While the state of New Jersey does not allow teenagers to drive until they turn 16, RPM Raceway offers an exciting alternative that cuts the age limit in half to just 8 years old. Located in Jersey City, RPM Raceway features two massive tracks spanning over 80,000 square feet each, along with a giant arcade and a virtual reality (VR) system that provides fun for the entire family. I visited RPM with my friends, Shani and Yari, for a competitive and action-packed day of racing.
Stepping into RPM, I immediately felt like I had entered a miniature version of NASCAR. The roar of engines filled the air as go-karts zoomed past. Right at the entrance, a bright red go-kart stood proudly on display next to a wall lined with framed race shirts worn by professional drivers. To the left, a long hallway was filled with dozens of arcade games, their blinking lights and energetic sounds drawing guests in. To the right were two enormous race tracks built with multiple levels. At the front desk, we checked in and received our passes.
RPM offers two distinct race tracks. Track 2 measures 1,122 feet, while Track 1 is slightly smaller at 974 feet. However, Track 1 includes more elevation changes and upper level sections compared to Track 2. Each race can accommodate up to 12 drivers. Since we visited on a weekday, only Track 2 was open. Track 1 is reserved for weekends when the venue is busier, as well as Mondays, when both tracks are combined into one giant super course.
This extended course can hold up to 14 racers. Junior drivers, who must be at least 8 years old and over four feet tall, use smaller go-karts. Older teens and adults are not permitted to race alongside juniors. Even though the track is longer on Mondays, each race still lasts the same amount of time as on any other day, with a duration of seven minutes. The only difference is that it takes longer to complete a single lap. We had signed up for two races, planned to use tokens in the arcade, and wanted to try the virtual reality experience. To begin, we made our way to the track for our first race.
To keep personal belongings safe, RPM provides electronic lockers for use during races. After storing our items, we watched a safety video that also explained how the vehicles operate. At RPM, race standings are based on each racer’s fastest lap rather than total race time. This opens up a fair amount of strategy. For example, a driver might take the first couple of laps at a slower pace to learn the course and let others spread out, creating a clear path to go full speed without needing to slow down for other racers. After the video, we were each handed a black headsock with the RPM logo printed on it, covering our hair and most of the face except for the eyes and nose. With our headsocks on, we put on our helmets and made our way to the vehicles.
Unlike NASCAR, where the winner is determined by whoever finishes the race first, RPM focuses on the fastest lap time rather than the number of laps completed. In our first race, the three of us had the entire track to ourselves since we arrived just after opening. During the first lap, I drove cautiously to get a feel for the course and to shake off the initial racing jitters. By the second lap, I felt much more confident and picked up the pace, doing my best to keep my foot on the gas as much as possible, only easing off for sharp turns. As I continued, I started to identify the longest stretches without tight curves and focused on maximizing my speed in those areas to achieve the best lap time.
What I loved most about the track was the light-up handrails that changed colors between red, blue and green. They added a thrilling element that made me feel like I was racing inside a video game, reminding me of the ’80s movie “Tron.” I was also a big fan of the racecars, which had a sleek black and red design, perfectly matched with the black and red helmets. The glowing handrails reflected off the dark track surface, creating a vibrant, electric atmosphere that made the experience even more exciting.
The race was intense from the start, with Yari and me battling for position and staying neck and neck. Midway through, we both found ourselves needing to pass Shani, who was driving more cautiously. Yari made an aggressive move and managed to squeeze by, but I had a much harder time. The course was narrow, which made passing difficult, and it took me almost a full lap to finally find an opening. After the race, I asked Shani about it. She admitted it was no accident. She had been swerving in front of us on purpose to block our path because she did not want us to pass. According to the rules, when referees wave a blue flag, drivers are supposed to let faster cars go ahead. I believe the flag was shown during our race, although Shani insisted she never saw it.
After the race, we checked the scoreboard, and to my delight, I had the fastest lap time out of the three of us. My time was 39.586 seconds, just edging out Yari, who finished in 39.826 seconds. As an added bonus, the race instructor told us we could keep our headsocks, which was a fun little souvenir.
We then headed to the arcade, which had games like Basketball Connect 4, Mario Kart, Spin the Wheel, Terminator, and Space Invaders. One of the highlights for us was a kicking game where you kicked a bag and received a score based on the strength of your kick. Yari had the strongest kick with a score of 811. Shani, who played soccer at YU, came close with 758. I finished last with just 604. (I think I will stick to running.) The arcade had a wide selection of games and a solid prize area. I would say it was comparable to most standard arcades I have visited, although not quite as large as Dave and Buster’s. Still, for a place that primarily promotes go-karting, I was genuinely impressed by how good the arcade was.
Yari and I raced a second time while Shani chose to head back to the arcade. This time, we were joined by several other guests. Racing with a full group made things more challenging, as the already narrow lanes felt even tighter. I decided to let a number of cars pass me until I found a clear stretch, giving me space to pick up speed and focus on setting my fastest lap. Despite my strategy, Yari came out on top with the fastest lap time among our group, while I was close behind.
Following the race, we wrapped up our visit by trying out RPM’s virtual reality system. There were a variety of games available, ranging from kid-friendly options to the scariest one called Zombyte. We chose to go with Zombyte. The VR setup included several headsets suspended from the ceiling and spaced apart to prevent players from accidentally bumping into each other.
We were each given plastic guns that were synced with the game. I found the gameplay really engaging, with a storyline that reminded me of the HBO Max show “The Last of Us.” Each level took place in a different setting, including a downtown city overrun by zombies, a high-speed train, and a final showdown against a giant spider.
Once we finished the VR experience, the three of us decided to take advantage of being in Jersey City and drove just three minutes to Liberty Park to enjoy some breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty up close. I often forget how short of a drive it is to such an iconic American monument, and it was a beautiful way to end an already enjoyable day. I hope to climb to the crown of Lady Liberty this summer, so stay tuned for that article if it happens, God willing!
For experienced racers looking to elevate the challenge, RPM offers a competitive go-karting league. Any guest who records a lap time under 36 seconds earns “pro” status, granting access to upgraded vehicles that can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. In comparison, standard karts max out at 35 miles per hour. RPM is also an excellent spot for hosting birthday parties for both kids and adults. They offer private racing events and have a dedicated party area. The venue has even hosted bar mitzvahs and can accommodate kosher catering upon request. Be sure to call ahead for more information if that is something your family would be interested in.
If you’re looking for thrills, fun and a bit of sightseeing this Chol Hamoed, I can’t think of a better plan than spending the day at RPM Raceway followed by a visit to nearby Liberty Park to take in views of the Statue of Liberty. Jersey City is an underrated gem in New Jersey. Although the marathon might be happening over Yom Tov (much to my disappointment), there is still plenty to enjoy in the area. Make sure to put this outing at or near the top of your Pesach bucket list.
Address 1: 99 Caven Point Rd, Jersey City, NJ 07305
Phone: (201) 333-7223
Admission (non members): $30 per race
Admission (members): $20 per race
Hours: Mon – Fri: noon-10 p.m., Sun: early open at 10 a.m.
Website: www.rpmraceway.com
Zachary Greenberg has been an avid reader of The Jewish Link since 2015 and a member of the staff since February 2022. Zachary is looking for a full-time role in a business or data-related field. Beyond writing for the Link, he works part-time as director of the Keter Torah teen minyan for boys and as the TABC track coach. Zachary recently watched “Daredevil: Born Again” on Disney+. In 2016, Zachary ran the Jerusalem full marathon with Team Yachad. Please email him at zachary@jewishlink.news if you have any suggestions. Be sure to follow his Instagram page @funzacktivities for more content.
