Atco was sold... [Archive] - NJFBOA - Home of New Jersey's Camaros and Firebirds

Squirrel

12-19-2012, 05:54 PM

Dont worry its still a track... from their FB feed:
Atco, NJ Wednesday December 19, 2012 –Atco Raceway was sold in its entirety to Mr. Len Capone Jr. of Berlin, New Jersey. The negotiation for the oldest continually operating drag strip on the East Coast took over 16 months and has concluded on a Win light for all…the track will continue to operate as it has in the past.

The Capone families are very familiar with the racing scene and have a great passion for the sport of drag racing. Len Capone Sr. a racer himself who was present for the 1960 opening day of Atco Raceway worked in the tech department on Memorial Day weekend. Len Capone Jr. started as a sportsman racer and is very well known for his Top Alcohol Funny Car “The Bear” that raced the strip in the late 80’s and 90’s.

Joe Sway has been retained as Director of Operations and is under exclusive contract for 2013 and 2014 with 3-1 year options to follow.

The 2013 tentative schedule will be posted on the web site AtcoRaceway.com mid January. There are no major changes to the race schedule for 2013~a couple of new races will be added but for the most part you will see our lineup has not changed.

Atco Raceway would like to thank everyone for their participation in the 2012 race season. We are positive that the continued support of all racers, fans and patrons will continue to make this a racing destination and the #1 track on the East Coast.

Atco would like to address all gift cards that have been previously purchased and all purchased with the holiday deal…All gift cards must be used by November 30, 2013.

B4C

12-19-2012, 06:06 PM

Hopefully they dont change admission fee, and keep some test and tune only nights.

02SOMWS6

12-19-2012, 07:41 PM

So my wife is on facebook and reads to me off of atco's facebook that the track was sold today to Len Capone Jr. So I'm guessing it's just a owner change and it will be business as usual but what if track rentals go up,gate fee's go up,tech gets tougher...etc,etc,etc. First island now this WTF....that track is a gold mine I thought

sweetbmxrider

12-19-2012, 09:01 PM

Dude they aren't going to make drastic changes, its Atco.

LTb1ow

12-19-2012, 09:27 PM

Dude they aren't going to make drastic changes, its Atco.

Did you buy it?

S.J.SLEEPER

12-19-2012, 10:07 PM

Dude they aren't going to make drastic changes, its Atco.

Did you buy it?

Make drastic changes....Atco? Lmfao !!! That's like saying Rednecks don't fish & drink beer!

jts98z28

12-20-2012, 04:09 AM

heres to hoping the track improves so i dont have to go to cecil everytime i wanna race

98tadriver

12-23-2012, 11:14 PM

heres to hoping the track improves so i dont have to go to cecil everytime i wanna race

Funny you say that because I went to cecil and I'll never go back bc of the lack of traction.. And that was with a bolt on car. Couldn't hook for ***** there. 1.73 60' 11.5 @ 120mph. went to atco cut a 1.49 60' and ran 11.0 @ 121mph. out of the 8yrs that Ive raced at Atco, I only had a few nights where traction was limited and i believe most of the reason had to do with the tires being beat.

Sprayed 99

12-25-2012, 08:57 AM

I have to say this year the prep was way better at atco than it has been the last couple years. My car hooked like glue even launching at 7200 rpm. Nice to see that all the gripes about lack of prep were addressed.

My dad knew Len Capone Jr back when Len raced in TAFC in the late '80's and earlly '90's. From what i remember he was a really nice guy. Len even offered help to my dad to get our funny car finished.

I feel having a real racer now owning the track is a great thing. I look forward to seeing what good comes from this.

elle

12-27-2012, 12:16 PM

I feel having a real racer now owning the track is a great thing. I look forward to seeing what good comes from this.

Joe Sway was and still is a racer. Usually races some of the winter series in Florida every year and i believe had a Pro Stock car at one time.

I'm sure the new owners will do fine and Joe will be track manager so not much will change.

Sprayed 99

12-29-2012, 08:09 AM

Joe Sway was and still is a racer. Usually races some of the winter series in Florida every year and i believe had a Pro Stock car at one time.

I'm sure the new owners will do fine and Joe will be track manager so not much will change.

My main concern is i hope Joe stops pulling some of the shady ***** he has in the past. The past season seemed better........would be nice to see it continue. I understand it's a business and needs to make money.....but a whole bunch of people have had issues with how things were handled by Joe......not just divers.....people running and setting up events at Atco as well have had issues.

NJSPEEDER

12-29-2012, 02:36 PM

Sounds like every other track in the country. Running a race track, especially in New Jersey, is a terribly expensive operation and short of a few shining examples most owners don't end up making a lot. The result is that sometimes they have to make decisions that benefit the business more than the racers and promoters just to ensure there is a track to come back to next year.

