N.J.’s Oldest Race Track Sold for New Community Use

New Jersey’s oldest race track has officially been sold, paving the way for a complete change in how the site will function. Raceway Park in East Rutherford, a property long associated with motorsports and equestrian events, is now under the ownership of Raceway RE Partners, a real estate group based in the state. The 58-acre site will no longer host any form of racing.

The people making the plans say they want to change the property into a space that has many uses. It will be for local families to enjoy and help the nearby shops. They aim to move away from only having big events and make it a place people can go too often. It will have paths to walk on, areas to meet, and places that give everyday help.

They told everyone on Wednesday with an official note. Oldest race track Partners said some things are still being thought about, but horse racing will not come back. They want to offer thoughts about a wide use by people, open spots, and a mix of job zones that help the town.

Raceway Park is seen as one of the oldest race tracks in New Jersey. It started more than 80 years ago and became famous for car racing and big happenings. As tastes changed and more things to do popped up nearby, fewer people went there. It was hard to keep up one of the oldest race tracks going without enough money coming in.

In the 2010s, the majority of major events that attracted large attendance all disappeared or shrank, while Raceway Park has continued to be a recognized horse race track in New Jersey; it is prominent and well-situated so it continues to generate discussion; particularly it now has a potential for repurposing into something we might utilize more regularly or in more meaningful ways.

Oldest race track Partners is looking to take advantage of the site’s space by repurposing it into something functional for modern living. Although official blueprints have not been shared with the public, representatives said the proposal may include retail outlets, casual dining, flexible-use buildings, and accessible walkways. They emphasized that the project will aim to match current needs rather than replicate its former use.

Daniel Ritter, who is part of the team handling communications for the group, noted that while the horse race tracks in New Jersey’s legacy are recognized, the new commercial development will be shaped by what the surrounding neighborhoods require today. His comments indicate an interest in not only walkability and open space, but also year-round routine access to services, rather than seasonal events.

There has been a mixed response from residents to the announcement, with some negativity, some hope for the past, and others indicating that they had enjoyed memories of visits over the past decades at the oldest race track, but agree it is over and that its time is over. A few said they were cautiously optimistic about new commercial development but want a chance to ask questions and understand the impact on their daily routines.

“I went to the oldest race track with my parents in the 90s,” said longtime East Rutherford resident Greg Molina. “I’m not surprised it’s being turned into something else. Hopefully, it’ll bring in businesses that make sense for the area.”

According to town officials, exploratory conversations have begun at the oldest race track. If there were to be a significant change to land use, it would have to be submitted to the planning board, and consultations would be conducted with the community. This process will take an estimated several months, and the first design could come later this year.

For now, the property will not be accessible to the public. For the last few weeks, survey teams and contractors have been on-site doing assessments. In certain parts of the site, security and fencing in certain areas have commenced.

The developer said a dedicated website will soon be launched to share updates, timelines, and allow community members to submit feedback or concerns. No name for the project has been set yet.

If it gets a yes, they could start to build by 2026. This depends on how the checks on nature turn out and if local rules allow it to happen. They plan to do the work in parts, changing things as people speak up and as what is needed is ready.

The racetrack’s closure marks the end of one of horse race tracks in New Jersey’s longest-standing entertainment venues. While racing will not return, the site may take on a new purpose that speaks more to present-day needs. The process is still ongoing, but for now, Raceway Park begins a new chapter under new ownership and a different vision.