Old Long Island drag race footage [Archive]

Art

01-31-2008, 11:07 AM

The footage from the strip at Islip was awesome. I worked on Oval track cars there in the late seventies and by that time the strip was no longer being used. I remember the radio spots that N.Y. National used to air for the AHRA national event that was held there too. It will happen again, maybe not soon, but I have faith. Sooner would be better than later, we just need to keep the pressure on. TMAC, have you written legislater Cooper recently? Since he just was named as a wheel in the Obama campain, he may be busy for a few months.....

Tmac

01-31-2008, 11:20 PM

Art I haven't sent Cooper my letter yet.I'm interested in the commission he chaired to investigate our situation and would like a copy of the report.I am going to ask Mr.Levy first as he setup this study.Has anyone ever seen this report it will be a strong piece of evidence to use for or against the need for a track.But more than that we need more people to get behind us.Most seem to have given up and a few hundred isn't going to get it done.
I was also curious if anyone would build us a track or should we try to do it as a cooperative.After reading a post Antisocial put up about a track for sale in Mass.it was an 1/8 mile but set on 18 and change acres.I figure there must be an 18 acre lot somewhere that we could bury a track where no one would hassle us and if we can't get a builder do it as a cooperative.To me it looks like a drag strip is a back burner issue with most developers.But again this would require numbers and dedication.I'll continue to do what I can but it seems with all our efforts to this point we're at a standstill.Most drag racers that saw the Rexcorp plan didn't believe a drag strip was part of the project and felt they were going to be used to get something done that didn't accomidate them,hence the lack of enthuiasm.It was a hard sell when you were going around handing out flyers and told people the yellow stripes and don't mention the word um um it any correspondences.Drag racers apparently were the main core of the group prior to my involvement and need to be brought back in.But with EPCAL going to dizzy world to get people out is going too be difficult.By having a government study in our favor and maybe some suggested sites in that study we might get somewhere,it's at least hard copy evidence to make a case.

dynodon113

02-01-2008, 01:22 PM

I Sent Levy Pictures And Google Overhead Of A Property In Farmingdale . On Conklin St From Rte.110 To New Hwy. It Is Part Of The Old Fairchild Factory. There Is Nothing Even Close To This. There Are Signs All Over The Fence That Say Prop Of New York State, It Is A Couple Of Hundred Feet Wide And 1/2 Mile Long Not Big Enough For 1/4 Mile But Good For 1/8 Mile. The Idiot Sent Me Back A Letter That I Should Find Out Who Owns The Property. ( It Says New York State On Fence ) .i Should Have Sent It To Cooper To Se If I Got The Same Stupid Answer. To The North Is All Factorys,south Rep. Airport,east Cemeterys 1/2mile Away,west Rt.110 Only A Few Houses Still 1/2mile Away With A Couple Of Walls Nobody Would Even Know That There Was A Race Track There. Pleanty Of Entry Rt.110,new Hwy.wellwood Ave. Rt 109.

Tmac

02-01-2008, 06:53 PM

Don is that the one that runs along side the LIRR tracks just south of 110.That would be a good location and the airport right there who could complain about the noise.It's centered on the Island good access from north and south shores.Could we get someone to build,maybe the state would work a deal to help alleviate street racing hell maybe they'ed build it.

Tmac

02-01-2008, 09:37 PM

Don the more I think about that property the more it makes sense that area will never be developed for residential,all the noise that's already there we should take a strong look at this.I know you posted this site before but with things at EPCAL going the way they are options must be explored.Even from a business sense it's a great location.I just hope we wouldn't have to go to Bishop.Does anyone know who's the assembly or congress being for that area.How could they say no there!This is where my idea of surveying the politicians would work,do that first,than petition for that site.Does that sign have an agency on it like transport,that also might help.

Tmac

02-02-2008, 03:21 PM

I would think either DOT or Guard would be the likely controlers the locatiion isn't where you would put a park,the railroad is right there as is the airport.I don't think noise would be a great concern either but like the idea of an enclosed track and the shelter element would be a good selling point.What I think we need to do is check out the plaque at the site it should have information on it as to the controlling agency,design a feasible plan of attack and present our case to our local,county and state politicians.I first think we should as I have said before survey all our politicians with a simple yes or no questionaire weather they first feel LI needs something like this and if so would they support it if a feasible solution was presented then present this proposal.This way we have them in a catch 22 situation and one show the public they really don't want to cure street racing or two would approve the idea.As far as the questionaire thing I did leave something with Marty a while back but maybe setup a thread here so everyone could have input the key being keeping the questions simple yes or no with boxes to check and at the bottom a explaination area if they answer no to any questions have a date to submit and say no response means they are against the idea of trying to promote highway safety and we will make public our findings.If we started now by spring we could have the wheels in motion.This all should be done through LIMA so we appear to be an organized CIVIC ASSOCIATION looking to promote public road safety.Good idea bad idea I've asked this before but got no response.This is doable,it's what we're here for,but as always it requires support,more members on the sites.If you guys think this can be done spread the word or sit on your asses and once a month start your car and go up and down the driveway.The idea of building a race car isn't to be able to say you have one it's to race it right.

