Why did Westhampton close?

[JAYMAN454]

lol if you are not able to see that a person with the s/n dicksbigger / goldxxxxx or whatever else they use for a clearly see thru stupid spam s/n and then you open the thread, and then you click on this, and you had to go thru all that to find this is spam....lmfao then suicude you are exactly as i figured....

why did westhampton dragway close.

[FANTASY FACTORY]

why did westhampton dragway close.

In a nutshell, greed and mismanagement.
El Penquino del Oro..
alienated the community
stole from investors
stole from racers
stole from event sponsors, (who returned to burn down tower)
violated EPA laws repeatedly
violated local sound abatement guidelines
repeatedly kept our point fund money and didnt send roster to Div. 1
stole from employees
AND my personal favorite, was heard over the radio, "GET THOSE FUCKEN KIDS OUT OF MY STAGING LANES" After we suited them up for the 3rd time in 100+ weather.
I was running the Jr. program that year, Another father went after jack in the booth when he refused to issue refunds for the day, I haned back everyones points fund money, and all 15 teams never returned.

[JAYMAN454]

in a nutshell, greed and mismanagement.
El penquino del oro..
Alienated the community
stole from investors
stole from racers
stole from event sponsors, (who returned to burn down tower)
violated epa laws repeatedly
violated local sound abatement guidelines
repeatedly kept our point fund money and didnt send roster to div. 1
stole from employees
and my personal favorite, was heard over the radio, "get those fucken kids out of my staging lanes" after we suited them up for the 3rd time in 100+ weather.
I was running the jr. Program that year, another father went after jack in the booth when he refused to issue refunds for the day, i haned back everyones points fund money, and all 15 teams never returned.

thank you.i talked to some of local people that lived there
for a long time .i don't think they hated the track.even
people from newer developements said they could have lived with it (if noise was under control within reason).
What a shame.when you visit the area everything looks pretty
much the same except one thing.

[FANTASY FACTORY]

There were people living right on the same road that DID NOT even know that the track existed, after he bled it dry, he just took the money and ran,
Same as he did with his string of restaurants.

[Suicide666]

Did he own the Triangle Pub?

[FANTASY FACTORY]

Did he own the Triangle Pub?

Sweet Gezzus, NO!
Whitey Fords in Roosevelt Field, another some thing or other in Sunrise Mall.
I heard he tried to Fk over the Greek Mafia for some tribute money, they in turn gave him a load of questionable fish, then had an inspector show up.

[mikelbeck]

In a nutshell, greed and mismanagement.
El Penquino del Oro..
alienated the community
stole from investors
stole from racers
stole from event sponsors, (who returned to burn down tower)
violated EPA laws repeatedly
violated local sound abatement guidelines
repeatedly kept our point fund money and didnt send roster to Div. 1
stole from employees
AND my personal favorite, was heard over the radio, "GET THOSE FUCKEN KIDS OUT OF MY STAGING LANES" After we suited them up for the 3rd time in 100+ weather.
I was running the Jr. program that year, Another father went after jack in the booth when he refused to issue refunds for the day, I haned back everyones points fund money, and all 15 teams never returned.

There were many times when it came to pay out at the end of the day when he couldn't be found... and of course he had the money in his pocket. So people were "owed" from week to week.

Then they started having the "combined eliminator" where Heavy and Super would run in the same class. And of course the payout - if it was payed out - was less.

I was there once late in the season where they called it a day because of darkness (usually because they spent hours cleaning up the track), there were 4 cars left. They wanted to give everybody a decal and a free pass instead of splitting the money.

And another time I was there, a car caught fire at the top end. The guy with the shopping cart started running down the track, finally somebody picked him up and took a fire extinguisher to the end. It wasn't up to the job so everybody just stood around and watched the car burn down to the frame.

Many times I was there when the cops showed up and closed it all down because we were still racing past the 6 PM deadline. Sometimes we got a free pass for the following week, very few times a refund.

I remember a few "Wally days" where there were no Wallys. I heard that they were on the Penguin's mantle at his house.

The place just wasn't run right. The last year nobody seemed to care what went on there, it was a mess. There were still some good people working there but the place was just totally mis-managed. If it was managed at all.

My favorite thing about that place was going into the eliminator and going out in the 1st of 2nd round. Then I'd come back around and line up in the time only lanes and get to make another 5 or 6 passes before the next round of eliminiations would run. Time Only's got priority, because they didn't have to be paid out at the end of the day.

[cowbay]

Yea, towards the end they really mailed it in. That track was a prime example of total mismanagement, which I feel AIG, Lehman Brother, WAMU etc. used as their business model. :sign5: Take the money and run.:poke:

[JAYMAN454]

Rich34 ,myself& crew were talking today & were wondering.can you make a proffit
with a westhampton dragway today on long island if you had to start from scratch.how?

[JAYMAN454]

there were many times when it came to pay out at the end of the day when he couldn't be found... And of course he had the money in his pocket. So people were "owed" from week to week.

Then they started having the "combined eliminator" where heavy and super would run in the same class. And of course the payout - if it was payed out - was less.

I was there once late in the season where they called it a day because of darkness (usually because they spent hours cleaning up the track), there were 4 cars left. They wanted to give everybody a decal and a free pass instead of splitting the money.

And another time i was there, a car caught fire at the top end. The guy with the shopping cart started running down the track, finally somebody picked him up and took a fire extinguisher to the end. It wasn't up to the job so everybody just stood around and watched the car burn down to the frame.

Many times i was there when the cops showed up and closed it all down because we were still racing past the 6 pm deadline. Sometimes we got a free pass for the following week, very few times a refund.

I remember a few "wally days" where there were no wallys. I heard that they were on the penguin's mantle at his house.

The place just wasn't run right. The last year nobody seemed to care what went on there, it was a mess. There were still some good people working there but the place was just totally mis-managed. If it was managed at all.

My favorite thing about that place was going into the eliminator and going out in the 1st of 2nd round. Then i'd come back around and line up in the time only lanes and get to make another 5 or 6 passes before the next round of eliminiations would run. Time only's got priority, because they didn't have to be paid out at the end of the day.

do you know what ever became of danny shanken.he had a black
1988 firebird with a 632ci chevey mtr.i think he worked at the
track organized events.i think he crashed the car at the end &
destroyed it.he was friends with tony from olimpic gym that ran
food stand

[Tmac]

The shame of it is,is that in the right hands that could have been a great place.It started out that way when the penguin first opened it after redoing the track.There were many packed out shows there.I watched the slow demise of the place and looking at it from a fans side not a racer people abandoned the place so in the end only a few car would show up.To me the racers should have been petitioning the politicians back then to force the flipper of the penguin to sell to a person that would manage the place correctly it was there needed attention and equipment to operate properly,a great opportunity was missed there as people were pissed off about the owner but gave up on the track.I was there the last two weekends,first an alcohol funny car in the rain event with about twenty people in the stands and the second a fair turnout followed by a dirt dumping at the gate.
The racers will give their side of the issue which is valid as I've heard the stories and their all true right down to the food and toilets.Oh you did have the locals bitching about the noise but again under the right ownership and political backing that could have been squashed.

[Supershafts]

Gary made the problem with the town, no noise bs, nothing else then not following procedure....all on him , so when you see him like some of you do and shake his hand like he did anything good.... do like my friend did and smack the shit out of him everytime you realize you got nothing because he ruined it and made such a mess with the town that anyone with money was afraid to buy it and or turned away so they couldn't make it better....
Good thing for lebabnon i had let people know and they ran him out or that would have been another track in NY lost

[mikelbeck]

I remember going there a few Saturdays for T&T when I was the only car there. That was awesome... for me. ;-)

[Suicide666]

Rich34 ,myself& crew were talking today & were wondering.can you make a proffit
with a westhampton dragway today on long island if you had to start from scratch.how?

That is a really good question, I would be imagine it would take a lot of support (fans)

[JAYMAN454]

The shame of it is,is that in the right hands that could have been a great place.It started out that way when the penguin first opened it after redoing the track.There were many packed out shows there.I watched the slow demise of the place and looking at it from a fans side not a racer people abandoned the place so in the end only a few car would show up.To me the racers should have been petitioning the politicians back then to force the flipper of the penguin to sell to a person that would manage the place correctly it was there needed attention and equipment to operate properly,a great opportunity was missed there as people were pissed off about the owner but gave up on the track.I was there the last two weekends,first an alcohol funny car in the rain event with about twenty people in the stands and the second a fair turnout followed by a dirt dumping at the gate.
The racers will give their side of the issue which is valid as I've heard the stories and their all true right down to the food and toilets.Oh you did have the locals bitching about the noise but again under the right ownership and political backing that could have been squashed.

i think people let that place slip by because the rumor evan back then
was a bigger & better track in calverton.oops!

