Summer Nights: The Asbury Circuit
The circuit is the unofficial nickname of a stretch of road found in Asbury Park, New Jersey. The circuit spans up Ocean Avenue and then loops back down Kingsley Avenue. This plot of asphalt was the epicenter of speed and hot rods. From the 1960s until the 1980s this unofficial race track was home to drag racing and flexing automotive muscle. In the daytime, the regular population would hit the beach and once dusk hit the cars came out to play. Gearheads would flock to Asbury Park in the summer nights for no reason other than to cruise this loop, showing off their pride and joy. Back then, before social media, this was the place to be to put your build on the map. It was the automotive social circle of the summer. Whether you were in a car or on a motorcycle it didn't matter. Every genre of hot rod was out to flaunt.
Today the scene has evolved and flourished more than ever. While the street racing has ceased, the show is colossal. Attracting a wide array of enthusiasts, on Thursday nights “the circuit” is alive once more.
Admittedly, the first time I traveled out to NJ I was skeptical. Expecting your typical local car show, I wasn’t seeing the appeal for the 60-minute trip down the Garden State. I can assure you, it was not.
The sensory overload the first time I arrived was mesmerizing. On one street corner you had an array of Gassers, Pro Street drag racers, exotics, and rare domestics you could only dream about. Looking for a million-dollar Ford GT? Well, we have a few of those roaming around too. A harmonious balance, there are still the restored classics, however, the real magic comes from the highly modified and unique. From mini-tubbed Bel-Airs to C2 corvettes fitted with LS1’s there’s no shortage of craftsmanship and expertise here.
So the next Thursday with nice weather do yourself the favor and drive out to Asbury Park and hit the circuit. You won’t be disappointed in what you find.
