ISLAND DRAG-WAY..Hackettstown NJ-Good news.
Its back...sponsors needed ! ..be re-opening during the 2013 season!! ... maybe as soon as July. (?) !
https://www.facebook.com/IslandDragway |
Re: ISLAND DRAG-WAY..Hackettstown NJ-Good news.
That would be great. The place is a little rough around the edges but I have gone there since 1980 and have great memories. The place is classic.
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Re: ISLAND DRAG-WAY..Hackettstown NJ-Good news.
Great news. Can't wait. Gotta keep that place going.
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Re: ISLAND DRAG-WAY..Hackettstown NJ-Good news.
it ain't back, they've got no money and are asking for donations of $ and time. They've got no EMS and again are asking for charity, they've got no fuel supplier, no credit, no insurance, no sanctioning body and the state police will NOT allow them to operate without it.
They are far from back!!! |
Re: ISLAND DRAG-WAY..Hackettstown NJ-Good news.
I do hope they're able to bring it back...I've been going there since 1977...
Was at the 50th Anniversary Race...and saw "Big Daddy"...GREAT time! Wish I had a little "extra" of what they need...kinda "tight" in those areas at this time... The place IS what it IS....that's why I like it! |
Re: ISLAND DRAG-WAY..Hackettstown NJ-Good news.
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------------------------------- Forever the optimist. AND as the world turns..so shall the progress of ID. I assume that the deed holders have a mgt. team that might make it work. |
Re: ISLAND DRAG-WAY..Hackettstown NJ-Good news.
you assume too much. First, MONEY is what's required to open it and operate it.
It may open, but it won't be open for long as Kathy and Tony have worked hard for 2 decades driving weekly racers away. They left and ain't coming back! Again, it's all about MONEY! If you don't collect it at the gate, you can't operate!! |
Re: ISLAND DRAG-WAY..Hackettstown NJ-Good news.
A very cold and hard fact indeed !
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Re: ISLAND DRAG-WAY..Hackettstown NJ-Good news.
what got up ur butt this morning 1320racer? two different topics and u are full of doom and gloom..but since u can hide behind a screen name, u can say what ever ur little heart desires...what type of car do u race?
did they throw you out or ban you rom racing at Island? As far as im concerned, ANY track closing is bad for all of us, even the not so perfect ones. do you think we will ever know the "real" 1320racer...lol Debbie Moses |
Re: ISLAND DRAG-WAY..Hackettstown NJ-Good news.
miss moses, I don't hide and it's no secret amongst those of us that have raced at island weekly for decades how I feel about. I and everyone of my weekly competitors there KNOW why that track shut down. It was never if but always when!
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Re: ISLAND DRAG-WAY..Hackettstown NJ-Good news.
Here's the truth about why Island closed and why it will fail again IF it reopens.
The interesting twist here is the guy who made these comments is the same guy that started this thread....Bob Dudek and I quote HIS WORDS right from the save island dragway facebook page... "The track has been run by Ed and Kate’s daughter Kathy for the past decade or better. When Kate became too ill in the late 90′s to run the track alone, Kathy and her (then) husband Tony “managed” the track, while also “managing” to pad their own pockets, buy new cars, trucks, cruises all over the world and a whole host of other things that benefitted themselves. Tony (although I am not a huge fan of his) at least had a passion for keeping the track running. Kathy on the other hand, couldn’t “manage” to add 2 and 2 together let alone handle a business. Kate died in 2010, and the track was left solely in Kathy’s care. She kicked Tony out on his ***, and took over the entire operation alone…..that is when the big decline started. Taxes went unpaid, Kate’s remaining assests were foolishly spent, on drugs, booze and God knows what else. Kates remaining daughter (the oldest passed away in 2007) was frozen out of the business all together….hell she wasnt even allowed to attend her own mother’s funeral because of Kathy’s greed. I am not suprised that this all happened….just a damn shame that Ed and Kate’s hard work all came to nothing. I hope that Kathy gets what she has coming to her….karma is a bitch, and I can’t think of anyone who deserves it more" |
Re: ISLAND DRAG-WAY..Hackettstown NJ-Good news.
Well based on the info posted by 1320, it would be foolish to reopen with the same cast of characters. My hope would be that the old management is gone. Sometimes you have to hit the bottom to come back stronger. If it is being brought back by the same crowd, 1320 may very well be right.
I think the track could be profitable but it would take someone good at customer relations and marketing to do it. |
Re: ISLAND DRAG-WAY..Hackettstown NJ-Good news.
All I can tell you is that I speak every week to one very close to the situation who has a vested interest in the track reopening AND I spoke to the former track manager and kathy's boyfriend 2 weeks ago. I was told that 1.there is an operator out of Florida interested in leasing the track from the great meadows timing association aka Kathy Demarky and 2. Melissa Demarky is trying to raise the capital to lease the track from the great meadows timing association, again kathy her mother.
So the "old management" is still very much in place and will always be in place IF island dragway continues to operate. |
Re: ISLAND DRAG-WAY..Hackettstown NJ-Good news.
