What happened to Atco raceway? New Jersey's oldest dragstrip closes abruptly
WATERFORD - Atco Dragway has announced its closing, ending a high-octane run that had lasted for 63 years.
"Effective immediately: Atco Dragway is permanently closed," a post at the track's Facebook page said Tuesday.
"We will not be open from this point on. The remainder of our schedule for 2023 will be canceled," it declared.
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What happened to Atco raceway?
The post gave no reason for the abrupt shutdown.
A track representative could not be reached for comment.
One day earlier, the track's Facebook page had thanked participants in the track's 29th annual Pan American Nationals, a July 13-16 event that offered drag races, an auto show and food trucks.
"We'll see you all next year for the 30th," it said.
Earlier Facebook posts had promoted upcoming events at the Jackson Road complex, and the track's website listed scheduled events through late November.
The track, which officially opened on Memorial Day in 1960, was the state's oldest drag strip, according to a history at its website.
Its current owner, Atco Dragway Enterprises LLC, purchased the property in 2013 for $3.2 million, according to Camden County property records.
It had appeared close to a shutdown in 2020, when an Illinois firm proposed converting the 180-acre property into a used-car auction site.
But the plan by Insurance Auto Auctions faced opposition from neighbors, who expressed concern over traffic and other issues. The township's planning board rejected the proposal.
The track then sued the township over the decision, but both sides later agreed to the suit's dismissal.
Within hours of the track's announcement, more than 6,000 people reacted to the Facebook post with emojis that showed shock, sorrow and anger.
More than 13,000 people shared the post with messages like "dang" and "ouch."
The track concluded its post with a message for its workers.
"To all of our staff," it said, "we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for sticking it out with us and being the best in the business!"
Jim Walsh is a senior reporter with the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. Email him at jwalsh@cpsj.com.
This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Atco Dragway closes suddenly, shocking its supporters
