If you grew up anywhere near Central Jersey, the name alone triggers a specific sensory memory. The smell of burnt rubber and high-octane fuel. The literal ground-shaking roar of Top Fuel dragsters. The iconic radio spots that used to scream "RACEEEEEWAY PARK!" every summer. Old Bridge Raceway Park Englishtown NJ wasn't just a strip of asphalt; it was a cultural cornerstone for the East Coast racing scene for over fifty years.
Then 2018 happened.
Suddenly, the news broke that the Napp family, who founded the track in 1965, was ending drag racing operations. People acted like the place had been bulldozed. They mourned it like a funeral. But if you drive down Pension Road today, you'll see it’s far from a graveyard. It’s just different.
Honestly, the transition from a world-class NHRA hub to a multi-use facility—housing everything from Formula Drift to massive Copart auto auctions—tells a bigger story about how local business and land use are changing in New Jersey.
The NHRA Glory Days Were Loud
For decades, Englishtown was the "Summernationals." That was the big one. It was one of the crown jewels of the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) circuit. Fans would pack the stands to see legends like John Force or Don "The Snake" Prudhomme. The track surface was legendary for being "sticky" because the Napps knew how to prep a lane.
Back in the day, the stats were wild. During a major event, the facility could host over 50,000 fans. We’re talking about a town—Old Bridge/Englishtown—that basically turned into a massive tailgate for a week.
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But drag racing is expensive. It’s loud. And as suburban sprawl crept closer to the gates, the tension grew. People who moved into new developments nearby started complaining about the noise, even though the track had been there since Lyndon B. Johnson was in the White House. It’s a classic Jersey story.
Why the Drag Strip Actually Closed
There’s a lot of conspiracy theories about why the drag racing stopped. Some say it was the noise ordinances. Others blame the 2008 death of Scott Kalitta, which was a horrific crash at the track that led to the NHRA shortening race distances from a quarter-mile to 1000 feet for Top Fuel cars.
But if you look at the business side, it was simpler. Copart, a global online vehicle auction company, offered a deal that was basically impossible to refuse. They needed space to store thousands of cars—salvage vehicles, insurance write-offs, you name it.
The Napp family didn't "sell out" in the way people think. They kept the land. They just leased the main drag strip area to Copart. It was a pivot. Drag racing is a high-risk, weather-dependent business with massive overhead. Storing thousands of cars for an auction giant? That’s steady, quiet income.
It's Not Just a Parking Lot
You'll still hear engines screaming at Raceway Park Englishtown NJ. Don't let the "closed" rumors fool you. While the quarter-mile drags are gone, the facility is arguably busier now than it was ten years ago.
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The road course is a huge draw for the "drift" community. Formula Drift visits Englishtown, and it’s a whole different vibe than the old-school muscle car crowd. It’s younger. It’s smokier. It’s about style and angle rather than just raw 0-to-300 mph speed.
Then there’s the motocross. The Raceway Park motocross track is still one of the premier spots in the Northeast. On any given weekend, you’ve got kids on 50cc bikes and pros on 450s tearing up the dirt. They also host the "Tough Mudder" and other obstacle course races.
- Motocross: Still fully operational with a dedicated practice schedule.
- Drifting: The "Gauntlet" at Englishtown is a legendary technical section for drifters.
- Karting: The scale of the karting track is world-class, attracting serious competitive leagues.
- Airport: Did you know there’s an actual FAA-designated airport (Old Bridge Airport) on the property? It’s still there.
The Real Economic Impact
When the Summernationals left, the local economy took a hit. Hotels in East Brunswick and Monroe used to book out a year in advance. Local diners like the Englishtown Diner would be slammed.
According to various regional economic assessments, losing a major NHRA event can cost a local area millions in "lost" tourism spending. However, the consistent operation of the Copart facility and the frequent smaller-scale drift and MX events have stabilized the tax base for Old Bridge Township.
It’s a trade-off. You lose the "big game" feel of the NHRA, but you gain a year-round business model that doesn't depend on whether or not it rains on one specific weekend in June.
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Visiting Today: What You Need to Know
If you're heading to Raceway Park Englishtown NJ now, don't show up looking for a 6,000-horsepower funny car. You'll be disappointed.
Instead, check the schedule for "Drift Mansion" or the local MX series. The facility is massive—over 500 acres. You enter through different gates depending on what you’re doing. The motocross entrance is usually separate from the main road course entrance.
Parking is usually plentiful, but for events like Formula Drift, it gets packed. It’s still that dusty, gritty, authentic Jersey racing atmosphere.
Actionable Steps for Racing Fans
If you’re looking to experience what’s left of the legendary Englishtown spirit, here is how you actually do it:
- Check the Official Calendar: Never trust third-party event sites. The Raceway Park website is the only place that accurately lists the MX practice days and the drift schedules.
- Visit the Museum: Sometimes they open up areas showcasing the history of the track. If you get a chance to see the old photos of the "Jungle Jim" era, take it.
- Go to a Drift Event: Even if you’re a "drag racing or nothing" person, the skill involved in pro-level drifting is insane. It’s the new lifeblood of the park.
- Respect the Neighbors: This is huge. If you’re driving your loud project car to the track, cool it in the residential zones. The locals are the reason the track has to follow strict curfews.
- Support Local: Hit up the small businesses in Englishtown and Old Bridge. They’ve stuck by the track through the transition, and they’re part of the history.
The "Englishtown" we knew is gone, but the property is still very much alive. It’s a survivor in a state where most tracks—like the old Atlantic City Speedway or Vineland—have long since been turned into shopping malls or housing developments. Raceway Park is still here. It’s just playing a different tune.