NHRA News: E-Town co-founder Richard Napp Sr. dies (12/27/2001)

E-Town co-founder Richard Napp Sr. dies

12/27/2001

Richard Napp Sr., who along with his late brother, Vinnie, helped create the success story that is Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, passed away in the early hours of Dec. 27. Napp, 63, died just 14 months after his brother, of the same exact form of deadly cancer.

Since opening in July of 1965, Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, then known as Madison Township Raceway Park, has been one of drag racing's premier facilities. Conceived by Vincent and Louis Napoliello and Vincent's sons, Vincent Jr. and Richard, the facility introduced major-league drag racing to the New York metropolitan area.

The track hosted the NHRA Springnationals for one season, in 1968, and in 1971 the NHRA awarded Raceway Park the NHRA Summernationals. Fan response the first year was tremendous with more than 85,000 people jamming the track for the record setting event. The rest is history as the Mopar Parts Summernationals continued to grow, as did Raceway Park. So much so that the Summernationals were moved to May to accommodate race fans with more pleasant spring weather. The event was also renamed the Matco Tools Spring SuperNationals.

Despite the untimely passing of Vincent in December 1969 and Louis in September 1983, the enthusiasm born in 1965 continued with each passing season as the brothers elevated the facility to legendary status.

Napp is survived by his children, Richard, Michael, James, Robert, and Laura, and four grandchildren.

Visitation will be Sunday, Dec. 30, from 4-8 p.m. at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 S. Holmdel Road, Holmdel, NJ 07722; phone, (732) 946-3322. A request has been made for no flowers.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hemotology Research Fund in honor of Richard V. Napoliello, Jr., (Dr. Alec Goldenberg). Mailed to: Dr. Alec Goldenberg, Attn: Gladys, 157 East 32nd Street, New York, NY 10016.

Condolences: Cards may be sent to Raceway Park, 230 Pension Road, Englishtown, NJ 07726. We will pass them on to the family.

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