dynodon113

02-02-2008, 09:04 PM

Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I Did Not Think This Would Bring Alot Of Attention Because Of The 1\8 Mile
Yes This Is The Property Along The Lirr. Another Thing To Bring Up About This Property Is The Kid,s Are Hanging Out There And Several Firemen Have Been Hurt There Putting Out Fires . The Place Is An Eye Sore. I Don,t See A Problem This Can Be Done. Maybe We Should Get Some Pics. And Find Out The Details And Bring It To Levy . Since He Came Out So Much For The Racing Community . If You Google It You Will See There Is Nothing Around It At All
It Would Be A Perfect Place. It,s Right Down The Block From The Biggest Street Racing Spot On L.i. Edison Ave.

Tmac

02-03-2008, 09:11 AM

Did anyone ever see or attend a meeting that discussed any locations to put a track,there must be a report somewhere.No government agency does anything without creating a pile of paperwork,paperwork makes it look like they actually do something.As far as builders the state owned site could possibly be built by the state and leased to an operating entity.It appears Rexcorp has no interest in providing a race track alone they were looking for a highend park that catered to the cash crowd,the plan shows that.But I still think we should survey the politicians first get their feelings on paper and use this as a tool to negotiate to an end.If we could get the backing of the government I'm sure a builder or operator would follow.Of course our biggest obstacle is getting racers to become members of LIMA so we show numbers.This is something I will never understand the very people that this will benefit do the least to make it happen,it's a painless couple of minutes on the computer,no computer have a friend sign you up,no friends give me a call not many people like me either.:D

dynodon113

02-03-2008, 01:15 PM

I Would Love To See The Report On Prop They Even Looked At Or Say They Looked At?. Don,t Forget We Are Dealing With Gov. And Probaly Looked At None . Just To Make Them Look Good.is The Grucci Prop. Big Enough.
I Can,t Belive They Are Just Finding Out That It Is Going To Be A Cement& Blacktop Plant . It Just Goes To Show That The Letters To Levy Were Not Read. I Sent Him Letters About All The Things Wrong With The Yap. Prop And Included That Grucci Prop Was Going To Be A Cement Plant. And All The Silica
From The Plant Will Be Going To Blow Fight Into The Homes To Be Built .
This Was Two Years Ago . When The Yaphank War Was On

Tmac

02-03-2008, 03:04 PM

Don I've been dealing with state and NYC agencies for about 27 years now mainly in real estate leasing but i've have gotten a first hand view of how they operate and believe me if their was a comission there is a report.They live on paperwork.As far as yapank goes it's an uphill battle,but that site in Farmingdale they might consider a better solution to street racing because of it's central location,easy access from east,west north & south.

Art

02-04-2008, 03:29 PM

Y'know I just hafta put something out here.
That property to the north of Conklin between New Hwy. and 110 is what we are speaking of here correct? It has/had a sign about it being the final part of Airport Plaza at some point in time. Now if it is municipally owned, this could be a good thing. Remember that night at Longwood when we heard about things being redeveloped "for the public good"? That would be an interesting angle I think. Then again I remember the flack we have caught on those stupid New$day comment boards for those who thought we were asking "gov't to subsidize our hobby".(misguided morons...) There is a precedent though. On the South Haven park, right next to the trap and skeet thing, is the Long Island Steamers. A private club on park/county land. How did they do it? There must be a way. I think I have contact information for them somewhere. Any thoughts??

One of the guys on the SBP board is familiar with the deal that "Big Willie" had down in Long Beach,Ca.
I wonder if it is worth asking for the particulars on how that was done. For that matter, Wally Parks had the PD on his side when he got permission to use the parking lot at the county fairgrounds for what is now Pomona. Heartland Park in Topeka started in a somewhat similar fashion if I'm not mistaken....There has to be a way.

