A History of New Egypt Speedway: From Asphalt to Dirt Track Glory

Nov 06, 2025 0

New Egypt Speedway, located in New Egypt, New Jersey, stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of dirt track racing. This 7/16-mile D-shaped dirt oval has a rich history, evolving from its origins as the Central Jersey Speedway to becoming a premier racing facility in the Garden State.

Early Days as Central Jersey Speedway

The speedway's story begins as the Central Jersey Speedway, initially a 1/5-mile dirt/sand oval that opened in 1954. The track was quickly paved, hosting races as early as July 18, 1954. Racing continued until 1958 when the track closed, only to reopen in 1960. The speedway operated until 1987, then closed again before reopening from 1990-1992 and once more from 1995-1996.

During the 1960s, the track underwent a major upgrade with the surface being sealed. Despite these improvements, the venue eventually closed in the early 1990s. Richie Evans won the Winston 100 NASCAR Feature as part of the Winston Racing Series for the Modified Division on May 21, 1982.

Transformation and Revival

In 1997, the Grosso family purchased the run-down venue, committing to restore it to its former glory. Originally pavement, the new NES brought dirt track racing back to Ocean County, New Jersey. The transformation was lauded as the "Most Outstanding Rehabilitation of a Speedway" by motorsports promoters, placing the central New Jersey track in the national spotlight during Daytona Speedweeks.

Ownership Changes and Current Operations

In 2006, New Egypt Speedway was purchased by Bill Miscoski and Fred Vahlsing. New Egypt Speedway currently holds races on Saturday nights from April to October. The speedway draws over 60 race cars on a weekly basis. Additionally, it occasionally hosts weekly high-profile specials.

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Legends of the Track

New Egypt Speedway has seen its share of legendary drivers, each leaving a lasting impact on the track's history. Here are some of the most notable figures:

Billy Pauch Sr.: New Egypt Speedway’s greatest driver stands alone by a wide margin atop the all-time win list with a staggering 126 victories from ’99-’16. Pauch won 14 times (most ever in a season) twice and 13 times once during his tenure.
Ryan Godown: While still active with time to add to his resume, Ryan Godown has established himself as a “no doubt” Hall of Famer at his longtime home track. Godown sits second on the all-time Modified win list with 61 and is tied with Pauch Sr.
Billy Liedtka: Billy Liedtka dominated the Street Stock ranks in his time, with 43 wins to his name, 17 more than anybody else in the division. ‘Wild Bill’ also is tied for the most Street Stock titles at the speedway with three.
Rocco Infante: Rocco Infante sits atop the all-time win list in the Sportsman division with 29 wins to his credit and three track championships in a row from ’09-’11.
Keith Hoffman: Sixth on the all-time Modified win list, Keith Hoffman has 26 wins to his credit at New Egypt Speedway and a track championship to his name in 2001. In addition to the championship, Hoffman finished runner-up in the standings in ’00, ’02, ’04, ’05, and ’08.
Jimmy Horton: The Sensational Jimmy Horton only spent a handful of years racing full-time at New Egypt Speedway, but he made hay in the time he was. Horton boasts 21 career wins to his name at New Egypt Speedway and a pair of track championships coming in ’04 & ’06.
Kenny Brightbill: Brightbill won an astounding 11 times in ’98 (3rd most in one season) and another nine times in ’99.

Recent Events and Winners

New Egypt Speedway continues to host exciting events and showcase talented drivers. Here are some recent highlights:

Vahlco Wheels Modifieds Feature: JR Fulper secured a win, followed by David Van Horn and Frank Cozze.
Ice Less LLC Crate Modifieds Feature: Sammy Martz Jr. took the top spot, with Jim Housworth and Dan Fleming rounding out the top three.
Sportsman John Romano Jr. Memorial Feature: Jim Housworth emerged victorious, followed by Bob Lineman Jr. and John Criscione.
Larry’s Hot Rods & Harleys NEWS SPRINT CARS presented by The Meat Shoppe Feature: Brad Schaale claimed victory, with Heidi Hedin and Rich Mellor following behind.
Street Stocks Feature: Larry Reed was awarded the victory after post-race disqualifications, with Brian Ludwig and Spider Ensinger Sr. completing the top three.
4-Cylinders Feature: Mike Fox secured his third win of the 2020 season, followed by Joe Garey Sr. and Justin Dunn.

The All Star Cup

NEW EGYPT, NJ - The 8th Annual All Star Cup will be held on Friday and Saturday night October 2nd and 3rd at the New Egypt Speedway. It kicks off with Open Practice on Friday night October 2nd from 6-10pm, any NJ legal race car is welcomed to take part in the event.

The top eight fastest Modifieds, Crate Modifieds, 4-Cylinders & NEWS Sprint Cars will partake in an 8-lap dash with the winner receiving an automatic redraw spot for Saturday nights’ events. On Saturday the 3rd, Pit Gates will open at 3pm for tech inspection, Grandstands will also open at 3pm.

Adult (16+) admission will be $30 with Seniors (65+) being $28, Teens (12-15) and Military w/ID are $18 with kids 11 & under being FREE.

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Then on Saturday night October 3rd will be the All Star Cup 100 for the Vahlco Wheels Modifieds paying $10,000 to win, $1,000 for 10th and $500 just to make the 100 lap feature. The Ice Less LLC Crate Modifieds will do battle in a 30 lap main event paying $1,000 to win event with the 4-Cylinders completing the racing card.

The Modifieds will utilize New Egypt Speedway Saturday night rules. Adult (16+) admission will be $28 on the 3rd with Seniors (65+) being $25, Teens (12-15) and Military w/ID are $18 with kids 11 & under being FREE.

Champions

Justin Dunn and Garey Sr. would tie for the points title. For Garey it is his third in a row and Dunn his first at New Egypt Speedway. New Egypt Speedway will crown its 2020 Vahlco Wheels Modified champion this coming Saturday, September 12th on First Responders Night.

Accessibility and Facilities

New Egypt Speedway's state-of-the-art facilities feature daylight-quality lighting and excellent sightlines from any seat in the house. The grandstands are fully wheelchair accessible with wide, clear, and well-groomed walkways.

New Egypt Speedway is located at 720 Route 539 New Egypt, NJ 08533. Grandstand admission is $23 for Adults, $20 for Seniors, and $15 for Military w/ID and Teens 12-15.

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A racy 7/16-mile D-shaped dirt oval, New Egypt Speedway serves Garden State race fans with some of the best competition in the country. New Egypt Speedway, which is New Jersey’s premier dirt racing facility, is located on Route 539 just minutes from Six Flags Great Adventure and the New Jersey Turnpike.