[Tmac]

You know Jayman back then the fan was and to a large degree was and still is out of the loop when it comes to the race scene on L.I..I found out about this totally by accident.I was out at the track almost every Sunday for a few hours for many years just to watch but never saw any flyers or people petitioning for support to keep it going.I did see the penguin at bald hill a couple of times handing out fliers for events,but if there was any real movement going on the average fan didn't know.That should be the lesson learned because for every racer there are about 50 fans of the sport and they should be reached out to.How car shows and town events setup atable have a petition and signup sheet.Volunteers required!!! Never head about the Calverton deal at all while the hamptons was opened.

[JAYMAN454]

you know jayman back then the fan was and to a large degree was and still is out of the loop when it comes to the race scene on l.i..i found out about this totally by accident.i was out at the track almost every sunday for a few hours for many years just to watch but never saw any flyers or people petitioning for support to keep it going.i did see the penguin at bald hill a couple of times handing out fliers for events,but if there was any real movement going on the average fan didn't know.that should be the lesson learned because for every racer there are about 50 fans of the sport and they should be reached out to.how car shows and town events setup atable have a petition and signup sheet.volunteers required!!! Never head about the calverton deal at all while the hamptons was opened.

at the time is was a rumor not of a deal ,but i remember people
talking about it while westhampton was still open

[JAYMAN454]

Does anyone remember the wildcat?

[mikelbeck]

I think that rumor started at the very end of LID's time. That was when Top Gun was going around telling everybody that they were going to be building a track.

I had a petition going around the last year that LID was open, to be presented to the Southampton town board. Linda Cabot (I think) was the person on the board that was pushing to get the track closed, so I started an online petition to get people to support keeping the track open. I called the town board to let them know about it and that I wanted to present it (it had a few thousand names on it) but by that time they had already made their decision and they weren't interested in hearing about it.

[Art]

I remember the article in Newsday when the Chimeri's got thier zoning change. The quote from Mrs chineri (donna?) was to the effect of "thank god, it's finally over".
Like it was some sort of punishment running the place.

[mikelbeck]

I remember the article in Newsday when the Chimeri's got thier zoning change. The quote from Mrs chineri (donna?) was to the effect of "thank god, it's finally over".
Like it was some sort of punishment running the place.

Which really means, "thank god we can finally line our pockets with some cash and we can dump this place that we've run into the ground".

[Antisocial]

Pre Topgun: http://www.timesreview.com/_nr_html/nr07-26-01/stories/news3.htm

[cowbay]

Pre Topgun: http://www.timesreview.com/_nr_html/nr07-26-01/stories/news3.htm

That is a perfect example showing Cardinale has always been a paranoid pinhead. Part of going into business is to make money. If they mined the sand to set the track they could cover the construction costs plus start out with money in the bank. Let's be realistic this would of killed two birds with one stone. Long Island needs sand it goes into concrete products, asphalt, drainage etc. Where are we supposed to get sand it if we do not mine it. If everyone I suppose wants to pay double for construction material than it is fine. By doing this they would not be saddled with an excruciating mortgage and overhead, thus giving the track a chance to survive and make money. If you think about it by the time you buy the land and build the facility how do you make the money back and still operate? Again why I am trying to apply common sense to government? that is my problem.:D

[mikelbeck]

Pre Topgun: http://www.timesreview.com/_nr_html/nr07-26-01/stories/news3.htm

Right, I forgot all about the Montecalvo deal. That was a couple of years before LID closed, right?

[Antisocial]

I think so, I know it was before LID closed. The story said Copyright 2001.

[JAYMAN454]

How did they get around the zoning?

[mikelbeck]

How did they get around the zoning?

Who? :confused:

[Supershafts]

Right, I forgot all about the Montecalvo deal. That was a couple of years before LID closed, right?

Montecalvo/nobile, then the same with TG in 01, but before them was Trump, DE and Childress, and eastern motorsports... all made bids for a motorsports park at Calverton.

All were met with bigoted racist bs views, there was only 1 other non motorsport deal prior to the RR bad vision and that was for a movie company similar to what is in hollwood, but when they brought up keeping the landing strips to use to fly in and out actors and what not....
They to met bigots and racist stupid pos set in there ways, now defiling the minds of the next generation

[JAYMAN454]

I think engel burman.

[Antisocial]

Fuck them!! Let them sit there and watch the grass grow. Maybe one of the Baldwin brothers will stop for a piss, oh joy.

[JAYMAN454]

ya or a joint

[JAYMAN454]

Did anyone ever hear about the police closing edison ave down to let
people drag race legally a few years ago?i heard this from more than 1 person.

[Supershafts]

Wasn't really to race, but for a certain lets call them movie makers to make a video, and i don't think what went on was really allowed if i remember correctly

[Suicide666]

Shafty would be correct.

[Supershafts]

you can get that video at long island extreme , search that and you should get to a video

[cmiracing2004]

should be everyday since no track.. oh wait it is everyday..oopss

[JAYMAN454]

Pinks is on film!!!!!!!

[andy79z28]

They had a permit for one day to film a movie called 2 Fast To Real For Hollywood. I was there, and I am in the video racing my car. Was a lot of fun.

[FANTASY FACTORY]

Now that Shiek Ali Nabi bought 5 years worth of sponsorship at E-Town, maybe we can get him to buy suffolk county and open a track. Then he can also put the tank farm in the sound. Open a chain of discount gas stations with deep discounts to enthusiasts, POOP, oh there, its the alarm clock, gotta get up. l8r

[Supershafts]

Don't goof i wanted to talk with Al anabi about a few locations, still do... gotta wait, oh well

[spikeybabe22]

I didnt grow up here...so i never saw westhampton until steve and i drove through it...well on the side of it about three weeks ago....a community is all built on it...wish i was around to have seen it.

[Art]

It was just your basic facility. There were different ideas for it over the years like the 1/2 mile oval in the back which was later utilised for gocarts. I ran there in the late seventies and did a little testing just before it was gone. (I was absent for the eighties)

[FANTASY FACTORY]

BUT, first it was an atomic missle base!
http://www.christopherjohnbright.com/nuclear.htm

http://www.town.southampton.ny.us/areastudy/ii_15.pdf

[spikeybabe22]

oh and they the police thingy next to it to...

[Supershafts]

BUT, first it was an atomic missle base!
http://www.christopherjohnbright.com/nuclear.htm

http://www.town.southampton.ny.us/areastudy/ii_15.pdf

It was also the 1st purpose built drag strip in the united states when the NHRA was formed in cali while they used parking lots

[Tmac]

It was also the 1st purpose built drag strip in the united states when the NHRA was formed in cali while they used parking lots

And for that reason alone should have been landmarked and preserved for it's historic value.

[FANTASY FACTORY]

And for that reason alone should have been landmarked and preserved for it's historic value.

Some one once said that the first sighting of the elusive Northeast Bandit Penquin took place there.

[JAYMAN454]

When were the glory days of the track or highlights?

[FANTASY FACTORY]

When were the glory days of the track or highlights?

I had good times there from 78 till around 90

I didnt even know it existed till we got to national and POOF, it got sold and plowed under during the winter of 77/78,

[dynodon113]

You could go to NATIONAL get knocked out first round and go to the HAMPTONS and get in first round . Friend's use to camp out at the HAMPTONS herd some wild stories about back in the day. Race all day sat. and sun. . WTF happend????

[FANTASY FACTORY]

I used to leave school friday, go to NYN, come home sunday night, school mon morn, rinse, repeat. $5 time shots, $7 per class to race.

http://i35.tinypic.com/2v0k38p.jpg

[JAYMAN454]

What was fastest e.t.1/4 mile pre 1970 on gas ?on long island.

[Tmac]

If you really want to understand why all the tracks closed I believe there are two main reasons.First and foremost it was the shortsightedness of our local governments that allowed(2) the greed and uncontrolled over development of Long Island by developers who's only purpose was to take what they could out of it with no regard for anyone but themselves.This destroied life as it was known by native L.I.ers drove housing prices through the roof and making land values out weigh life values.The main reason goverment exist is to protect the way of life for those it serves and they have failed us all.They now see themselves as rulers and not servants of the public.The best example of this when it comes to our cause was the outcome of the EPCAL property.Although in all polls takes Long Islanders favored a motorsports venue being provided at this site some 90%-10% the local government with the guidance of a few privilaged hands opted to go against public intrest and favor the lesser desired amusement park for a few dollars more and I'm sure some pocket change for themselves.But now with the economy the way it is this will comeback to bite them in the ass as their developer of choice was counting largely on financing were as our developer was prepared to go foward with his proect having the monies in place at the time of bidding(shortsightedness)While Rexcorps project could have been up and running creating income and jobs this land will now probably remain dormant for years to come costing the citizens of Riverhead millions in lost revenue.If government only listened to the PEOPLE.If you vote and your life is worse now vote out all incumbants.Listen to what their not saying.
The American dream killed by government and greed.

