Justin R. Bonsignore Bio
Justin R. Bonsignore, born on February 3, 1988, in Holtsville, New York, is an American professional stock car racing driver. He competes full-time in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, driving the No. 51 Chevrolet for Kenneth Massa Motorsports. Bonsignore has also raced in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, driving Toyota GR Supras for Joe Gibbs Racing.
Early Life and Background
Justin Bonsignore began his racing career at the age of eight, starting with go-karts. His family owned and operated a Kart Racing Shop, providing early exposure to motorsports. In 1997, he competed in his first national go-kart event at Rockingham Speedway in North Carolina, finishing thirteenth. Over his karting career, Bonsignore achieved eighteen national event wins, thirteen poles, and 45 top-five finishes in 81 national starts.
His karting highlights include victories at Len Sammon’s Indoor Kart Race at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island, and the East End Shootout at Riverhead Raceway. This foundation paved the way for his transition into stock car racing.
Path to NASCAR
Bonsignore began competing in stock cars in 2005, racing in Riverhead Raceway’s Charger Division and the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Racing Series. He finished third in the series standings and earned Rookie of the Year honors. In 2006, he advanced to the NASCAR Modified Division, securing three top-five and nine top-ten finishes, again earning Rookie of the Year and finishing seventh in points.
His early NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour career included a wrist injury in 2007 but rebounded with his first stock car win in 2008. By 2009, he won the Cromarty Cup 50 Lap race, leading every lap from the pole position. Bonsignore’s consistent performances in regional and modified series established him as a rising talent in NASCAR’s modified ranks.
Justin R. Bonsignore Career
Early Career (2007–2013)
In 2009, Bonsignore formed a partnership with local business owner Ken Massa, creating a team to compete full-time in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. Their debut race together resulted in a second-place finish at the King of the Mountain 150 at Sundance Vacations Speedway. The 2010 season saw Bonsignore named Sunoco Rookie of the Year, with two top-five and four top-ten finishes.
He earned the distinction of being the first Whelen Modified Tour driver to win Coors Light Pole Awards at Bristol Motor Speedway and Stafford Motor Speedway in 2010. Bonsignore won his first Whelen Modified Tour race on July 30, 2011, at Riverhead Raceway, leading the final 158 laps. He also won the NASCAR Weekly Series Modified championship at Riverhead that year. In 2012 and 2013, he continued to perform well, finishing seventh and eighth in points respectively, with wins at Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park and Monadnock Speedway.
NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Breakthrough (2014–2021)
In 2014, Bonsignore’s team switched to Spafco Chassis and Robert Yates Racing Spec engines, improving performance. He won three races and finished third in points. That year, he also won the Modified Racing Series championship driving for Art Barry. Bonsignore continued to win races in 2015 but faced consistency challenges, finishing tenth in points.
The 2016 season marked a career year with four wins and thirteen top-five finishes, finishing runner-up in the championship to Doug Coby. Although 2017 was winless, 2018 brought significant success as Bonsignore switched to FURY Chassis and hired Ryan Stone as crew chief. He won eight races, five poles, and secured the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championship, leading in multiple statistical categories.
Bonsignore repeated as series champion in 2020 and 2021, solidifying his status as one of the top drivers in the Whelen Modified Tour. His driving style combines strong qualifying speed with consistent race pace and strategic acumen, supported by a strong partnership with crew chief Ryan Stone.
Joe Gibbs Racing and NASCAR Xfinity Series (2024–Present)
In 2024, Bonsignore expanded his racing portfolio by competing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Joe Gibbs Racing. He made his debut at New Hampshire, driving the No. 19 Toyota GR Supra. Despite qualifying being rained out, he led three laps and ran in the top five before finishing 22nd due to a late incident.
Plans for 2025 include a more extensive Xfinity Series schedule with Joe Gibbs Racing, initially announced for five races and later expanded to nine. Bonsignore also substituted in the No. 18 car at Martinsville when the regular driver was sidelined. His transition to national NASCAR series marks a new chapter in his career.
Driving Style and Strengths
Justin Bonsignore excels on short tracks and road courses, demonstrating strong qualifying performances and race management. His ability to lead laps and maintain consistent speed has been key to his multiple championships. The collaboration with crew chief Ryan Stone has enhanced his strategic approach and car setup, contributing to his sustained success.
Notable Races and Milestones
Bonsignore’s signature victories include his first Whelen Modified Tour win at Riverhead Raceway in 2011 and his dominant 2018 championship season with eight wins. His milestone achievements also include multiple series championships in 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2024, underscoring his impact on the series.
Justin R. Bonsignore Career Wins
Justin Bonsignore has accumulated multiple wins and championships primarily in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour. His success in this series is highlighted by four championship titles and numerous race victories spanning from 2011 through 2024.
NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Highlights
Bonsignore’s first Whelen Modified Tour win came in 2011 at Riverhead Raceway. He has since won multiple races each season during his peak years, including eight wins during his 2018 championship season. He secured the series championship in 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2024, demonstrating consistent top-level performance.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond the Whelen Modified Tour, Bonsignore won the NASCAR Weekly Series Modified championship at Riverhead Raceway in 2011 and the Modified Racing Series championship in 2014. His early career includes notable wins in the Charger Division and regional modified events such as the Cromarty Cup.
Justin R. Bonsignore Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Justin Bonsignore’s family has a history in kart racing, owning and operating a Kart Racing Shop. This environment fostered his early interest and development in motorsports, providing a foundation for his racing career.
Personal Life
Details about Bonsignore’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Justin Bonsignore is set to expand his presence in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Joe Gibbs Racing, competing in nine races. This move represents a significant step in his career, transitioning from regional modified racing to national-level competition. His performance in the Whelen Modified Tour continues to be strong, maintaining momentum from his 2024 championship season.
With a solid team and experienced crew chief Ryan Stone, Bonsignore aims to balance success across both series. The upcoming season will be critical in establishing his credentials in the Xfinity Series while defending his status in the Modified Tour.
