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In a story we’re starting to see all too often in drag racing another established drag strip is being offered up for sale. Maple Grove Raceway in Mohnton, Pennsylvania has been listed for sale online. With the recent loss of Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, the sale of Maple Grove Raceway could be a huge blow to racing in the region if the track is closed.
Maple Grove Raceway as established originally in 1962 by the Stauffer family as Maple Grove Drag-O-Way. The track was a whopping 1/5 th mile long and 30 feet wide when the first vehicles were sent down the strip. Over the next 57 years, the facility expanded in size and the track has seen many improvements. It has plays host to an NHRA national event, a stop on the NMRA tour, the Pennsylvania Dutch Classic, and many other racing events.
The listing for the track shows a hefty price tag of $8,000,000 for the facility and that includes 14 parcels that total 450 acres. Also included in the listing are the campgrounds, parking lots, residential structures, event buildings, storage buildings, and all of the racing equipment needed to run the track.
At this time there haven’t been any announcements about changes in the track’s schedule so racing will continue. Hopefully, the track will be purchased by someone or a group that will keep it as a functioning race track for many years to come. Stay tuned to Dragzine.com for more news on this story as it develops and if there will be any changes to the track’s operating schedule.
UPDATE: Here is the official press release from Maple Grove Raceway on the sale:
Now that the news has officially been released and many have already shared the listing via social media, we would like to take a moment to explain.
The first question many have asked, “Is it true, is the track really for sale?” The simple answer is yes, Maple Grove Raceway is for sale. The more complex answer being that it is not just the Raceway being listed for sale. The listing includes campground facilities, expansive income-producing parking, several residential rentals, office/event buildings, numerous outbuilding, racing equipment, etc.
The next question asked is “Why? Why is the track being listed for sale?” Well, this is where one answer is just not enough, because there is not one single reason. Above all, the original families of the founder, Alfred Stauffer, have decided to pursue other personal interests. Running a world famous facility and maintain approximately 450 acres is not an easy venture. The families are seeking new owners for Maple Grove Raceway now because they want to see the track continue and advance to the next level.
In the 1930’s, this facility was originally an oval dirt track called Brecknock Speedway that raced early sprint cars and motorcycles. In the 1950’s, the track held dirt track drag races for the Friendship Motorcycle Club. It was not until 1962 when Maple Grove Park Drag-O-Way officially opened as an asphalt one-fifth mile drag strip for cars and motorcycles. After several expansions, Maple Grove Raceway has become a premiere, record setting, all concrete quarter-mile NHRA sanctioned facility hosting, the Mopar ExpressLane NHRA Nationals presented by Pennzoil each September. Many other special events fill the schedule during the season from April through October.
The last question that comes to mind is “What does this mean and what happens next?” To keep it short and sweet, we wait and keep business as usual. The vision of the current owners is to see Maple Grove Raceway’s legacy continue to grow through new energetic owners who wish to promote NHRA Drag Racing. The full time staff is finalizing the 2020 season schedule and scheduling for years to come.
The main priority for the current owners and the full time management staff are our passionate racers, dedicated fans and loyal sponsors, to ensure we provide them with the best season possible. We will do everything possible to assure a smooth transition with staff, racers, fans, sponsors, event partners and the community for the new owners.
We ask kindly that all questions, concerns or issues that may arise be directed right to the Maple Grove Raceway offices. We can be reached at (610) 856-9200 or by email at [email protected].
Again, we thank everyone for their continued support during this time of transition!
