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The Best Racetracks to Visit in New Jersey

Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment
Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment | © Meadowlandsracetrack / WikiCommons

While many know the Garden State for its hiking, pork roll, and Atlantic City, some may be surprised to know how popular racing is in New Jersey. Whether it’s on horseback or driving a big rig, here are the best racetracks in the state.

New Jersey Motorsports Park

Sports Center

Built on 500 acres of land in Millville, NJ, New Jersey Motorsports Park is a paradise for racers and racing enthusiasts. With on- and off-road track options, guests can watch car and motorbike races on the Thunderbolt and Lightning Raceways. The park is also home to many New Jersey performance car and motorcycle clubs. And anyone who wants to learn how to burn rubber the right and safe way can enroll in one of their racing classes. But if you would like to do something other than seeing a race, the New Jersey racetrack also offers paintball and go-karting.

Bridgeport Speedway

Sports Center

If you’re looking for some good old-fashioned stock car racing, then Bridgeport Speedway is the place for you. Located in Swedesboro, the New Jersey racetrack is known as “the fastest dirt track in the East.” The 5/8-mile (one-kilometer) track was built in 1972 and has brought herds of competitors and fans alike. Since Brian Ramey and Jay James took over in 2004, the Bridgeport Speedway has expanded to include VIP suites and a covered pavilion where you can host your next birthday party.

Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment

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Meadowlands Racetrack, now known as Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment, first opened its doors in the 1970s. The track hosts thoroughbred and standardbred races, along with other events throughout the year. Whether you press your luck regularly or it’s your first time placing a bet, this New Jersey racetrack is a great place to learn about horse races and how to bet on them. And if you’re not into the races, you can hang out at the Victory Sports Bar and grab a bite at Pink.

Old Bridge Township Raceway Park

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Old Bridge Township Raceway Park is home to various types of racing. From karting to motocross, the New Jersey racetrack has been prominent among the racing community in the Garden State for more than 40 years. They also host the Englishtown Swap Meet & Auto Show as well as some epic monster truck shows, which are great events for the whole family.

Atco Dragway

Sports Center

Atco Dragway first opened in 1960 and is the oldest drag strip in the state of New Jersey. With races and other competitions going on each week, this New Jersey racetrack is a very popular and busy one. But before you think you can drag race on at Atco, there are many rules you will need to abide by as a driver. So, be sure to read the guidelines on their website before going there to compete.

Island Dragway

Sports Center

Have you ever wanted to find out how fast your car can go? Or maybe you’ve always wanted to drive at top speeds without the fear of getting a ticket? If you said yes to either or both of these questions, then you need to plan a trip to Island Dragway. Located in Warren County, NJ, you can race your car down the track for $25 on Fridays and $40 on Sundays. If you and your friends want to take turns racing, you can rent the track for private races.

Wall Stadium Speedway

Sports Center

Wall Stadium Speedway has been open since 1950 and has various races throughout the year. And although it was closed for some time after 2007, the New Jersey racetrack is back and hosting more races than ever. But unlike other racetracks, there aren’t many food spots on the premises. So, the venue lets guests bring coolers, food, and alcohol. However, be sure not to pack food or drink in glass containers.

About the author

Emily Tan is a writer, photographer and all around web nerd. Not limited to one beat, she enjoys writing about music, pop culture, travel and food. Emily has contributed to the Village Voice, Yahoo! News, MySpace, AOL Music, PopCrush and NBC Asian America. When she's not hunting for the best coffee and ice cream, you'll find her snapping photos of her globe trotting adventures at @cessemi.

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