I've known members of the Sway family for a long time and can tell you from personal experience that they are stand up people and wanted nothing more than to make that track a better place to race and spectate. That's why they went out on a limb with new events and poured so much money back into the facilities over the years. Think about all that has been done in the time the short time the Sways have owned Atco, new surface from the burnout box to the 100ft past the finish line, that same length diamond ground smooth, upgraded the safety wall the length of the track, all new bleachers and an entire new tower, upgraded timing equipment, new fencing the length of the spectator area, and even thousands spent fixing the ancient plumbing so that the bathroom can be used all season.

It may not be the mom and pop operation it was when I was a kid but I still enjoy it much more than the mayhem that is a trip to E-town or the long drive to Cecil or Maple grove.

-Tim

Sprayed 99

01-12-2013, 11:50 AM

Gotta disagree with you. I m not gonna get into specifics but even the employees think some of the bs that happened wasn t right. And you are right.....it us a business and needs to be profitable. But at the same time you cant screw your customers. This year seemed better, hopefully it continues this upcoming season. The track prep last season was the most consistant i ve seen in a few seasons.

Mezzy

01-13-2013, 05:54 AM

Be grateful you still have a track. Island DragwAY by me is closed for good beginning this year.

Mike

01-13-2013, 08:25 AM

We know

Sprayed 99

01-13-2013, 06:43 PM

Be grateful you still have a track. Island DragwAY by me is closed for good beginning this year.

Thats my fear about atco. Pissing off enough people so attendance drops and orginizations who run events stop using the track.

chknhwk01

01-16-2013, 04:25 AM

heyy yooo,, atco will be there fore a long time, playa,ss :nick:

Squirrel

01-16-2013, 08:54 PM

Well, the good thing is, atco and etown (bleh imo), are constantly in the top 10 tracks of the year.. Etown because they host the biggest of big events and iirc still have the quickest 1/4 run in history, and atco because it is etown's secret twin brother locked in the basement but still an heir to the throne

Slow-V6

01-21-2013, 12:50 PM

sweetbmxrider

01-21-2013, 12:55 PM

I heard tech is going to be real strict this year.

LTb1ow

01-21-2013, 01:01 PM

I heard that the track will officially be lengthen to a 1/4 mile this year.

WildBillyT

01-21-2013, 01:03 PM

I heard That the track is being sued for a lot of money due to a accident that happened that the tracks ambulance wasnt able to start to help the driver and he was killed due to burns.. Think they are getting sued for 50,000,000 for neglegence. If the family of the driver wins I dont know what will happen to the track.

This lawsuit was filed last year, in August. Guy died in 2010.

http://articles.philly.com/2012-08-22/news/33303485_1_drag-national-hot-rod-association-lawsuit

Slow-V6

01-21-2013, 01:24 PM

This lawsuit was filed last year, in August. Guy died in 2010.

http://articles.philly.com/2012-08-22/news/33303485_1_drag-national-hot-rod-association-lawsuit

Yep. Aug 2012. 50 million is a lot of money for a Drag strip to come up with..

WildBillyT

01-21-2013, 01:25 PM

Chances are the track's insurance will pay out a settlement.

Slow-V6

01-21-2013, 01:38 PM

I think in order for a Insurance to pay out a settlement the tracks safty equipment has to be up to working condition. This lady is sueing the track because the safty equipment was not up to par and if that is the truth then I think the insurance is not liable and it will be left on the Track to pay up. I hope this is not the case and the tracks insurance covers it or the track is not found liable.

sweetbmxrider

01-21-2013, 01:59 PM

The ambulance in question is always running.....even during our lame track rentals. I think we should leave that bs for another thread or split this thing up and argue over nothing!

WildBillyT

01-21-2013, 02:01 PM

Agreed.

LTb1ow

01-21-2013, 02:24 PM

The ambulance in question is always running.....even during our lame track rentals. I think we should leave that bs for another thread or split this thing up and argue over nothing!

Just cause the engine is running doesn't mean it can shift gears.

:nick:

Slow-V6

01-21-2013, 05:11 PM

I am not arguing or what not. Just thought that this might have an effect on the track especially if the person wins..

sweetbmxrider

01-22-2013, 07:23 AM

Just cause the engine is running doesn't mean it can shift gears.

:nick:

Our cars may not shift but the lawsuit is

While an ambulance was on-site with a crew capable of dousing fires, the vehicle wouldn't start when Cruz crashed, forcing Cruz's son, the Atco owner and other Atco staffers to run to Cruz to help put out the flames, according to the lawsuit.

Cruz suffered second- and third-degree burns, according to the lawsuit. He died about a year after the crash.

