NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

David Napp, a member of the family that ran Old Bridge Township Raceway Park for decades and helped launch the NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League, passed away on Dec. 22. He was 49.

Napp was a lifelong member of the drag racing community whose influence spanned generations — from the earliest days of Junior Drag Racing to today’s professional ranks.

Born into a racing family, Napp grew up at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, N.J., a facility deeply intertwined with the history of NHRA drag racing. The track was not simply part of the family business — it was home. From a young age, David was immersed in the culture, people, and traditions that define the sport, forming lasting relationships throughout the racing world.

In the early 1990s, David played a pivotal role in the origins of Junior Drag Racing. When his father, Vinny, built what is widely recognized as the first Junior Dragster, a half-scale dragster designed to safely introduce children to the sport. David often joked that he wasn’t good at traditional stick and ball sports, forcing his father to look at alternatives that eventually included a half-scale dragster with a 5-hp Briggs & Stratton lawn mower engine.

At the 1992 Summernationals in Englishtown, Napp and his longtime friend, Jill McKenna became the sport’s first Jr. Drag Racers, making historic exhibition runs. That single exhibition helped spark what would eventually become the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League. That moment became the foundation for a movement that now introduces thousands of young racers to drag racing each year, and has helped pave the way for some of NHRA’s biggest stars.

“David and I are obviously forever connected by that moment at the 1992 Summernationals, but that’s not where our friendship began or ended,” said McKenna. “He was a friend first, and it was cool to be a part of it. I’m proud of the things he did, and how much he cared about people, and how much he loved racing.

“David meant so much to so many people because he loved the sport more than anything else,” McKenna said. “Even after Englishtown no longer hosted drag races, he wanted to be a part of it and wanted to support the next generation of new racers. He did this simply because he loved to help others.”

As an adult, David remained deeply committed to supporting racers at every level. In recent years, he helped keep familiar and respected names on track, including playing a role in Gary Pritchett’s Top Fuel debut and serving as a regular full-time partner in Travis Shumake’s Top Fuel efforts. He also supported racers such as Joe Morrison and Top Alcohol Dragster racer Jackie Fricke, along with numerous drivers and teams competing in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.

David’s sponsorship was often quiet and behind the scenes. He believed in giving racers opportunity rather than recognition, and his annual support of Junior Drag Racing programs was unmatched. He understood that investing in young racers was the most meaningful way to protect the future of the sport.

“More than a sponsor, David was a trusted friend,” said Shumake. “He understood the realities of racing — the financial strain, the emotional highs and lows, and the importance of showing up consistently for the people who share the same passion.

"David Napp’s legacy is not measured in wins or statistics, but in the opportunities he created, the careers he sustained, and the community he strengthened. His impact will be felt across drag racing for generations to come."