RIVERHEAD, NY – After years of advocacy from motorsport advocates, drag racing is coming to Enterprise Park in Calverton soon, at least temporarily.
Riverhead City Council unanimously approved a special event request for the Scrambul Runway Challenge for a drag racing event to be held June 19-20; rainy dates are scheduled for June 26 and 27.
Riverhead Councilor Catherine Kent weighed in on the vote: “Many residents of Riverhead travel great distances to watch drag races. This two day event is a good opportunity to see how such events would be received in our city.
And, said Yvette Aguiar, Supervisor of Riverhead Town, “most of the community is supporting this event.” The event, she said, is family-friendly. And, she added, the two-day event will generate $ 10,000 for the city in rental fees.
As long as security protocols and assurances are in place, she welcomes the event, Aguiar said. “Finally, after many years of supporting this type of event, it will become a reality on June 19 and June 20,” she said.
The city supports both the Scrambul Runway Challenge as well as a series of eight running events offered by Peter Scalzo for dates in July and August, she said.
For this event, four day races were offered for July 31, August 1, August 7 and August 8, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., and four night races were suggested for August 13, August 13. Aug. 14, 20 and 21, between 4 p.m. and 10:45 p.m., Aguiar said.
“The races will involve streetcars and are aimed at attracting people who enjoy drag racing as a hobby,” she said, adding that Scalzo’s efforts have been successful in other cities.
“I can just take part in one of the races,” said Aguiar
For years, drag racing fans have rallied around an EPCAL facility; many say that until such a destination is built in the East End, dozens of motorsport enthusiasts are forced to leave the area and travel long distances to run their engines.
As a result, some say, communities with powersports facilities receive a much-appreciated economic boon.
Marty Johnson III, founder and CEO of the Long Island Motorsports Association, which has long advocated for a drag track at EPCAL, has said for years that he would like to see a drag track and road course at EPCAL similar to what previously existed. in Bridgehampton and Westhampton.
On the flip side, some detractors have said over the years that they are concerned about the noise, crowds, and environmental impacts of drag racing in the community.
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