"Atco charged patrons a fee and held itself out as a safe environment for experienced drag car racers to engage in a highly dangerous activity," attorney Jennie Shatynsky wrote in the lawsuit.

:themayor:

Slow-V6

01-22-2013, 08:18 PM

Well crap. That doesnt sound to good.

sweetbmxrider

01-22-2013, 09:33 PM

I guess I have my foot in my mouth here cause I keep going on about it but as I said earlier, the ambulance is always running. Even at our silly little rentals, its always idling and they yell at you to stay clear of it.

Dudbird113

01-23-2013, 04:28 AM

They should have a quad ready to go too with a fire extiguisher and first aid kit straped to it

Mike

01-23-2013, 10:18 PM

They should have a quad ready to go too with a fire extiguisher and first aid kit straped to it

Why. They have an ambulance and pick up trucks

LTb1ow

01-24-2013, 07:19 AM

Why. They have an ambulance and pick up trucks

Its cheaper to have an atv idle or putz around all day than it is to leave a truck/ambulance running. At least then they have a guaranteed quick way to get some help to a wreck.

But, I am sure there is some NHRA ruling that mandates what safety equipment is required and if it needs to be idling the whole day etc.

They really need a high idle mod on their ambulance though. :bertstare:

Mike

01-24-2013, 08:09 AM

From everything I have heard the car wasn't legal for the times it was running. No extinguisher or fire safety gear inside the car or on the driver.

Slow-V6

01-25-2013, 07:01 AM

From everything I have heard the car wasn't legal for the times it was running. No extinguisher or fire safety gear inside the car or on the driver.

Then wouldnt that also fall on the track as well? They tech the car. I compare going through tech At Atco to MIR or VMP. At VMP they have you open up every door, compartment in the car and spend a good 10 mins looking around your car. They check your battery, your overflow, ect on every single car.

If that happened on the drivers 1st pass then the track should be okay as they can say we didnt know how fast it was but if it was the drivers 2nd or 3rd pass the car already went faster then what is allowed for the safty equipment and didnt get kicked off the track then that will probably fall on the track. I know in my Vette last year which is a Convertible If it ran a 13.49 or faster It needs to have a roll bar. My self and my wife made 6 passes in the vette and the slowest pass was a 13.3 and I have no roll bar.

Mike

01-25-2013, 09:22 AM

Apparently the guy said it was much slower than it was capable of, and at rentals they don't looks as hard unless the car looks like poo... I don't know if it was the first run or if he had been taking it easy prior to the crash...

Also, he was OUT of the car sitting on the wall when his son/friends and the track employees got down there.

I don't have first hand information, but honestly it sounds like most of the injuries were sustained while the car was sliding to a stop, then adrenaline got him to release the belts and get out of the car before he felt the brunt of it....

Proper safety equipment and clothing probably would have saved this man, I just hope the truth comes out either way it leans

sweetbmxrider

01-25-2013, 10:15 AM

Who knows if he was even going fast enough or had a power adder that required fire clothing.

Dudbird113

01-26-2013, 04:17 AM

WildBillyT

01-26-2013, 07:39 AM

sweetbmxrider

01-26-2013, 09:30 AM

Gonna say i dont think u can park an ambulance inside the burnout box. If they have a quad it be alot quicker then running and getting the ambulance then have people move outta the staging area behind the wall etc. at least in a quad they can get down to the wreck maybe start to put a fire out then the slow abulance can arrive. Doesnt any power adder u have to wear atleast a fire proof jacket?

I don't think you are familiar with Atco's layout.

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg190/sweetbmxrider/Race%20Wars%202012/IMG_7757.jpg

The ambulances, yeah look two at our 10 car track rental, are parked next to the track and have an unobstructed path to the lane. The lane is wide enough that the ambulance can pull past any staged car if there ever was a need. They don't have to come through the burnout wall, they have their own special parking. The ambulance is always idling, even at our 10 car track rental. There is someone always in said ambulance, even at our 10 car track rental. There is nothing wrong with atco's layout and how their emergency services respond. As stated, the driver was out of the car before a first responder arrived. Also, you can see two fire extinguishers on either side of the wall where the tree operator stands. They also have extinguishers at the end of the track outside the wall. They also have extinguishers along the return road. And yes, a power adder requires protective clothing. I guess I worded that a little funny.

Slow-V6

01-26-2013, 12:14 PM

Dudbird113

01-26-2013, 02:37 PM

Never seen that part haha, always in the right lane when i go there. Eith the dude that burnt himself didnt it not start?

WildBillyT

01-26-2013, 02:42 PM

Never seen that part haha, always in the right lane when i go there. Eith the dude that burnt himself didnt it not start?

It is he-said she-said in this case. If it goes to court we will see.

