Old Bridge Township Raceway Park
Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, often referred to simply as Englishtown, is a multi-purpose motorsports facility located in Englishtown, New Jersey. Its history stretches back to 1965 when Vinny Napp, a local racing enthusiast, transformed a former cornfield into a drag strip. The facility quickly gained prominence and became a staple of the NHRA circuit.
The core of Raceway Park is its world-renowned quarter-mile drag strip. It features a concrete launchpad, meticulously maintained asphalt racing surface, and ample shutdown area. Beyond the drag strip, Raceway Park also features a 1.3-mile road course. The road course is relatively flat, with a mix of high-speed straights and challenging corners. It favors cars with strong acceleration and braking performance. A separate motocross track and go-kart track further diversify the offerings.
Technically, the drag strip boasts state-of-the-art timing systems, sophisticated lighting, and extensive spectator viewing areas. The road course, while less technically advanced than some modern circuits, offers a classic, flowing layout that tests drivers' skills. The track surface provides good grip, but can be sensitive to temperature changes.
Raceway Park has historically hosted a wide range of racing disciplines. Most notably, it was a long-standing venue for the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series, attracting massive crowds and showcasing the fastest drag cars in the world. The road course sees action from various club racing organizations, vintage racing events, and driver education programs. Motocross and go-kart racing add another layer of motorsport activity.
What makes Raceway Park unique is its deep-rooted history and its embodiment of grassroots American motorsports. While primarily known for drag racing, its multi-purpose nature and long-standing presence in the community have made it a beloved destination for racers and fans alike. Although NHRA events are no longer held there, the track continues to host events and remains an important piece of American motorsports history.