If the money figures that I'm hearing, and who they are owed to are even close to correct, re-opening may not be as easy as stated earlier.. there may be more loop holes than we are aware of in this case..
Island Dragway was a great family run place to race back in the day, and I commend Mellisa for trying to bring it back.. and I will say that from what I have heard, "old management" will NOT be in place.. best of luck on that venture.. Re-opening the track may be a big problem, but I think the bigger problem is IF you complete Step One, what is going to be Step Two.. could be a very big financial stumbling block.. what do you do with it once you re-open it.. I do find it a little ridiculous though to bash an entire family for the business mistakes of one, or maybe two.. Ed and Kate gave us exactly what we racers wanted and needed for many many years.. let's not forget the good stuff.. |
Re: ISLAND DRAG-WAY..Hackettstown NJ-Good news.
Second that.
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Me too. My days there were mostly in the 1980 to 1990 period. I moved from Hackettstown to Pennsylvania in 1989 and never really got back much. Those days in the 80's at Island were classic. When we weren't racing we were sitting on the spectator side with cases of beer getting tanked watching the great cars of the day. Being a drunk wasn't such a bad thing back then.... |
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Re: ISLAND DRAG-WAY..Hackettstown NJ-Good news.
More facts reported on another website from another long time island racer in the loop...
"This is what I was told a couple days ago... Water is NG Septic is NG So...No food concession can operate..... A Lunch Truck or some sort of portable food stand was the plan No bathrooms or running water either....Porta Johns REEEEEdiculous....... Maybe they could bring back the raingutters in the mens room like they had in the '60s" So for those at home keeping track... no money no EMS no fuel supplier no credit no insurance no water no food no sanctioning body but "they're back", too funny! |
Re: ISLAND DRAG-WAY..Hackettstown NJ-Good news.
If Island Dragway is coming back it is going to be one expensive long ride to operating status. After reading about the hoops they have to jump through , I would not bet on this one.:(
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I had alot of good times there in the eighties. Saturday night at Island, Sunday at Raceway. And don't forget about stopping at the "Sunset" on the way home! Alot of good weekends.... Sad if it does close for good. While it is a far distance from what it was back then, the memories will live on forever. It may be against the odds, but I hope they do pull it off... |
Re: ISLAND DRAG-WAY..Hackettstown NJ-Good news.
In the 70 and 80 when Mrs K was cooking in snack stand they did have good cheese burgers.
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You stated the State Police wont allow them to operate. What is the legal position of which the state police have authority that you are referring to? |
Re: ISLAND DRAG-WAY..Hackettstown NJ-Good news.
The State Police have sole jurisdiction over sanctioned drag racing in New jersey and infact have been a frequent visitor to island dragway for years.
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Re: ISLAND DRAG-WAY..Hackettstown NJ-Good news.
I believe 1320 is correct on the State Police issue....
One benefit of having Island open again...besides an extra place to race...is it might "slim-down" the car counts at the other 2 NJ tracks...speeding up the programs there a bit...maybe allowing for an extra "time shot" at those tracks? Do hope that some of the family is retained in the future operation...and they go by the "mom and pop" family approach set forth by Mr. and Mrs. K in the past... Remember one visit back in the '80's...think Mrs. K was cooking her Polish recipes at the snack booth...there were several crockpots...I know she had keilbasa! I was "fiddlin" with the car too much...and didn't have the time to sample... Want to go back for some...Mellissa and Kathy....are you listening? |
Re: ISLAND DRAG-WAY..Hackettstown NJ-Good news.
Car counts are already pretty slim.....
The only reason things go slowly at E-Town is somedays they have a wide array of cars...like this past Sunday... Add some Test and Tune and blowup and wreck No Time crap, and the cleanup time drags the day out...... I am all for Island re-opening....but not if it is going to be barely adequate as a racetrack..... Maybe the test and tune crowd will be happy but I assure you the serious racers would not be.... |
Re: ISLAND DRAG-WAY..Hackettstown NJ-Good news.
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I read comments from those that want it to reopen, here, other boards and on facebook and 99.9% of them are NOT/have NOT been weekly racers, weekly supporters, weekly customers as I have for 2 decades and Rich who has raced there far longer than I. Some haven't been to island in decades. I too have great memories racing there. I learned to race there as many in NJ have including my wife and son, some of which had gone onto being professional drag racers and some of my closest friends today I first met there. But that was then and this is now and what has happen there has been a long time coming. It is the result of Kathy's and prior to 2011 her ex husband doings as RJDUDEK stated on facebook and IMO and many others who like me have raced there weekly for a long time, can't be fixed by leasing the track to an operator or Kathy's daughter Melissa. That said, makes no difference to me, I won't be back, I've moved on after the conclusion of the 2010 season after racing there just about every weekend since 1991 as well being a member of their bracket finals team most years from 1997 through 2010 and neither will the numerous racers that have either left on their own, or been told over the years if you don't like it here, go somewhere else. They along with many of the remaining weekly island bracket racers are now racing at one or more of the far better four tracks in the area,most of which are run by owners and managers that understand business, understand that we are the customer and provide us with a safer, more friendly, race experience as well greater rewards for our efforts. |
Re: ISLAND DRAG-WAY..Hackettstown NJ-Good news.