If it is privately owned, well I think we are in for a battle. If it won't make money, (as much as retail would produce, whatever that is) I cannot see how we could find someone to develop it. Unless of course, we follow that Thunderbolt raceway private club idea. You know with "charter memberships" (for the "big spenders"(lol)), a "regular membership", and a "junior membership" (for us regular broke folks). As well as some form of a day pass "trial membership" or something along those lines.
All just ideas and random thoughts mind you......

dynodon113

02-04-2008, 03:57 PM

The Very End Of The Prop . Rite At New Hwy. Does Have A Sign On It . That Can Be Used To. It Is Only A Small Triangle Actualy The Whole Prop. Is On A Small Angle. I Have To Get Some More Pics. And Get The Phone Number , Maybe We Can Find Out More On The Prop.

dynodon113

02-04-2008, 04:01 PM

P.s. What The Hell Is L.i.steamers ( A Clam Club)

Tmac

02-04-2008, 05:27 PM

Don LI steamers is a group of model railroading HOBBIEST the occupy a section of Southhaven Park gov land.Now as far as the property location it is the lot south of 110 with some abandon structures in very poor condition an empty lot south of that,airport to south correctamundo.
Hey maybe we could change our name from LIMA to L.I.Smokers people will think we smoke meat,are potheads or cigar aficionados anything but those dreaded drag racers:D

82GT

02-05-2008, 10:19 AM

Hey maybe we could change our name from LIMA to L.I.Smokers

In High School I was in the LI Smokers :headbang:

Art

02-05-2008, 03:09 PM

P.s. What The Hell Is L.i.steamers ( A Clam Club)

Sorry, my bad. As TMAC pointed out they are a scale railroad club. They have scale operating steam locomotives and diesel electrics, about 1/10 scale I think. (correction they call it 3/4, 1", and 1-1/2" scale) Live steam offers a rather interesting insurance liability IMHO. They have 4 classes of membership, and they operate on 8-1/2 acres that "the county made available to them" (quote from a membership application form I have). So it may be "favor" with no actual fee or lease involved. (you know, for the "public good")They are there on Sundays IIRC.
In other slightly related news, I was discussing this topic with a co worker who informed me about some sort of R/C airplane club that has an entire parking field at Hecksher State Park as thier "place". It is supposed to be marked/signed as such and not open to the general public. I will try and get there and see just what it is about this weekend.

Tmac

02-05-2008, 08:51 PM

LEAST we forget every PUBLIC golf course,ballfield and a host of other special interest formats on the government dime.Those are our tax dollars too,contrary to popular belief that racers contribute nothing to society.Where's the beef?It should be in our corner along with the thousands of members we should have here and on LIMA.We need to up our membership drive,maybe a new flyer exclusively seeking members only not mtn.survey.I've talked to a few people who voted on the mountain thinking they were signed up by doing that.How many voted in our favor on the mountain and think their signed up?

dynodon113

02-06-2008, 01:33 PM

Yep That Is The Property. Actually It Is East Of 110 .its The Prop That The Flea Market Was Years Ago . Its A Real Shit Hole. It Would Even Good For The Stores Rite There, Home Depot , And The Other Stores (the Wifes Can Go Shopping Or A Movie For The Kids, Steve And Barrys To Eat After The Race )
Everything Can Be Done To Work For Everybody! Levy Is Gona Be On News 12 After His Speach To The County. We Should Flood Them With E-mails Like We Did Last Time He Was On So He Does Not Think We Are Gone.

Tmac

02-06-2008, 10:37 PM

In High School I was in the LI Smokers :headbang:
I think I was too I just can't remember:poke:

Tmac

02-06-2008, 10:53 PM

dynodon113

02-07-2008, 08:23 AM

I Don't Think It Would Be A Problem Depending On Witch Way The Track Is Run.
It's Wider At The 110 End. Go On Google Earth And You Can Get A Good Idea Of How Wide It Is . There Are Cars Parked On The Prop (new ) Don't Know Where They Are From. There Is Alot Of Buildings That Have To Be Taken Down There

chevymadman

02-07-2008, 09:12 AM

I don`t know if you guy saw my other post. It was about Riverhead renting one of its runways at Calverton. They are renting it to a Radio Control Airplane club for two years. I know this from a long time buddy and it is fact. Saw Levy on news12 last night no mention of tracks at all. It just goes to show that they don`t give a shit about our needs. Or the kids and people getting killed on the streets. This all sounds nice about looking for land but who will build it. What ever you do don`t mention "DRAGSTRIP" lol this island sucks. Maybe all us Drag Racers should run Radio Control Drag cars. Then Riverhead can rent a runway to us its all BULLSHIT. Its all bullshit from the assholes running the county to the ones that were going to build it!