BonzoHansen

01-26-2013, 03:08 PM

Does other tracks have actual firetrucks there? I was reading the Widows lawsuit and she is claiming that other tracks have firetrucks also. I really could care less. You sign that paper to race knowing that there is a chance this could happen.

true, but there is some reasonable expectation of safety. VT courts have upheld your theory at ski resorts - lift tickets have disclaimers on them. But there have been successful suits when proper protocols were not followed.

anyway I think there are NJ state laws in play about what equipment they have on site, state of readiness, required staffing like EMTs on duty on site, etc.

sweetbmxrider

01-26-2013, 03:19 PM

Does other tracks have actual firetrucks there? I was reading the Widows lawsuit and she is claiming that other tracks have firetrucks also. I really could care less. You sign that paper to race knowing that there is a chance this could happen.

Haven't seen one there and can't recall seeing one anywhere else except maybe a big night at etown.

Never seen that part haha, always in the right lane when i go there. Eith the dude that burnt himself didnt it not start?

Holy **** how many times have I said its always idling? Like Bill said, its a he said she said.

Dudbird113

01-26-2013, 10:37 PM

Coulda sworn i read an article saying the wambulance was off. Problem was it took it awhile to start. They could have recently done it where it idles all the time due to the incident

Mike

01-26-2013, 10:57 PM

Yes the article said that. That is one side of the story. The article was based off an interview with the wife.

LTb1ow

01-27-2013, 07:55 AM

Atco has a pickup truck with a foam tank fire setup in the bed, parked right next to the ambulance.

JerzLT1

01-28-2013, 09:31 AM

I don't think you are familiar with Atco's layout.

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg190/sweetbmxrider/Race%20Wars%202012/IMG_7757.jpg

The ambulances, yeah look two at our 10 car track rental, are parked next to the track and have an unobstructed path to the lane. The lane is wide enough that the ambulance can pull past any staged car if there ever was a need. They don't have to come through the burnout wall, they have their own special parking. The ambulance is always idling, even at our 10 car track rental. There is someone always in said ambulance, even at our 10 car track rental. There is nothing wrong with atco's layout and how their emergency services respond. As stated, the driver was out of the car before a first responder arrived. Also, you can see two fire extinguishers on either side of the wall where the tree operator stands. They also have extinguishers at the end of the track outside the wall. They also have extinguishers along the return road. And yes, a power adder requires protective clothing. I guess I worded that a little funny.

Is it just me or is the ambulance empty?

sweetbmxrider

01-29-2013, 07:17 AM

They were in the back stitching up my broken dreams.

Featherburner

01-29-2013, 08:08 AM

They were in the back stitching up my broken dreams.

:rofl: Your car runs good with the powerglide...:mrgreen:

B4C

02-21-2013, 02:38 PM

Looks like its going to be $25 to run and $15 to spectate now.

BonzoHansen

02-21-2013, 03:04 PM

Looks like its going to be $25 to run and $15 to spectate now.

what was it last year?

B4C

02-21-2013, 03:09 PM

$15 to race, $10 to spectate. Thats for a driven in street car on test and tune.

Anti_Rice_Guy

02-21-2013, 03:21 PM

That's along the lines of Island on a Friday night. Still very reasonable.

B4C

02-21-2013, 03:38 PM

That's along the lines of Island on a Friday night. Still very reasonable.

Yeah it is some people seem pissed off, and the new owners said its the same price as last year LOL. Still beats having to drive all the way to E-town

Sprayed 99

02-22-2013, 12:19 PM

I'm ok with the price increase as long as the track prep is as good as last year. Gotta make money to keep the place open.

LTb1ow

02-22-2013, 02:31 PM

As long as Atco remains unlike Etown in that you can run as long as you want, $25 seems more than fair.

Anti_Rice_Guy

02-22-2013, 02:55 PM

As long as Atco remains unlike Etown in that you can run as long as you want, $25 seems more than fair.

I think you're restricted to the length of the track at both places :lol:.

LTb1ow

02-22-2013, 04:16 PM

I think you're restricted to the length of the track at both places :lol:.

Not true, Etown has sand pits after the track, atco just has trees.

Dudbird113

02-22-2013, 05:38 PM

25 is what etown charges now for test n tune. Coulda sworn it was more last year

LTb1ow

02-22-2013, 08:20 PM

25 is what etown charges now for test n tune. Coulda sworn it was more last year

They could charge $5 and they would still be lame.

sweetbmxrider

02-22-2013, 10:48 PM

I'd go for $5. No doubt.

B4C

02-23-2013, 02:17 AM

As long as Atco remains unlike Etown in that you can run as long as you want, $25 seems more than fair.

This last season sucked slot of nights I only got one run in, they favor the Gamblers racers and would skip the street cars in the lineup. SO you get one run but you sat and waited 4 hours to get one run.