[RICHIESBLOWN34]

The main reason i supose is still the price of land on li. And the taxes the county gets even on lets say vacant land is crazy. Property owner sees taxes going up on land , can sell to developer take the money and run. To have land for a track who ever owns it, would have to use it every possible weekend. And then have it sit poss dormant thru the winter. I think greed comes first , owner sell and cashes in and gov comes in and makes more money on taxes when land gets developed hence recieve more property taxes on developed land rather than the money they collect on vacant land or less developed land. So basicly gov encourages vacant land owners or semi developed land owners to sell so it can be turned into developments , more f** tax money for the county!!! We really need a private land owner out there who has more money then he could spend, love racing, love cars, love crowds and build a strip on his private property, any leads !!!!!!!! Ha ha ha

[FANTASY FACTORY]

We really need a private land owner out there who has more money then he could spend, love racing, love cars, love crowds and build a strip on his private property, any leads !!!!!!!! Ha ha ha[/QUOTE]

Now don't go looking me as if I am the next messiah, BUT, a long time friend of mine, an avid racer, has property very near to the former LID, Apparently after 4 generations, there is No One to continue the family business,(greenhouses) we spoke on doing an 1/8 mile on the property strictly for family and friends, but he might be open to a club style enviroment, charter membership et el. this would preclude a ton of govt intervention. with the holiday drinking season approaching soon, i am going to try to push a lil harder on convincing him, 'IF YOU DO IT, WE WILL COME"

[spikeybabe22]

that would def. be cool.

[Art]

Now don't go looking me as if I am the next messiah, BUT, a long time friend of mine, an avid racer, has property very near to the former LID, Apparently after 4 generations, there is No One to continue the family business,(greenhouses) we spoke on doing an 1/8 mile on the property strictly for family and friends, but he might be open to a club style enviroment, charter membership et el. this would preclude a ton of govt intervention. with the holiday drinking season approaching soon, i am going to try to push a lil harder on convincing him, 'IF YOU DO IT, WE WILL COME"

Count me in!

[spikeybabe22]

Count me in!

me toooooo :3gears:

[betcha618]

the membership fees on some of these club style motorsports parks are ridiculous. If it goes that way count me out. once you are a member you feel obligated to go every single weekend or your not getting your moneys worth out of it. Thats just a bad idea i think.

[Suicide666]

Whats an idea of the fee's?

[JAYMAN454]

Great idea .a monthly fee would help track in winter.you gotta take what
you can get.no price would be to high,n.j. Is just to far.i'm in & also
as many people i can get! If it happens.

[RICHIESBLOWN34]

you gotta pay anyway, so why not pay somebody in the loop who is willing to put up the oppertunity and the land ! today nothing comes for nothing, its a start, like they said about las vagas, if you build it they will come !!!! nuf said

[spikeybabe22]

^ i agree....and didnt they say that in evan almighty lol

[betcha618]

ok. every other track that has membership dues, they are between 1500 and 6000 a year. See, most of us race on a week to week basis. I wouldn't have $3000.00 to lay out for a "membership" to a track. Especially an 1/8 mile. If i don't have the extra money guess what, i don't go to the track. Not everyone is at the track racing every weekend.

[FANTASY FACTORY]

MAN that shit storm didnt take long, We were just sitting around the cooler, got to membering the old days, and IDEA"S got tossed around, The idea of a "CLUB" is not so much about generating revenue as maintaing a controlled envirment, Much like a poker night at (*&^ house. I see alot of guys not passing the interview process!

[82GT]

I was at LID every weekend from 91-96. 97 I went twice. Some time after that (99-00?) I went as a spectator for a Mustang show. That was one of the days that lightning hit the timing system :rolleyes:

I wish I went before Gary took it over, but I was told by people "in the know" what a dump it was, I seen video, good hardcore bracket racing back then. I wish we still had that "dump" today.

As far as a club, if I could afford it I would join.

[Suicide666]

To expensive right now for me.

[Art]

Lets see if I can play devils advocate here. I will use the same example I did before but am too lazy to look for. The buy in would be, lets say $500.00. One hundred charter members times $500.00 = $50,000.00. I would think you could pave and fence for that. (i don't really know) The use fee would be $10.00 for members and $40.00 for "Guests" for arguments sake. Maybe different "levels" of membership. Think simple, just timing equipment and porta potties. Maybe in time, a roach coach. It can be done I think.

[betcha618]

if it were around $500.00 that would be doable. people started talking about a private club like environment and the only ones i've seen have been thousands of dollars to be a "member"

[FANTASY FACTORY]

Lets see if I can play devils advocate here. I will use the same example I did before but am too lazy to look for. The buy in would be, lets say $500.00. One hundred charter members times $500.00 = $50,000.00. I would think you could pave and fence for that. (i don't really know) The use fee would be $10.00 for members and $40.00 for "Guests" for arguments sake. Maybe different "levels" of membership. Think simple, just timing equipment and porta potties. Maybe in time, a roach coach. It can be done I think.

See how simple AND affordable it can be, I drop $300 for a day at E-town.
Knowing the size of the property, It can't be anything BUT 1/8 mile,
This is still all beer talk at this stage, but perhaps it can take us in a new direction instead of all the bickering, after all. WE HAVE NOTHING NOW!!

[betcha618]

thats true. pending a decent price for "membership" 1/8 mile is better than nothing. Plus i'm geared at 4.56's so with a lil shorter tire my car would be better suited for the 1/8th any way.

[Supershafts]

Let me know Joe i have friends that might be interested in paving and such...

[Tmac]

I like the idea and would be game.Maybe if each racer had a piece of the pie they would take pride in the place and not allow dickheads to wreck it like what happened to LID(concessions,baths garbage and the like)Keep it a nice appearing family place.If you remember LID the place was a disgrace in the later years and families started disappearing.A well run and maintained facility would do a good business.The more members the lower the dues and Art's idea of different levels of membership and guest fees is a good one.My only concern is the neighbors they did bitch about LID and were partly to blame for it's closing.

[FANTASY FACTORY]

Well its in between 2 other farms, convienent to sunrise, he lives on the site, track would run from west to east, east end adjoins protected lands, so No future development on the horizon, of course we should accept that mufflers will be required no matter what. Once we start tipping cups over the holidays, i am going to start the soft sell, unless he has been watching this post, he has been at several of the rally's.

[Art]

The club idea has it's ups and downs. Y'know once a month it will be your job to sweep up and take the garbage out. Monthly gatherings to make sure we are in "good shape". And with out a doubt we would have to be "good nieghbors". Not everyone will be able to play all the time, but I think a core group of ten could manage running a facility. I envision a simple place, though I'm sure with many shareholders/members there will be other ideas. Time will tell.

[Tmac]

The club idea has it's ups and downs. Y'know once a month it will be your job to sweep up and take the garbage out. Monthly gatherings to make sure we are in "good shape". And with out a doubt we would have to be "good nieghbors". Not everyone will be able to play all the time, but I think a core group of ten could manage running a facility. I envision a simple place, though I'm sure with many shareholders/members there will be other ideas. Time will tell.
You should have a conduct code keep your area clean take home what you bring.That would cut down on general maintenance but a shared responsibility for the remainder seems like a good idea to keep cost down in the begining.

[betcha618]

I don't care about helping clean up. after a day of racing I'd stay till 11:00, 12:00, 1:00am, what ever was needed to have a safe, clean place to play.

[mitchm11741]

Did the track ownership change some time after the early '70's? Some buddies and I had a car club in the early '70's and we used to rent the track for club events (usually inviting other LI clubs). I seemed to remember the name "Cromarty" associated with owning the track, at that time. At that time, the track and especiaally the equipment were in pretty rough shape. Never went back after maybe the mid '70's.

[mikelbeck]

Barbara & Jim Cromarty own Riverhead Raceway. I don't know if they ever had any involvement with LID. I don't think they did, though.

