Raceway Tips:
1) Arrive early!  Cars are often on display before the race and kids can get a close up view while you get great photos.
2) Bring earplugs.  Races are loud and kids can get sensitive to the everlasting roar.  Prepare them for the noise and bring earplugs to buffer the sound.
3) Bring sunscreen and hats.  A day at the races includes strolling through huge open parking lots and sitting on sun-exposed bleachers. 
4) Have plenty to drink.  The raceways offer great concession stands with your typical burger, fries and drinks, but it always helps to hydrate when you spend a day out in the sun.


Raceway Park (Englishtown)
Car enthusiasts of all ages can’t pass up a trip to E-Town, known in particular for its drag racing.  More importantly, Raceway Park caters to family fun with promotions, some which include discounted admission and free food for kids.  Our top picks for the season include:
National Hot Rod Association Supernationals, the NASCAR or drag racing.  June 11th-13th, $49 / day for adults, $10 age 6-11, FREE for 5 and under

Family Fun Races
Night of Thrills, Saturday, June 19th, 2010
Summer Motorsports Spectacular Wednesday, July 21st
Jet Car and Monster Truck Meltdown, Wednesday, August 18th
Doors open at 5pm, showtime is 7pm to 10pm.  Admission is $30 for adults, $10 age 6-11, FREE for 5 and under.

Atco Raceway (Atco)
Not only is Atco Raceway the oldest drag strip in New Jersey, it also is one of the busiest tracks in the country.  It even has a playground on location for kids, although that won’t take away from the main attraction: fast cars!  Here are some top picks for this season :
Yesteryear Drags, May 9, Adults $20, kids 12 and under
NMRA Nationals, the number 1 muscle car show in the US.  May 14-16, 9am to 6pm.  Adults $20, kids 12 and under FREE.
Spring Super Nitro Funny Car Showdown.  Saturday June 5 at noon.
Punch Buggy, Sunday June 27

Monster Trucks at Wildwood’s Oceanfront Arena (Wildwood)
October 1-3 Monster Truck Expo and Thunder on the Beach Monster Trucks includes quad wars, tuff truck competitions, stunts, and monster truck rides.  Admission to the event is $20 for adults and $15 for kids.  Rides are $8 per person

Velocity 17 (Maywood)
For kids who want to get behind the wheel, Velocity 17 offers kart racing that lets you race through 2000 feet of racetrack and up to 30 miles per hour.  Participants must be between 57” and 78” tall to participate.  $14.99 per race.  There is also virtual auto racing for kids 42” and up, and pedal go carts for those 4 and up.  Other offerings include roller parties, arcades, and a café.  Tuesday to Thursday, 5pm to 10pm; Friday to Sunday, 5pm to midnight.  Always call the facility before you race out the door to ensure it’s not booked for a private party.