NASCAR
Bonsignore transitioned to stock car racing in 2005, competing in Riverhead Raceway’s Charger Division and the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Racing Series. He finished third in the series standings during his rookie season and was awarded Rookie of the Year, securing the best rookie finish on record. This early success demonstrated his natural talent and adaptability to stock car competition.
In 2006, Bonsignore moved to the NASCAR Modified Division, where he scored three top-five finishes and nine top-ten finishes. For the second consecutive year, he received NASCAR’s Rookie of the Year title in the Modified Division and achieved a seventh-place finish overall, setting a new record for rookie performance. Although a wrist injury shortened his 2007 season, he returned in 2008 to earn his first stock car victory and record the division’s most top-five and top-ten finishes.
Justin Bonsignore Career
Early Career (2009-2017)
The 2009 season marked a significant collaboration between Bonsignore and business owner Ken Massa, forming a team to compete full-time on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. In their first race together, they scored a second-place finish at Sundance Vacations Speedway in Pennsylvania. The 2010 season showed promise as Bonsignore was named the Sunoco Rookie of the Year, finishing thirteenth in the standings despite mechanical challenges. He became the first NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour driver to earn a Coors Light Pole Award at both Bristol Motor Speedway and Stafford Motor Speedway.
On July 30, 2011, Bonsignore won his first Whelen Modified Tour race at his local track, Riverhead Raceway, starting on the outside pole and leading the final 158 laps. He also won the NASCAR Weekly Series Modified championship at Riverhead Raceway that year. From 2012 to 2014, Bonsignore continued to improve, with three race wins in 2014 leading to a third-place finish in points. The 2016 season proved exceptional with four wins and thirteen top-fives, resulting in a runner-up points finish to Doug Coby.
NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Breakthrough (2018-2024)
The 2018 season brought significant changes for the No. 51 team, including a switch to FURY Chassis and bringing in Ryan Stone as crew chief. These adjustments paid immediate dividends as Bonsignore won the 2018 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championship. He dominated the season with eight wins, five poles, twelve top-fives, fifteen top-tens, and 695 laps led, leading every statistical category. This championship marked his first title at the national modified touring level.
Bonsignore continued his championship success in 2020, capturing his second NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour title. The 2021 season saw him win a third consecutive championship, demonstrating remarkable consistency and competitive excellence. His ability to adapt to changing regulations, track conditions, and competition levels established him as one of the premier drivers in modified racing. The 2024 season added a fourth championship to his resume, further solidifying his legacy in the series.
Kenneth Massa Motorsports Era (2009–Present)
The partnership between Justin Bonsignore and Kenneth Massa Motorsports has been one of the most enduring and successful collaborations in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. Beginning in 2009, the team has evolved through chassis changes, engine partnerships, and personnel adjustments while maintaining competitive excellence. The move to FURY Chassis in 2018 proved pivotal, unlocking the performance that led to multiple championships.
Under the Kenneth Massa Motorsports banner, Bonsignore has achieved his greatest career milestones, including four NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championships. The team’s stability and commitment to development have provided Bonsignore with the equipment and support necessary to compete at the highest level. The No. 51 Chevrolet has become synonymous with success in modified racing, representing the standard for team performance and driver ability.
Driving Style and Strengths
Bonsignore excels on a variety of track types, particularly short tracks where car control and strategic decision-making are crucial. His driving style combines smooth inputs with aggressive positioning, allowing him to navigate through traffic efficiently. The partnership with crew chief Ryan Stone has been instrumental in optimizing race setups and executing race strategies. His experience in go-karts and various modified divisions has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of vehicle dynamics.
Notable Races and Milestones
Riverhead Raceway holds special significance for Bonsignore, as it was the site of his first NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour victory in 2011. His dominating performance, leading the final 158 laps, announced his arrival as a championship contender. The 2018 championship season, where he led all major statistical categories, stands as one of the most complete performances in series history. His ability to win at diverse venues like Bristol Motor Speedway and Stafford Motor Speedway showcases his versatility across different racing conditions.
Justin Bonsignore Career Wins
Justin Bonsignore has accumulated an impressive collection of victories across his racing career, with the majority coming in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. His win total spans multiple seasons and includes championship-earning performances. Success on short tracks and prestigious venues has defined his career trajectory.
NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Highlights
Bonsignore has won numerous races in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, with his most successful seasons coming during his championship years of 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2024. The 2018 season was particularly productive, featuring eight victories that propelled him to his first championship. His ability to win consistently across different tracks and conditions has been a hallmark of his career, with poles and race wins at notable venues including Bristol Motor Speedway and Stafford Motor Speedway.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, Bonsignore secured the NASCAR Weekly Series Modified championship at Riverhead Raceway in 2011. He also won the Modified Racing Series championship in 2014 while driving for Art Barry. In 2024, he expanded his racing portfolio by making his ARCA Menards Series debut at Daytona International Speedway. His participation in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Joe Gibbs Racing represents his venture into national competition.
| Series | Championships |
|---|---|
| NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour | 4 (2018, 2020, 2021, 2024) |
| NASCAR Weekly Series (Riverhead) | 1 (2011) |
| Modified Racing Series | 1 (2014) |
Justin Bonsignore Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Bonsignore’s family has been integral to his racing development, with long-standing ownership and operation of a Kart Racing Shop. This family business provided early access to racing equipment and technical knowledge that shaped his foundation in motorsports. The family’s involvement in karting created a supportive environment for nurturing his racing talent from childhood through his professional career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season presents significant opportunities for Justin Bonsignore as he expands his racing program beyond the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. In January 2025, it was revealed that Bonsignore would compete in five NASCAR Xfinity Series races for Joe Gibbs Racing during the season. The following month, the team announced an expansion of his schedule to nine races, demonstrating confidence in his ability to compete at the national level. This expanded schedule with Joe Gibbs Racing marks an important step in his career development.
Bonsignore continues his pursuit of additional championships in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour with Kenneth Massa Motorsports. The stability of his long-term team partnership, combined with his championship experience, positions him as a contender for the 2025 title. His previous Xfinity Series experience, including a 2024 race at New Hampshire where he led three laps before a late incident, provides valuable preparation for his expanded 2025 schedule. The dual focus on defending his Modified Tour dominance while gaining experience in the Xfinity Series showcases his ambition and versatility as a driver.