[mitchm11741]

Barbara & Jim Cromarty own Riverhead Raceway. I don't know if they ever had any involvement with LID. I don't think they did, though.

I know the Cromarty's own Riverhead but that name still seems to stick in my mind when I used to organize the track rentals "back in the day." Who was the last owner? I wonder if the name will ring a bell. It could have been the same people. Back then, say around 1972, I seem to remember a guy around my age (say mid-20's) and his mother as owning the track There was a plaque I recall dedicating it to someone ... don't remember who. Maybe a family member?

Back "in the day," my recollection was the down and dirty grass roots drag racing guys went to Westhampton and looked at National Speedway with disdain. I really wonder if it was different ownership back then ... not that those owners had their sh-t together either. Like I said, the track was in really rough shape when we were renting it (I recall the starting line was eventually paved). Does anyone know when that track opened? My guess was that nobody put dime into the facility (timers, bathrooms, bleachers, tower) from whenever it opened certainly up until the mid 1970's.

All this said, we had great times there with our club events, crappy facilities and all.

[mikelbeck]

I know the Cromarty's own Riverhead but that name still seems to stick in my mind when I used to organize the track rentals "back in the day."

Back "in the day," my recollection was the down and dirty grass roots drag racing guys went to Westhampton and looked at National Speedway with disdain. I really wonder if it was different ownership back then ... not that those owners had their sh-t together either. Like I said, the track was in really rough shape when we were renting it (I recall the starting line was eventually paved). Does anyone know when that track opened? My guess was that nobody put dime into the facility (timers, bathrooms, bleachers, tower) from whenever it opened certainly up until the mid 1970's.

All this said, we had great times there with our club events, crappy facilities and all.

LID It opened as a dirt track in 1953 and was paved in 1955.

Names the track used:

Westhampton Raceway: 1953-1971?
Suffolk County Raceway: 1971?-1972?
Hampton Raceway: 1980s
Long Island Dragway: 1991-1996
Long Island Motorsports Park: 1996-2004

[mitchm11741]

LID It opened as a dirt track in 1953 and was paved in 1955.

Names the track used:

Westhampton Raceway: 1953-1971?
Suffolk County Raceway: 1971?-1972?
Hampton Raceway: 1980s
Long Island Dragway: 1991-1996
Long Island Motorsports Park: 1996-2004

Thanks for the info. I think I used to go there when it was under the 1st two names.

[mitchm11741]

Who was the last owner? I wonder if the name will ring a bell. It could have been the same people. Back then, say around 1972, I seem to remember a guy around my age (say mid-20's at that time) and his mother as owning the track There was a plaque I recall dedicating it to someone ... don't remember who. Maybe a family member?

[mikelbeck]

From the LID site in 2000:

"Originally opened as Westhampton Raceway in 1953 as a dirt drag strip, Long Island Motorsports Park is the longest, continuously operating, purpose-built drag strip in the United States. At the time, all other drag strips were abandoned air fields or little used back or farm roads. In 1955, the track was paved with asphalt with a dirt shutdown area. A paved shutdown area was completed in the middle to late 1950's. The track remained relatively unchanged through the 1960's and 1970's, other than the addition of the Christmas Tree and Chrondek timing system and a temporary name change to Suffolk County Raceway for a few years around 1971 or 1972. In the early 1980's, it was known as Hampton Raceway. In 1991, the track changed hands. New were four buildings (timing tower, 2 concession stands and rest rooms). New grandstands were added on the spectator side. Also, the soundwalls were built, new signage, fencing and entrance signs were added. It was called Long Island Dragway. The racing surface was repaved in 1993. In 1996, it was renamed again to Long Island Motorsports Park, as it remains until today."

From 2002:

"YOU HAVE SEEN AND HEARD THE B.S. ON TV AND IN PRINT, NOW FOR THE TRUTH! THE FACTS ARE IN! WE WANT YOU TO KNOW THEM! THE TRACK HAS BEEN OPEN AND RACERS HAVE BEEN COMING OUT! LONG ISLAND MOTORSPORTS PARK WILL BE OPERATING IN ITS 50th YEAR IN 2002! A NEW TIMING SYSTEM IS BEING INSTALLED! THE POINTS PROGRAM IS BEING FORMED! THE 2002 SCHEDULE IS ALMOST FINALIZED! PRO MODS, OUTLAW PRO STOCKS, FASTEST STREET CARS, JET DRAGSTERS AND JET FUNNY CARS ARE ALL ON IT! IMPORT MOTORCYCLES AND CARS ARE ON IT! AND DO NOT FORGET HARLEY_DAVIDSON DAY! KEEP CHECKING BACK IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS FOR DETAILS ON THE 2002 SEASON!"

[mikelbeck]

Who was the last owner? I wonder if the name will ring a bell. It could have been the same people. Back then, say around 1972, I seem to remember a guy around my age (say mid-20's at that time) and his mother as owning the track There was a plaque I recall dedicating it to someone ... don't remember who. Maybe a family member?

Based on the post above ("the track changed hands in 1991") I would think that's when Gary & Joanne Chimeri bought the track. Before that, I don't know. Maybe somebody else here has more info?

[mitchm11741]

Sorry to run on about this ... getting me a little nostalgic. When we used to go there, I always felt it was kind of a sad place. It's like someone lost the dream along the way. The folks running it then just seemed to be going through the motions ... like nobody had their heart in it. As a small business owner, I can't understand it. I mean, even then, when you could easily get hundreds of guys racing and thousands spectating, you had this run down place with what seemed so much potential. I felt then, as now, what a lost opportunity.

[mitchm11741]

Based on the post above ("the track changed hands in 1991") I would think that's when Gary & Joanne Chimeri bought the track. Before that, I don't know. Maybe somebody else here has more info?

I wonder if the Cromarty's were originally the owners and sold it off in '91. I know my memory is slipping but the family name is so strong in my memory. In fact, I think I recall the track being dedicated to someone with that last name. The plaque was on the old tower. Anyway ... maybe some old timer like me might remember. Maybe I will look up one of my old buddies and see if he remembers (Bob Bakofen, Bobby Sapanaro ... you out there??)

[Art]

I seem to think (and this is just my thinkin') that the Hawkins family owned it. They owned Riverhead before the Cromarty's bought it. When I was oval track racing, someone tried to rent the oval in the back of Westhampton (a disasterous adventure) and I recall him dealing with someones daughter. I gotta think about this some more

[mitchm11741]

I seem to think (and this is just my thinkin') that the Hawkins family owned it. They owned Riverhead before the Cromarty's bought it. When I was oval track racing, someone tried to rent the oval in the back of Westhampton (a disasterous adventure) and I recall him dealing with someones daughter. I gotta think about this some more

Interesting ... there is a mystery here for us to solve. I never got to see the oval in the back though I knew it was there and recall hearing the go-karts (or whatever) using it the days we rented the strip.

[Tmac]

Wasn't it the Caracola Family that built and owned it until the penguin took it over.They were paving contractors.I seem to remember a small timing booth above the spectator stands when I was a kid or am I thinking of some place else.Could be the medication talking.

[82GT]

Caracola is the only name I remember

These were right before Gary took over

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y196/82GT/LID/Dans72.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y196/82GT/LID/RicksSS.jpg

[mitchm11741]

Wasn't it the Caracola Family that built and owned it until the penguin took it over.They were paving contractors.I seem to remember a small timing booth above the spectator stands when I was a kid or am I thinking of some place else.Could be the medication talking.

That could be the name.

There was a small booth along the pit re-entry road where timing slips were given out, at least when I was there.

[Cudafied]

That could be the name.

There was a small booth along the pit re-entry road where timing slips were given out, at least when I was there.

The Caricola family built the track in the mid 50's and owned it until they sold it to Gary the penguin in 1991 with from what I was told Nick Caricola still owning a small percentage for a few years to make sure it stayed a drag strip.

Here is a picture from 1989

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb31/Cudafied/1989Hamptons.jpg

[mitchm11741]

That sounds right. The name Nick Caricola is ringing a bell.

[Cudafied]

Proof that they paid better than Gary for runner up. By the way it only cost $15.00 entry fee for Super Pro.
I got a free pass for runner up with Gary in 1998 and it cost me $50.00 entry fee.


http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb31/Cudafied/Runnerup.jpg

[JAYMAN454]

the caricola family built the track in the mid 50's and owned it until they sold it to gary the penguin in 1991 with from what i was told nick caricola still owning a small percentage for a few years to make sure it stayed a drag strip.

Here is a picture from 1989

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb31/cudafied/1989hamptons.jpg

hey did someone right the great pumpkin on that car one year?

