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Woodbridge in Middlesex County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
 

Woodbridge Speedway

 
 
Woodbridge Speedway Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Larry Gertner, August 3, 2018
1. Woodbridge Speedway Marker
Inscription.
Between 1927-1938, Woodbridge Speedway was advertised as “the world’s fastest half-mile track.” It was a half-mile oval track built of wooden board by Wilbert Baine on the current site of the Woodbridge High School football field and had turns banked at 38 degrees; most cars could average more than 90 miles-per-hour. The best drivers could do a half-mile lap in 18 seconds at an average speed of 100 mph.

The Woodbridge Speedway was regarded as an early proving ground for one-seat cars and attracted many famous early drivers such as Freddy Frame, 1932 Indianapolis 500 champion, and three-time Indy 500 winner Mauri Rose. Local drivers of fame included Al Ladanzio and Red Moore; Bert Karnatz won the last major board track race. Following the fatalities of drivers Johnny Rohrer (1920, Bob Robinson (1930 and Bernie Katz (1931), the track was converted to dirt in 1932. Fred Farmer was fatally injured on the dirt track that same year.

So popular were the Woodbridge races that the Pennsylvania Railroad ran special trains to the Speedway during the May-September season. Adding to the excitement of the races were cameo appearances by heavyweight boxing champions Jack Dempsey and Max Baer.

More information visit www.wthpc.org
Woodbridge Township Historic Preservation Commission
Mayor John E. McCormac Woodbridge
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Township 2013

 
Erected 2013 by Woodbridge Township Historic Preservation Commission.
 
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1932.
 
Location. 40° 33.406′ N, 74° 16.891′ W. Marker is in Woodbridge, New Jersey, in Middlesex County. Marker can be reached from N Park Drive near Amboy Avenue. The maker is along a footpath that runs through Bernie Anderson Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Woodbridge NJ 07095, United States of America. Touch for directions.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. M.D. Valentine & Brothers (a few steps from this marker); Trinity Episcopal Church (within shouting distance of this marker); First Presbyterian Church of Woodbridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Boynton Beach & Sewaren House Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Fulton Street Train Wreck (within shouting distance of this marker); African-American Contributions (within shouting distance of this marker); Fulton Street Neighborhood (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); General Nathaniel Heard (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Woodbridge.
 
Bernie Anderson Park image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Larry Gertner, October 20, 2018
2. Bernie Anderson Park
The marker is along the footpath visible in the background.
Inset image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Larry Gertner, August 3, 2018
3. Inset
One-seat racing on the dirt track
Inset image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Larry Gertner, August 3, 2018
4. Inset
A two-man, driver and mechanic, team
Inset image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Larry Gertner, August 3, 2018
5. Inset
Program
My father told me once of getting a nickel a car for letting them park on a family field.
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on December 18, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 5, 2018, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 1,151 times since then and 259 times this year. Photos:   1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 5, 2018, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.

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Mar. 29, 2024