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Re: ISLAND DRAG-WAY..Hackettstown NJ-Good news.
According to my sources, they can NOT operate as an outlaw track in NJ but I have also heard they might try as well I have heard if they do, the State Police will be there to shut them down.
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As of today island is a go with the state And with NHRA. Just waiting on the town. |
Re: ISLAND DRAG-WAY..Hackettstown NJ-Good news.
I was also told earlier this week they would be NHRA again....
Past unpaid fees would be forgiven and a half year fee would get them back in the fold.... And they may be able to send a team to the bracket finals and that would appeal to some racers. I would bet the regulars would be back there in a heartbeat...... Personally I see no reason to spew hatred at them at all....what purpose does it serve....NONE....is the answer.... I was always treated very well there... had a scrape or two with management but thats to be expected in a competitive arena like racing.... Anyone with a brain knows it is very difficult to run a dragstrip.....and please everyone...just like it is in any retail business...... |
Re: ISLAND DRAG-WAY..Hackettstown NJ-Good news.
Joe, I got no problem with the truth and facts.
Rich, we'll see. They didn't have good car counts the past several years and not much of a super pro class but I know steve and larry will be the first one's at the gate if/when it reopens. That said, getting the green light from the state and NHRA still doesn't resolve.... no money no EMS no fuel supplier no credit no insurance no water no food |
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For CS's What the hell is up with you..I started this thread as FYI ONLY..not to throw gas on a (personal) fire. Not MY words ..geez....a quote that I singled out from a POSTER on that FB page, with out any personal COMMENTS OF MY OWN. I had and still don't have any inside "knowledge" of the behind the scenes events..except that I had have been going there every year since 1966(55 Chev.e/gas) till 06,with various bracket and street cars. I would find a car to go back and support my dormant habit..in a heartbeat. |
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X2. And Hope Uncle Gerard still races. See you at the Patch 2.0 some day. |
Re: ISLAND DRAG-WAY..Hackettstown NJ-Good news.
I have never been to Island. But, WHEN they open I will make a few trips. We need all the tracks we can get. My glass is half full, is yours?
Glenn Quinn |
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Well its looks like the principals involved.. are "Moving On" for the better...! https://www.facebook.com/IslandDragw...ocation=stream http://www.islanddragway.com/ Can a Lucas event be next (?) :} |
Re: ISLAND DRAG-WAY..Hackettstown NJ-Good news.
RJ...The place is a bit too small for a Lucas race...Yeah, I know Island may have
hosted Points meets back in the day...but with TODAY's trailers and rigs...and the amount of entries that a typical Lucas race draws...uh uh!!! I was at the Open they had a few years back...(did they only have it 1 year?)... Think it was what...2006-07-08???? Don't think it was that well attended...but the place was packed...guys were pitting on the return road...and it was a bit tight in the pits...gotta be careful there... Wouldn't mind seeing Island as one of the stops in the East Coast Stock/Superstock schedule though....how about it guys? |
Re: ISLAND DRAG-WAY..Hackettstown NJ-Good news.
The Open series was there 3 years. Car counts were pretty light and management decided not to keep going with it.
I was at the last WCS points meet held at Island .....about 1967 I would guess. A trailer was a luxory back then......or a ramp truck.....many people still flat towed.... No way they could host a big race with the rigs people have today... The first Open series race was fine.....I thought maybe it would give the place a much needed shot of adrenalin.....it didn't And S/SS races were run there including at least one of Dave Ley's events around 2006 or 2007 and had a decent car count.......I was there and ran it with my Firebird........ and a number of Stock-SuperStock races were run there back in the 80's with pretty big turnouts.... I raced Jerry Stein in the final of one....around 1981.....He won that one.... |
Re: ISLAND DRAG-WAY..Hackettstown NJ-Good news.
I honestly wish Melissa and John the best. IF Melissa can divorce herself from her mother and father as it relates to the operation of the track and keep them away, she might have a chance but she'll need more than the just the weekly bracket racers to come back which I suspect most will. Car counts MUST increase significantly and that I see as her and John's biggest hurtle after rasing operating capital. Increasing entry fees without increase the purse will only hurt car counts.
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Re: ISLAND DRAG-WAY..Hackettstown NJ-Good news.
Two suggestions...1. while I know that Island can't compete with Numidia and will never be Numidia, I would suggest that Melissa and John, take a ride to Numidia on a saturday, stand back and take notes while watching over 125 weekly bracket racers who feel lucky and proud to race and represent numidia dragway, racers that are thrilled with the program and thankfull to have an owner, manager and family that go out of their way to ensure that everyone that comes through the gate is treated like family and enjoys their experience whether racer or spectator.
2. it couldn't hurt to personally reach out to the bracket racers that have moved on over the past several years, asking them to come back. |
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