[Cudafied]

hey did someone right the great pumpkin on that car one year?

I did around Halloween a couple of times in the early 90's

[JAYMAN454]

i did around halloween a couple of times in the early 90's

my man (thats my favorite car)

[Cudafied]

my man (thats my favorite car)

Thanks JAYMAN454, Did you race or spectate or both like me??

Here is what the car looks like know

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb31/Cudafied/Atco10-7-06-mprts-1.jpg

[JAYMAN454]

at that time spectate.i had a 1964 corvette ls7 .i brought there one time didn't pass
tech it was a roadster with no roll bar.another time i had a 66 gto .on my way to the
track the gas tank strap broke,had to turn back.never raced at west hampton.
nice wheel stand!

[Tmac]

Thanks for the pictures GT and Cuda brings back some good memories of that place but also some nasty crashes at the traps where that bump was.The real shame is when Gary took it over and redid the track I thought our prayers were answered. He did a nice job only to let it go to shit,it's a dam shame.Lots of people have said good things about the Caricolas it's a shame their place wasn't run the way they ran it after.I did hear about Nick Caricola being on the deed to insure it remained a drag strip,that they didn't have the money to improve the track and that's when Gary came into the picture.

[JAYMAN454]

thanks for the pictures gt and cuda brings back some good memories of that place but also some nasty crashes at the traps where that bump was.the real shame is when gary took it over and redid the track i thought our prayers were answered. He did a nice job only to let it go to shit,it's a dam shame.lots of people have said good things about the caricolas it's a shame their place wasn't run the way they ran it after.i did hear about nick caricola being on the deed to insure it remained a drag strip,that they didn't have the money to improve the track and that's when gary came into the picture.

do you remember when they first rebuilt the track that it was
only temporary.they were going reverse the direction of the track.the launch pad was going to be at the end were the go cart
track was.i think it had something to do with noise also.then i
think the plan was to bring in top fuel.

[JAYMAN454]

More room for shut down too.

[FANTASY FACTORY]

http://i34.tinypic.com/25z2tdg.jpg
1978, 5 AMBER TREE, snapped an axle later this day,

http://i37.tinypic.com/1rsuaa.jpg
following year, more problems

http://i34.tinypic.com/20hv9rc.jpg
just a buddy's car. first and only pass,

http://i36.tinypic.com/6zokdl.jpg
Gassers were cheap when the class folded, most became bracket cars
This was the Mr. Magoo of NYN fame. Its a driver now in Texas

[cowbay]

WOw nice pictures of back in the day. I really do not why my buddies and I never took pictures back then. :sign5:Now when we go with the digital pictures we must click of at least 50 pictures everytime out. Keep the pictures coming

[JAYMAN454]

http://i34.tinypic.com/25z2tdg.jpg
1978, 5 amber tree, snapped an axle later this day,

http://i37.tinypic.com/1rsuaa.jpg
following year, more problems

http://i34.tinypic.com/20hv9rc.jpg
just a buddy's car. First and only pass,

http://i36.tinypic.com/6zokdl.jpg
gassers were cheap when the class folded, most became bracket cars
this was the mr. Magoo of nyn fame. Its a driver now in texas

pretty cool

[JAYMAN454]

What is a gasser i think of old coupes or something.was it a class with rules or just a nickname

[Tmac]

do you remember when they first rebuilt the track that it was
only temporary.they were going reverse the direction of the track.the launch pad was going to be at the end were the go cart
track was.i think it had something to do with noise also.then i
think the plan was to bring in top fuel.
This is the story I was told about that.What you said is true they even talked about bringing an entrance in from the Sunrise service rd.
to get the traffic off Old Country.Here was the deal breaker they wouldn't let him move the seats because of the trees everthough I was told he intended to replant trees where the seats were.Government should have stepped in at this point knowing the demise of this track was the last legal and safe place to drag race.We all should have been kicking and screaming then.If there was a movement nobody knew about it.A lot of bad things came together at that point wrong owner racers abandoned the place,community backlash.
Has anybody ever looked into the time line of the demise as to when the Caricolas were no longer involved.That might have a lot to do with it.

[mikelbeck]

I remember he was sued by the town for cutting down trees and not re-planting them.

[82GT]

Gary went in and started clearing trees from the back (turn around) up without permits or anything, once the town and pine barren folks found out, they didn't want to deal with him.

I was there when Murphy (Murphy's law Camaro) and Walter (Wally World dragster) did burnouts and launched from the turn around up track to the finishline. You couldn't hear a thing from the street. Would have been a good compromise, but Gary's way of doing things prevented anyone from working with the track.

[FANTASY FACTORY]

The new pad, and pull box for the tree were installed, But El Penquino just had to go and hack out the trees,

[Tmac]

I remember the stop work signs posted on the sound wall.You see wrong owner.Was Caricola out of the picture then?I think if we had an effort then with government backing this could have been resolved.Wrong owner.It would have worked water under the bridge now,but we should take some lessons from this if a track is ever built to make sure this can't happen again.Everything should be on the table in the begining,no secrets.

[RICHIESBLOWN34]

I think if some how nascar was involved, yea i know This is about drag racing but they have the sponsors and a lot of money, build a strip within in track , this way li can have all types of racing. At one time they were going to build a circle track on staten island and at floyd bennet field in bklyn but both where put down. Any thought with nascar track people anybody got any circle track people connections

[Tmac]

That in a nut shell was the EPCAL plan put forth by Rexcorp,L.I.Destination Grp.Voted down for pocket change.Nascar in a bad way wants to put something in the Northeast ,but I don't recall them getting involved with that effort.
Richie I know your new to the site but there was another effort put forth by a group called Top Gun (opinions vary)to do a motorsports park in Yapank also shot down.In my eyes the better of the two plans was the Yapank one more centralized and between two main arteries LIE and Sunrise.Killed for affordable housing that Yapank doesn't want.With lots of people if we could reignite that flame who knows.

[RICHIESBLOWN34]

What ever happened to bridgehamptons track

[FANTASY FACTORY]

What ever happened to bridgehamptons track


WELL, that queation is sure to open a whole new Pandoras box!

[Art]

In a nutshell, Bridgehampton got killed by it's nieghbors. Then the same folks , when they found out what was to take it's place suddenly had a change of heart. But it was too late. Serves em' right. Hope the water tastes like fertilzer forever.

[JAYMAN454]

that in a nut shell was the epcal plan put forth by rexcorp,l.i.destination grp.voted down for pocket change.nascar in a bad way wants to put something in the northeast ,but i don't recall them getting involved with that effort.
Richie i know your new to the site but there was another effort put forth by a group called top gun (opinions vary)to do a motorsports park in yapank also shot down.in my eyes the better of the two plans was the yapank one more centralized and between two main arteries lie and sunrise.killed for affordable housing that yapank doesn't want.with lots of people if we could reignite that flame who knows.

how many people would be needed?is there a magic #?

[JAYMAN454]

how many people would be needed?is there a magic #?

how many people would have made it work at f14?
& i don't mean the f14 its self.

[Art]

how many people would have made it work at f14?
& i don't mean the f14 its self.

Honestly, 500. We were close that day, no doubt about it. If we could have had 100 cars and 500 people in that little park it would have looked like twice as many.

[betcha618]

THE mAGIC number that no one could overlook i'd say would be 2000. just my opinion.

[JAYMAN454]

honestly, 500. We were close that day, no doubt about it. If we could have had 100 cars and 500 people in that little park it would have looked like twice as many.

thank you art.thats more close than i thought.

[JAYMAN454]

the magic number that no one could overlook i'd say would be 2000. Just my opinion.

sounds fair.maybe we should give stuff away.have a band.raffle
one of richie's cars anything.

[Tmac]

Art is correct in pointing out the F14 thing 500 would have done the trick,easily I think they were on the ropes and sweating.WE HAD THEM,but LOW TURN OUT we became a joke.To have an effective organization would take thousands most would just have be names and addresses on the site voters,wives children of voting age,friends fans,ect and once in a while show up at an event or rally but do little more except check the sites once a week and keep those they know without computers informed.It's not a lot to ask if you really want a track.I thought flyers were a good idea but after several of us especially Marty and Andy handed out tens of thousands well you see the results so if anyone has any ideas on getting people to sign up post em.
Our sites are checked from time to time by government officials and if they see a swell of support well they'll listen and with the economy the way it is now is a good time to start a job creating venture like a race track as the support industries and mostly American made products that are needed,besides the safety element.
Please don't start with the Marty stuff again he's done more than you know and on his dime keep that in mind we're all friends here with a common goal.

