Tri-City Stadium
Tri-City Stadium
Tri-City Stadium in New Jersey was a short-lived but popular 1/5-mile cinder oval track (later paved) active from 1933-1941, hosting motorcycle and early midget car races, famous for its unique location touching Newark, Hillside, and Irvington, offering night racing before being torn down during WWII. It was a key spot for developing local talent, drawing famous names in the 1940s, and is remembered as a significant piece of NJ's early motorsport history.
Key Details:
• Location: Covered parts of Union, Hillside, and Irvington townships, hence the name.
• Track Type: Started as a cinder oval, paved in 1940.
• Racing: Primarily night speedway motorcycle racing (from 1933) and midget car racing (from 1938).
• Era: Opened in 1933; last race in October 1941; dismantled during World War II.
• Significance: Featured early stars like Bill Holland and drew crowds for its thrilling short-track action.
What Happened to It?
The stadium was a vibrant hub for auto and motorcycle racing but its run ended abruptly with the onset of World War II, leading to its demolition and leaving behind memories (and some programs!) of its brief, impactful history in New Jersey motorsports.