New Egypt Speedway Closes Permanently

New Egypt Speedway, a New Jersey dirt oval with a storied history, will close permanently in 2026 following a confirmed sale. The track, which once hosted major racing events, is set to transition from motorsports to industrial use.

The Pauch family, who have deep ties to the track, have long been associated with its success. Billy Pauch Senior, the family patriarch, won over 120 races and six championships at the track, while his son, Billy Pauch Jr., also claimed victories and a Modified title.

The speedway, originally opened in 1946 as a quarter-mile dirt track, evolved over the decades. It was later widened into a 7/16-mile D-shaped clay oval, hosting events like the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars. The track last hosted a major touring series event in October 2025.

In December 2025, owner Fred Vahlsing confirmed the track would not operate in 2026 and expressed openness to a buyer. The property was listed for sale at $8.5 million as a motorsports facility, later relisted at $12.5 million as a light-industrial site. Vahlsing said two companies showed interest in non-racing uses.

Vahlsing noted that attempts to sell the track as a racing venue failed due to financial challenges and lack of interest from racing businesses. A land-preservation effort with Ocean County also fell through, as the county would only accept the land if the speedway were demolished. No farewell event is planned, though the Quarter Midget program will continue through the end of the season.

The closure of New Egypt Speedway mirrors the fate of other racing venues in New Jersey, such as Atco Dragway and Raceway Park. Vahlsing warned that tracks like New Egypt are unlikely to be built again in the state. The loss marks the end of an era for the Pauch family and the racing community, with the track’s legacy preserved in records but not on the track.