[RICHIESBLOWN34]

How about window stickers,small not to gordy, i think thats how you spell it, be willing the throw in some money to have it printed up. Like matherson did while trying to save the obi , oak beach inn, they were all over the place. You could flood the island with them , give them out at car shows etc.

[JAYMAN454]

What about radio?tell people to sign in.between 200 how much would it really cost.

[JAYMAN454]

Sorry cost

[Tmac]

window stickers we kinda did No Levy but you can get a LIMA sticker now.We should think about one for this site also and the Tee shirt idea too.We have a guy here that can do it .Fantasy Factory that's his thing and he could give a number up front as to what we would have to layout.Maybe get it rolling and set up a pre order thread for those that want.

[spikeybabe22]

What about radio?tell people to sign in.between 200 how much would it really cost.
radio advertising is $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[JAYMAN454]

art is correct in pointing out the f14 thing 500 would have done the trick,easily i think they were on the ropes and sweating.we had them,but low turn out we became a joke.to have an effective organization would take thousands most would just have be names and addresses on the site voters,wives children of voting age,friends fans,ect and once in a while show up at an event or rally but do little more except check the sites once a week and keep those they know without computers informed.it's not a lot to ask if you really want a track.i thought flyers were a good idea but after several of us especially marty and andy handed out tens of thousands well you see the results so if anyone has any ideas on getting people to sign up post em.
Our sites are checked from time to time by government officials and if they see a swell of support well they'll listen and with the economy the way it is now is a good time to start a job creating venture like a race track as the support industries and mostly american made products that are needed,besides the safety element.
Please don't start with the marty stuff again he's done more than you know and on his dime keep that in mind we're all friends here with a common goal.

i like marty even when he blow me up, it made me laugh.debate is
part of the process .win or loose its all good.

[RICHIESBLOWN34]

How much is to expensive ? How about channel 12, probably more then radio right ? And jay thanks for offering one of my cars !!

[JAYMAN454]

how much is to expensive ? How about channel 12, probably more then radio right ? And jay thanks for offering one of my cars !!

don't mention it.

[spikeybabe22]

tv....was $3000 for a 15 sec commercial.... radio 1500 for 30 secs...

[JAYMAN454]

tv....was $3000 for a 15 sec commercial.... Radio 1500 for 30 secs...

is that one time each slot?

[spikeybabe22]

is that one time each slot?

honestly I don't remember...

penny saver is 200 a week 4 half a page.

[RICHIESBLOWN34]

Design a sticker wiyh li drag racing logo ,to be decided, with some wording of support on it ,people would get the idea. I didnt see the no levy sticker or maybe just didnt put it together . I live in nassau and the name levy doest much matter in my town, we got suozzi for exc

[RICHIESBLOWN34]

Dam come to think of it look what obama spent for half hour on national tv !!!!! Times all the channels at 1 mil a pop !!!

[JAYMAN454]

dam come to think of it look what obama spent for half hour on national tv !!!!! Times all the channels at 1 mil a pop !!!

how about a big add newsday?

[JAYMAN454]

[QUOTE=spikeybabe22;5232]honestly I don't remember...

penny saver is 200 a week 4 half a page.[/QUO
THAT SOUNDS GOOD.

[mikelbeck]

Here's my pic gallery from the EPCAL event: http://www.burwoodboysracing.com/gallery/v/Parade/

[spikeybabe22]

oh i can see the stroller LOL....umm hey remember the big town hall meeting we all went to.....who was the teacher who got up and spoke? the older gentlemen....very educated well spoken....i cant rem his name....but i liked him.

that guy in the red shirt with the xmas tie was a tool....he was an "independent" canidate. lol ....honestly that day cardinale looked intimidated...his face was priceless...i was loving it.

[spikeybabe22]

how about a big add newsday?

newsday is also very expensive.

[Art]

oh i can see the stroller LOL....umm hey remember the big town hall meeting we all went to.....who was the teacher who got up and spoke? the older gentlemen....very educated well spoken....i cant rem his name....but i liked him.

that guy in the red shirt with the xmas tie was a tool....he was an "independent" canidate. lol ....honestly that day cardinale looked intimidated...his face was priceless...i was loving it.

Our Guy? That would be Fordboy (Alan)

Peter Busaca (Iknow I butched his name...sorry) was the only other candidate other that Levy for C/E IIRC. Levy has filipped like a flounder on motorsports pretty steady (screwing us in the process) so a vote for anyone else was a given if you ask me. The fact that there was no "formal" candidate opposing Levy is a clear indictment of what is wrong with local politics today. JMO as always......

[Art]

All this talk of advertising is good. It means to me that despite our "differences", we are all on the same page. When the time comes, we need to stand united.

[spikeybabe22]

yeah our guy. he needs to lead lol

[Supershafts]

Radio cost me $500 for a 10 sec spot once a day for 5 days at the evening rush and with the stations approval as me being a sponsor, ... which meant it was played between 5pm and 11pm., i did it 3 x cost me $1500, i also did it sponsoring CCC and SD spots at another $1000 this was on 102.3 and 103.9

It brought it in no one...

We had signs made by racing creations
Shirts and stickers... Fantasy Factory does our shirts and Racing creations does our LIMA stickers for us and some of the political stickers and i forgot the name who does our motorsports stickers...

Alan is our CIO, who on that day levy's office asked Alan to speak directly for levy, who as usual just seen a big wave in which to get on, unfortunately the wave was a ripple.

In a few months we'll see what's what....

[betcha618]

why? whats in a few months? Every one here wants to help with what ever is going on.

[JAYMAN454]

why? Whats in a few months? Every one here wants to help with what ever is going on.

i think they just want more people to join.

[betcha618]

well, thats been the plan from the beginning.

[Supershafts]

Yes actually more people should join, especially the thousands i spoke to along with the other 30,000 that were handed info over the past years, which like you jayman all complain, but that's all they do. It is so unfortunate that it is so hard for people to understand, so unfortunate no one learns and we repeat the same old same old over and over.

There is nothing to do... at this time there is nothing for you or anyone to do.

The only thing you could possibly do is find a person or persons with enough money to build a drag strip only of which we have a property that could work out...if if if all they are willing to build is a drag strip..... now before you all start running off at the mouth..the people we are involved with want only a full motorsports park...they will not build 1 venue of anything..

IF if if you do find a person, here is a bill there looking at, $15m for property alone...if it is still attainable.

The county will not build you a dragstrip or any other motorsport oriented anything

[JAYMAN454]

yes actually more people should join, especially the thousands i spoke to along with the other 30,000 that were handed info over the past years, which like you jayman all complain, but that's all they do. It is so unfortunate that it is so hard for people to understand, so unfortunate no one learns and we repeat the same old same old over and over.

There is nothing to do... At this time there is nothing for you or anyone to do.

The only thing you could possibly do is find a person or persons with enough money to build a drag strip only of which we have a property that could work out...if if if all they are willing to build is a drag strip..... Now before you all start running off at the mouth..the people we are involved with want only a full motorsports park...they will not build 1 venue of anything..

If if if you do find a person, here is a bill there looking at, $15m for property alone...if it is still attainable.

The county will not build you a dragstrip or any other motorsport oriented anything

thank you marty.the more members the better.its all we can try
to do.(get more members)

[JAYMAN454]

well, thats been the plan from the beginning.

i'm trying to get the guys in the car club i belong to & i think your
right 2000 is a good goal.if i can get my club i'll join another &
try same thing.even if we can't do much in the begining we have
enough people to rent atco or island for a day.

[Tmac]

the only thing we need from the government is that they are in our corner when the time comes to pull the trigger on a deal ZONING.That's what more thousands of members can get you.POWER IN NUMBERS.



LEGAL :3gears::3gears:

[Suicide666]

Where is the spot? Or is this more BS?

[spikeybabe22]

did marty insult u jayman...and u thanked him....maybe I read that wrong but I think it says u complain?

[JAYMAN454]

did marty insult u jayman...and u thanked him....maybe i read that wrong but i think it says u complain?

he was kidding .i was being sarcastic & also kidding.

[spikeybabe22]

he was kidding .i was being sarcastic & also kidding.
= he doesn't "joke"...

[JAYMAN454]

= he doesn't "joke"...

i don't know the man ,but i can't take that comment serious.

[Suicide666]

Guess is Marty BS as usual.

[Art]

= he doesn't "joke"...

Actually he has a pretty good sense of humor, you just got to get to know him a little.


