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5 Shocking Reasons Why Long Island Desperately Needs A Permanent Drag Strip Now

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The decades-long fight for a permanent, sanctioned drag strip on Long Island has reached a critical boiling point in late 2025, driven by an alarming surge in dangerous illegal street racing and the promise of a multi-million dollar economic injection. For years, the motorsports community, led by dedicated organizations, has been pushing back against the closure of historic tracks, arguing that a dedicated facility is not just a recreational luxury but a vital public safety necessity for both Nassau County and Suffolk County. The current, temporary solution at Calverton is a testament to the demand, but a permanent, purpose-built quarter-mile track remains the ultimate goal to save lives and generate significant tax revenue.

The movement to establish a new motorsports facility is gaining serious traction among lawmakers, who are now acknowledging the undeniable correlation between the lack of an official venue and the increase in reckless driving incidents on public roads. With the clock ticking on temporary permits, the pressure is mounting to finalize a permanent solution that can cater to thousands of local motorsports enthusiasts, curb the illegal racing crisis, and bring a massive economic boost to the region.

The Long Island Drag Strip Crisis: A History of Speed and Loss

The desire for a dedicated racing venue stems from a rich, yet tragic, history of motorsports on the island. Long Island once boasted a vibrant racing scene, but one by one, its tracks vanished, leaving a massive void for legal competition.

  • Westhampton Raceway (1952–2004): The most famous casualty, this track operated under various names, including Southampton Raceway, Suffolk County Raceway, Hampton Raceway, and later Long Island Dragway and Long Island Motorsports Park. Its closure was a devastating blow to the regional racing community, primarily due to rezoning issues, financial problems, and persistent noise complaints from neighboring developments.
  • The Void: Since the closure of the Westhampton facility, the only remaining sanctioned track on Long Island is the historic Riverhead Raceway, which focuses on oval track racing, not the straight-line drag racing format. This leaves drag racers with no legal venue.
  • The Current Solution (Temporary): The group Long Island Needs a Drag Strip (LINADS), founded by John Cozzoli, has worked tirelessly with local officials to secure temporary use of the runways at the Enterprise Park at Calverton (EPCAL). Events organized by the group Race Track Not Street have successfully completed multiple seasons, including the recently approved Season 6, proving the demand is immense. However, these are limited, temporary events, not a permanent, dedicated quarter-mile facility.

1. The Public Safety Crisis: Combating Illegal Street Racing

The single most compelling argument for a new drag strip is the immediate threat to public safety posed by illegal street racing. When sanctioned tracks close, the action inevitably moves to public streets, turning major arteries like the Long Island Expressway (LIE) and industrial parks into dangerous, uncontrolled speedways.

The statistics paint a grim picture. The Suffolk County Legislature has noted that numerous deaths on Long Island have resulted from illegal auto racing. Furthermore, Nassau County has seen a dramatic increase in reckless driving, with traffic tickets for aggressive driving soaring by over 59% between 2020 and 2024.

A permanent track provides a safe, controlled environment where motorsports enthusiasts can pursue their passion without endangering the public. This proven "Race Track Not Street" model diverts thousands of drivers from illegal activities, directly improving road safety across New York State.

2. The $17 Million Economic Stimulus and Tourism Revenue

The economic case for a permanent drag strip is staggering and has gained the attention of local lawmakers. The project is not a drain on resources; it is a significant investment opportunity.

  • Massive Revenue Generation: An independent economic impact study showed that establishing a drag strip in Calverton could generate an estimated $17 million in annual economic activity.
  • Tax Dollars: The track would generate substantial tourism revenue and sales tax dollars that would benefit both Suffolk County and Nassau County, helping to fund local schools and community services.
  • Local Business Boost: A motorsports park would draw thousands of visitors, benefiting local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and automotive shops in the Riverhead Town area and beyond.

3. Political Momentum: The Legislative Task Force

The push for a permanent facility has moved beyond just the racing community and into the political arena. Lawmakers, including Supervisor Tim Hubbard and others in the Suffolk County government, have been instrumental in facilitating the temporary events and are now exploring long-term solutions.

A legislative task force has been formed to specifically investigate the potential locations for a permanent track, analyze the economic benefits, and address community concerns, such as noise complaints and environmental impact. This high-level political involvement signals a serious commitment to resolving the issue once and for all, moving past the temporary use of the EPCAL runways.

4. Preserving Long Island's Automotive Culture

Long Island has a deep, enduring automotive culture that deserves a home. From classic car shows to modern tuner meets, the island's love for speed and performance is a cultural hallmark. The lack of a track forces this culture underground, leading to dangerous and illegal activities in neighborhoods like Long Island City and Astoria.

A permanent facility would serve as a legitimate hub, providing a venue for sanctioned National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) events, local car club gatherings, high-performance driving instruction, and a safe place for young drivers to test their skills. The legacy of tracks like New York National Speedway and Westhampton Raceway can only be honored by building a modern, safe successor.

5. The Inadequacy of the Current Temporary Solution

While the temporary drag racing events at EPCAL have been a resounding success, they are not a substitute for a permanent facility. The temporary nature of the events means they are infrequent, limited in scope, and constantly subject to political and logistical challenges.

A permanent, dedicated Long Island Motorsports Park would offer a full season of racing, dedicated safety infrastructure, consistent scheduling, and the ability to host larger, more impactful events that would maximize the economic benefit to the region. The goal of John Cozzoli and LINADS is not merely to host a few races a year, but to establish a lasting institution that serves the community and promotes public safety every weekend.

The evidence is overwhelming: a permanent drag strip is essential for public safety, a powerful engine for economic growth, and a necessary home for Long Island's vibrant automotive culture. The temporary success at Calverton has proven the demand; now the focus must shift to securing the land and funding to build a lasting legacy that will benefit all residents of Nassau and Suffolk counties for decades to come.

5 Shocking Reasons Why Long Island Desperately Needs a Permanent Drag Strip Now
long island needs a drag strip
long island needs a drag strip

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