OLD BRIDGE, N.J. – The New Jersey and Eastern Motorsport Press Ass’n auto racing families lost one of their own on April 18, with the passing of third-generation racing photographer John “J.J.” Lane at age 38.
He had been hospitalized in recent weeks due to worsening kidney problems and then pneumonia.
Lane’s residence in Old Bridge was only a short distance from the site of the famed Old Bridge (N.J.) Speedway, which closed in 1968. Appropriately, that track was important in the “racing life” of his family.
Lane was the grandson of the late racing photography pioneer John “Ace” Lane Sr., who had been the track photographer at Old Bridge and Flemington Speedways; and the son of photographer John “Ace” Lane Jr., who “grew up” at Old Bridge Speedway and also became Flemington’s track photographer while in the company of his dad as he “learned the business” of photography.
John-John Lane was truly honored to “continue in the family tradition” of photography while earning the respect of those around him.
Annually, the Eastern Motorsport Press Ass’n (EMPA) presents the “Ace Lane Sr. Memorial Award for Excellence in Photography.” Determined by a vote of member photographers and writers, it recognizes not only the recipient’s talent with their camera at the racetrack, but the manner in which they represent the EMPA, themselves and the sport overall.
First awarded after the passing of Ace Sr. in 1973, it is annually one of the most-prestigious honors in the 50-plus year-old organization. The honoree is announced at the EMPA convention, with the presentation to the recipient made by Ace Jr., John-John and older brother Tommy, who has also taken pictures at the tracks.
In 2019, John-John Lane was named as the Ace Lane Award recipient, with proud dad Ace and brother Tommy handing the statue to him in a truly emotional moment on stage to the cheers of the EMPA membership.
“The news of John-John Lane’s passing was a huge shock to all who knew him. On behalf of the members of the Eastern Motorsport Press Ass’n, we are all truly saddened by the untimely loss of such a young talent and rising star in our industry,” reflected EMPA president Dino Oberto. “JJ personified the same flair for photography passed on to him by his renowned father, Ace Lane, and did so with true professionalism. This kid was a great photographer from a great family and most importantly a great person. He always greeted everyone he met with his trademark smile.
“Behind the camera he was a true professional in capturing so many perfect shots,” continued Oberto. “Two short years ago he deservingly was named the ‘Ace Lane Sr. Memorial Photographer of the Year’ as voted by his peers with EMPA. The award was fitting as it is named in honor of his legendary grandfather.
“To his dad, his equally talented brother Tommy Lane and the entire family, we offer our sincere condolences. May John-John rest in peace.”
Area Auto Racing News staff photographer Bob Yurko, who also chairs the EMPA photo committee, stood alongside John-John at many races as their cameras captured the action.
“We have lost JJ Lane, a young and talented, hard-working photographer in this sport,” reflected Yurko. “I believe JJ was just starting to make a name for himself in our sport, with the same standards of professionalism as his father and grandfather.
“Every photographer in auto racing that I know had nothing but respect for JJ, and enjoyed a special friendship with him,” Yurko continued. “I will miss our conversations about photography, racing and life in general.”
John-John was track photographer at N.J.’s Wall Stadium each Saturday night; and for Wall’s “Sunday Series” on the inner oval for Go-karts and Micro-Stocks.
Diane Krause and her daughter Emily, who promote the races at Wall Stadium, reflected on what John-John meant to the track’s racers, officials and fans.
“John-John was a long time member our race family at Wall Stadium,” the Krauses said. “He was at every show, no matter what, holding his camera with a big smile on his face. He will definitely be missed by all. We will always have his photos and the great memories he captured to remember him by.”
As a staff photographer of Area Auto Racing News, John-John covered special races at N.J.’s New Egypt and Bridgeport speedways and NASCAR events at Pocono Raceway.
He was also on the staff of Len Sammons Productions, as a member on the photography team with his father at the Motorsports Show and the Winter Indoor Racing Series.
A graduate of Passiac (N.J.) Technical School, John-John was employed as a welder. But his passion was auto racing, not only with photography, but also as a racer himself. Starting at a young age, he became a race and title-winning go-kart driver through his teens.
Dad Ace and older brother Tommy were also kart racing standouts, and J.J. showed a natural talent at the wheel. Although not racing as he got older, while then putting his emphasis on photography, he still maintained his love of karting.
As such, he enjoyed taking pictures each Sunday at Wall’s Sunday Series; while also encouraging the new racers.
John-John Lane is survived by his parents John “Ace” Lane Jr. and Michelle, and his brother Tommy.
Due to the COVID-19 virus, a private family service will take place for John-John.
A celebration of his life is planned when social gathering is again permitted later in the summer.