And just to reiterate something I think I posted a while back, if there is something in the works, I'm thinking when the time comes to show support, we will hear about it. Otherwise, for the moment, we are all just waiting. I wish it were different.
The fact that the next time I'm going to the drag strip, (just to watch) I'm going to drive four hours to see L I and NYC grudge racing really bugs me.

[spikeybabe22]

^ i meant on this board.

[betcha618]

When's that?

[spikeybabe22]

^huh????whens what

[betcha618]

read the post right before urs. #160


.
The fact that the next time I'm going to the drag strip, (just to watch) I'm going to drive four hours to see L I and NYC grudge racing really bugs me.

[Supershafts]

Nov 15th.

[Art]

Sorry, I thought it was a known fact/event.
The No Time Nationals are at Atco Nov.15th It is a reschedule from September

http://www.smallblockposse.com/ubb/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=9;t=004737

http://www.smallblockposse.com/ubb/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=9;t=004316;p=1#0000 00

[betcha618]

thank you.

[JAYMAN454]

How did the bumper sticker about? What did levy do?

[Art]

In a nutshell, he lied. We as a community were the largest part of the turnout for a series of "public information/ input/comment" meetings regarding the Yaphank property.(topgun) We were the largest voice. I believe the quote at on or at that time from Levy's lips was "lets race!". (I was only able to attend the lastone at the Bellport HS) What did we get? A proposal for "workforce housing". I'm sure other board members can give a more detailed or accurate answer.

[JAYMAN454]

Was that the land by the jail & fireworks factory?
Did they ever do anything with that land or is that the land they mention
now thats single purpose?(drag strip only)

[Tmac]

The land for the drag strip only is west of that over by the power plant on Horseblock Rd..Problem there is no backers with money that I know of.Levyland remains untouched to this day.To me as I've said in the past the best site for a race complex on the Island,between two major roads and more centrally located to attract those from the city who might otherwise go to Jersey,so more business sense local.The property is between jail landfill and industry.
In todays economy with people chumping at the bit to race you would think this maybe could be a done deal as it would provide jobs on site and with the support industries.Maybe we should revisit the idea and ask Levy the question.

[JAYMAN454]

the land for the drag strip only is west of that over by the power plant on horseblock rd..problem there is no backers with money that i know of.levyland remains untouched to this day.to me as i've said in the past the best site for a race complex on the island,between two major roads and more centrally located to attract those from the city who might otherwise go to jersey,so more business sense local.the property is between jail landfill and industry.
In todays economy with people chumping at the bit to race you would think this maybe could be a done deal as it would provide jobs on site and with the support industries.maybe we should revisit the idea and ask levy the question.

some pro sport teams lease the land & build the stadium with there own money.

[Tmac]

We need to find one willing to.With the right approach I think the land could be bought more now then ever because of the economy and all else could be worked out.The proposed workforce housing should be spread out across the Island especially in the Hamptons and all the other elitist areas that tell us how we should provide for these people.Let them practice what they preach.

[JAYMAN454]

The town won't rent the land?

[Supershafts]

We offered to buy yaphank prop, then we offered to lease the prop for 100 years.

Problem with yaphank is stubborn spoiled levy, the only thing that will change stubborn spoiled levy is thousands of people....

[Tmac]

Marty if the Yapank site could be made available would your interested party be interested to move on it using the old Top Gun proposal.Should we put out another letter to Levy pushing for this.I know we need to get more people to come aboard on LIMA site but this could be a motivator.In the business world especially real estate the best time to buy is the worst time of economies.People will make deals in haste to recover and shore up other dealings.The building I manage in manhattan was purchased in the 70s for 800,000.00 it's present annual rent role is 82,000,000.00 hows that for profit.
Most of this money comming from state agencies the best tenant you can have they always have money.

[Suicide666]

We offered to buy yaphank prop, then we offered to lease the prop for 100 years.

Problem with yaphank is stubborn spoiled levy, the only thing that will change stubborn spoiled levy is thousands of people....

What was the bond yield on the number you were looking to float?
I have a group that might want to speak to you.

[Supershafts]

Marty if the Yapank site could be made available would your interested party be interested to move on it using the old Top Gun proposal.Should we put out another letter to Levy pushing for this.I know we need to get more people to come aboard on LIMA site but this could be a motivator.In the business world especially real estate the best time to buy is the worst time of economies.People will make deals in haste to recover and shore up other dealings.The building I manage in manhattan was purchased in the 70s for 800,000.00 it's present annual rent role is 82,000,000.00 hows that for profit.
Most of this money comming from state agencies the best tenant you can have they always have money.



Tmac , if people aren't going to fight for it as hard as i do day in and day out, and not a few hundred of us Tmac, me you and the loyal 200 aren't going to get this done, we aren't going to get them back to the table...

I am not even bringing it up to them until i see at the very least 6,000 people willing to be at the county building on a weekday during business hours...
Until that happens 1st, i will not even ask....


Suicide: i'll have to ask, i don't remember a bond though, i do remember a bank check being made available to prove to them at the time do to other bs going around, i also kinda remember the offer for the sale of the property was more then another offer from a builder, but this was also before he started playing bs games and then taking rfp's on the property, and then when he did that he pulled back on the original acreage knowing we needed the 380 and not 150 to pull off the park...
Then it got divided up into different areas, then his stooge that was running the legal town meetings is now the deputy CE, make sure no one EVER votes for morgo. That man is racist towards motorsports..

[Suicide666]

Stop pulling the race card, its a waste of time.
Do you even know what I mean when I talk about bonds?
I'd laugh in the face of the guy with a "bank check"
Be careful it smell like a scam.

[novadose454]

i wonder if we goofed here...we got the flyers to the show in uniondale...but i wonder if we had a petion.....wonder how many signature we would have wound up with ?? ...just wondering..now that im reading these posts.. with all those people there...damn...

[Supershafts]

Look at the petition it's on here, another thing they can do when they join is sign that also....

Tell you something about the pet though, the people in CT far surpassed our numbers in 1 month.



Do you even know what I mean when I talk about bonds?
I'd laugh in the face of the guy with a "bank check"
Be careful it smell like a scam.

I don't laugh at people who have the wherewithal to produce and pay up front with qualified funds and no need for bonds.
Having a bond for credit purposes when you have to meet Q&E requirements would be kinda redundant....except for when the Q&E is done by rht then you don't even need a bond or anything to prove you have the money to do any part of the project.

[Suicide666]

Ummmmm, no your wrong.....once again.

[Supershafts]

Ok say's you once again with no explanation...

[novadose454]

here we go again

[Supershafts]

This never ends, every year there is a new bag, every year the new bag has the same contents as the old bags.

[spikeybabe22]

here we go again

u can say that again.

[Suicide666]

Ok say's you once again with no explanation...
Hucklbery,
Let me explain how this works..............
Bond funds have specific investment goals, such as pursuing high income or preservation of investment capital. Bond funds may follow different investment guidelines in order to pursue those goals. For example, some funds may limit their investments to the U.S. government like you would get for your birthday or government agency investments while other funds may invest in different bond sectors including corporate, LIKE A RACE TRACK.

A bond fund maintains a dollar-weighted average maturity, or invetment date which is the average of all the current maturities of the individual bonds in the fund. The longer the average maturity, the more sensitive the fund will be to changes in interest rates. Funds with "short-term," "intermediate-term," or "long-term" in their names indicate the average maturity the fund targets.

The average credit quality of a bond fund will depend on the credit quality of the underlying securities in the portfolio. Bond credit ratings can range from speculative like the idiots at "Topgun" to very high credit quality say like a state water treatment plant. Bonds rated medium to high credit quality are commonly referred to as "investment grade-quality" which is what at least you would need to pull this off.

So when I ask you what the yeid is I'm asking what the rating is but I guess you knew that.......and nobody and I mean nobody shows up with a bank check, its bad busniess.

It never hurts to just ask a question......

[novadose454]

mmmmmmm arent we learning sooooooooo much here....cant wait to tell mom

[RICHIESBLOWN34]

Hucklbery,
Let me explain how this works..............
Bond funds have specific investment goals, such as pursuing high income or preservation of investment capital. Bond funds may follow different investment guidelines in order to pursue those goals. For example, some funds may limit their investments to the U.S. government like you would get for your birthday or government agency investments while other funds may invest in different bond sectors including corporate, LIKE A RACE TRACK.

A bond fund maintains a dollar-weighted average maturity, or invetment date which is the average of all the current maturities of the individual bonds in the fund. The longer the average maturity, the more sensitive the fund will be to changes in interest rates. Funds with "short-term," "intermediate-term," or "long-term" in their names indicate the average maturity the fund targets.

