June 10-13
Old Bridge Township Raceway Park
230 Pension Road
Englishtown, NJ 07726
www.racewaypark.com
Elevation: 60 feet
Tickets: 732-446-7800
Radio Frequency: 87.9 FM

One of NHRA’s original seven national events, this race is steeped in legend: a historic facility, some of the sport’s more knowledgeable (and definitely most boisterous) fans, and a score of dramatic moments. The event, once known as the Summernationals, has shifted on the schedule from its original scorchingly hot and humid July slot to May and June, and upsets have become the norm.

2009 recap: Tony Pedregon had two times the reasons to celebrate: He scored his second straight Funny Car victory and took the points lead in the process. Larry Dixon (Top Fuel), Jeg Coughlin Jr. (Pro Stock), and Craig Treble (Pro Stock Motorcycle) were also victorious at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park. In a rematch of the Chicago final one week earlier, Pedregon again defeated Ashley Force Hood; the pair entered the final tied for first in points. The Pro Stock final was also a repeat of the match at the Chicago event, with Coughlin again beating Mike Edwards. Dixon continued his success with a fifth win at the track on Antron Brown’s final-round foul, and Treble picked up his second Englishtown win at the expense of local favorite Eddie Krawiec.

How to Get There: Englishtown is about 20 miles south of Newark Int’l Airport, 35 miles south of New York City, and 55 miles north of Philadelphia. The track is on Pension Road, two miles north of Englishtown. From the New Jersey Turnpike, use Exit 8 (Route 33) or Exit 9 (Route 18). From Route 33, travel east to Route 527 (Englishtown exit), then north to the track. From Route 18, travel east to Route 527 (Englishtown exit), then south to the track. The main entrance is on Pension Road, which runs off Route 527 west of the track.

Visitor Information: Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, 732-446-7800; Monmouth County Department of Promotion/Tourism, 800-523-2587