82GT

02-07-2008, 10:15 AM

Did any one see the newsday article on Grumman looking to suffolk

http://www.newsday.com/services/newspaper/printedition/wednesday/business/ny-bzgrum065565885feb06,0,2072608.story

"Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi said there was no reason for Northrop Grumman to move. He said any expansion could occur on an unused, 105-acre parcel adjacent to the company's current property, and the Nassau legislature would be voting to assume title to the land this month."

How big is the current Grumman complex? If they move would that peice plus the 105 be big enough for a motorsports park?

Heck, I'd be happy with a 60 acre drag strip again....

chevymadman

02-07-2008, 12:41 PM

[QUOTE=82GT;2585]Did any one see the newsday article on Grumman looking to suffolk

http://www.newsday.com/services/newspaper/printedition/wednesday/business/ny-bzgrum065565885feb06,0,2072608.story

"Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi said there was no reason for Northrop Grumman to move. He said any expansion could occur on an unused, 105-acre parcel adjacent to the company's current property, and the Nassau legislature would be voting to assume title to the land this month."

How big is the current Grumman complex? If they move would that peice plus the 105 be big enough for a motorsports park?

Heck, I'd be happy with a 60 acre drag strip again....[If you go by there you will see homes right there the NIMBYS will come out big time.]

dynodon113

02-07-2008, 01:01 PM

I Will Put A Antena On My Car Someone Hold A Controler And Make A Pass?????

Art

02-07-2008, 01:04 PM

That's interesting. First thing Northrup did after they aqquired Grumman was shed excess property IIRC. The facility in Bethpage is huge. I see it from the train everyday, so much of it sitting vacant. I doubt with houses on the east side, and nearby that anything good for us would come out of there though.

chevymadman

02-07-2008, 01:19 PM

[QUOTE=dynodon113;2588]I Will Put A Antena On My Car Someone Hold A Controler And Make A Pass?????[Now that is some funny shit lol.]

Art

02-07-2008, 03:14 PM

I don`t know if you guy saw my other post. It was about Riverhead renting one of its runways at Calverton. They are renting it to a Radio Control Airplane club for two years.

Yep I saw your post. It just added to the stuff in my head as to how we might be able to get something. What and where, well I just don't know. Despite being screwed over and kicked in the nuts by just about everyone (municipalities and elected officials in particular) so far, I haven't given up the fight just yet. Neither have quite a few others, we are just not organized enough IMHO. Everyone heads off in thier own direction at the slightest setback or distraction, it is pretty unfortunate.

It is nice about looking for land but who will build it?

It depends on who owns whatever property comes up for consideration. It also depends on what type of facility is in "the vision". I think (and this is strictly my opinion here....) that something like Brotherhood Raceway was in Long Beach Ca. or the street legal drags they used to run in the parking lot of the Fontana/California Speedway is the most realistic.
A simple setup, maybe as a "club" with dues and what not. A basic tree,some porta potties and enough of those concrete barrier things to keep everybody safe is a good start. I'm sure that will not fit everyones needs and there would be much hue and cry from the underserved, and I don't expect anyone else to agree. BUT if it were to be, and lets say for arguments sake it was done, it would fill the void. My question to you and the others who frequent here is: Would you support such a place? Or would you continue as you are?

82GT

02-07-2008, 03:23 PM

My question to you and the others who frequent here is: Would you support such a place?

Fully

dynodon113

02-07-2008, 04:08 PM

I would like to see the 100 ft. drags happen . just to get the blood flowing again
the lack of support is amazing and stupid
I WILL ALWAYS BE LOOKING TO GET SOMTHING DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I WILL NOT GIVE UP. MAYBE NOT IN TIME FOR ME BUT FOR THE FUTURE FOR MY KID OR GRANDKIDS. HOLY SHIT AM I OLD!!!

cowbay

02-07-2008, 04:16 PM

Fully

Same here I would support it. Let's be realistic it is better to have something than nothing.

Tmac

02-07-2008, 10:34 PM

I was thinking to get us out there we could start acruise night at the old home depot 112 & Sunrise big empty lot.Get the LIMA message out.High traffic location,easy access.Forget the grumman site in Bethpage they just built some McMansions near there and condos.That site off 110 Don pointed out has a lot of great potential.The only draw backs would be cemetaries near by.But with the airport traffic,train and all the truck activity who'd complain.Government owned waste of space,and if we played our cards right we could maybe get the state to build it under some sort of traffic safety program.We'll just tell Spitzer illegals could get their comp licenses there :D