The average credit quality of a bond fund will depend on the credit quality of the underlying securities in the portfolio. Bond credit ratings can range from speculative like the idiots at "Topgun" to very high credit quality say like a state water treatment plant. Bonds rated medium to high credit quality are commonly referred to as "investment grade-quality" which is what at least you would need to pull this off.

So when I ask you what the yeid is I'm asking what the rating is but I guess you knew that.......and nobody and I mean nobody shows up with a bank check, its bad busniess.

It never hurts to just ask a question......

WHAT ! Can you repeat that slowly

[novadose454]

yeah i lost him too richie...
some kinda edjukated stuff i aint used to...

[novadose454]

hey are we still beating why westhampton closed..?? just wondering...i thought we figured it out..

[FANTASY FACTORY]

The last word on the subject!!


http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5125780462773187994

[novadose454]

its soooooooooooo much clearer now.....why didnt you send that long ago?

[FANTASY FACTORY]

its soooooooooooo much clearer now.....why didnt you send that long ago?

I was on tour, promoting my used car shop..
http://www.tvparty.com/announce/ralfwillbig.ram

[cowbay]

[QUOTE=FANTASY FACTORY;6297]The last word on the subject!!

I could not say it any better than that! Clear and to the point. Good one

[novadose454]

i agree...totally

[Tmac]

After reestablishing the magnetic flux fields and the distribution of the signals off the occilloscope to the cross waves of the electricial pulses,as in conjunction with latteral geophysical resistances,they realized it was being run by an asshole!!!!! supercalafragilasticespyaladosish

[novadose454]

damn....and i just bent my staphro...

[TURBOPOWERED68]

Dam I just read 2 hours of history, politics and a small amount of :confused:
So do we have a deal or what?

[novadose454]

what was the question?

[Supershafts]

Hucklbery,
Let me explain how this works..............
Bond funds have specific investment goals, such as pursuing high income or preservation of investment capital. Bond funds may follow different investment guidelines in order to pursue those goals. For example, some funds may limit their investments to the U.S. government like you would get for your birthday or government agency investments while other funds may invest in different bond sectors including corporate, LIKE A RACE TRACK.

A bond fund maintains a dollar-weighted average maturity, or invetment date which is the average of all the current maturities of the individual bonds in the fund. The longer the average maturity, the more sensitive the fund will be to changes in interest rates. Funds with "short-term," "intermediate-term," or "long-term" in their names indicate the average maturity the fund targets.

The average credit quality of a bond fund will depend on the credit quality of the underlying securities in the portfolio. Bond credit ratings can range from speculative like the idiots at "Topgun" to very high credit quality say like a state water treatment plant. Bonds rated medium to high credit quality are commonly referred to as "investment grade-quality" which is what at least you would need to pull this off.

So when I ask you what the yeid is I'm asking what the rating is but I guess you knew that.......and nobody and I mean nobody shows up with a bank check, its bad busniess.

It never hurts to just ask a question......


Dingleberry....

When a buyer hands you a 100 mil check to deposit into your account and hold till you decide to make a decision on what to do with your property... tell me why the person with the money would want to bother going thru another process of having a bond..

Why do you always look to bring some type doubt, it's all you do...

[novadose454]

he was born under questionable circumstances....???????? ya think?????

[spikeybabe22]

oh boyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

[betcha618]

The last word on the subject!!

Retro Encabulator (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5125780462773187994)

i FOUND ONE, ONE BETTER. The oriuginal that all the script from that one was taken from, and best part its a parody of a chrysler training video. it also has another part.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsiUEi2vNiM

[FANTASY FACTORY]

Heres th back story on the encabulator, 1946!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turboencabulator

[novadose454]

can i plug it into my cigarette lighter?? is there an autosuck mode?

[spikeybabe22]

im not even going to comment.

[novadose454]

by saying that ..you made a comment.....duh.......wheres that other girl....she was far smarter than this one......

[JAYMAN454]

I was talking to a guy today that said he use to race at westhampton
when it first opened & they use to race 4 cars at once 4 lanes no guard rails,just a dirt burm on the outer sides of track.he also said when it snowed they would plow part of the track & run the 8th mile.

[FANTASY FACTORY]

I was talking to a guy today that said he use to race at westhampton
when it first opened & they use to race 4 cars at once 4 lanes no guard rails,just a dirt burm on the outer sides of track.he also said when it snowed they would plow part of the track & run the 8th mile.

That was National Speedway in Center Moriches, I have footage of both 4 lane racing and running between the snow burms.

[spikeybabe22]

by saying that ..you made a comment.....duh.......wheres that other girl....she was far smarter than this one......

lol thanks. yeah where is that other girl...i hear she would be able to hand ya ass to you. :-) back on topic.

[novadose454]

:D
lol thanks. yeah where is that other girl...i hear she would be able to hand ya ass to you. :-) back on topic.

awawwwwwww spikey...i love it when you get pissed at me....the other girl is way to lay back.......doesnt have sharp nails....lol

[novadose454]

back on topic

[JAYMAN454]

that was national speedway in center moriches, i have footage of both 4 lane racing and running between the snow burms.

thats cool.can you post it?

[novadose454]

http://www.truveo.com/Drag-Racing-On-Long-Island-New-York/id/3652727322


check the vids out.. youll find what you want at the end...

[mikelbeck]

http://www.truveo.com/Drag-Racing-On-Long-Island-New-York/id/3652727322


check the vids out.. youll find what you want at the end...

Very cool! Jungle Jim @ National at about the 3:50 mark.

[novadose454]

i saw him that day......and also when he built the 69 nova.....its why i built mine..it was love at first sight...

[JOEY SS]

that video make me hate that i wasnt around i missed out on some really good times wakes me wanna go finish my car

[betcha618]

thats awesome. How the hell did they keep the track dry?

[FANTASY FACTORY]

thats awesome. How the hell did they keep the track dry?

For track built in 1965, it was way ahead of its time, if the track was DAMP,
it was not uncommon for us to be asked to warm the track by having us do parade laps with tow cars, race cars, any thing that moved, there was a track blower but i cant remember if it was a jet or not,

Night racing on Weds was a real mans sport once the dew Started rollin in!

Everybody became an altered driver!

[FANTASY FACTORY]

thats cool.can you post it?

I have a disc from BEE, with it all, but i'm a comp dick and cant figure it out, My dad took 8mm reels of me setting a UHRA record back then, looks like porn at first, i gotta get it trasnferred this winter

[cowbay]

I have a disc from BEE, with it all, but i'm a comp dick and cant figure it out, My dad took 8mm reels of me setting a UHRA record back then, looks like porn at first, i gotta get it trasnferred this winter

Winter starts on the 21st so we expect the video here online by the 22nd. :headbang:

[RICHIESBLOWN34]

Along with the porn music in the background

[novadose454]

were you wearing black socks....and a fake nose....god i love those movies....once...when i was in band camp...there was this counciler....and he was showing us his...........well....it reminded me of that...for some reason....

[FANTASY FACTORY]

No I had the black sleep mask on.

[novadose454]

ohhhhhhhhhhhh sleep mask...god ..love it.

[LongIsland63SS409]

Does anybody know what size property Westhampton was?

Does the NHRA or IHRA have min requirements for a facility?

Mike

[JAYMAN454]

does anybody know what size property westhampton was?

Does the nhra or ihra have min requirements for a facility?

Mike

mike i think it was around 70 acres.

[FANTASY FACTORY]

mike i think it was around 70 acres.
65.8 if not mistaken, An associate of mine was invited to bid on some of the townhouse work. thats was the entire property, counting the old stock car track in the back.

[betcha618]

6000ft. by 500ft. according to the map i just measured.

That would be about 69 acres.

In E-town, just the area where the dragstrip, pits and parking lot (paved) are, is 82.8 acres

[novadose454]

hmmmm i measured my map...about an inch and a quarter by two...unless you turn it around..then its....two by and inch and a quarter...lets see ...one inch equals....hmmm seven ..carry the four.......hmmm....jay you got your slide rule?

[betcha618]

just tryin to help out, you don't always have to be an asshole, cause contrary to what you might think its not funny. Some people are really interested in this kind of stuff, not just here to jerk off like you obviously are. They wanted to know how big it was, there were two different answers. I'm not a fucking retard and can read a map so i figured it out for them.

[novadose454]

testy this morning...i get a kick out of things like this like mileage and size etc...your too up tight thinking its about you....whats up with that?? its not that serious..re read it ..its kinda funny....but then again i know whats funny to me..isnt to others.....but still funny to me...

[Suicide666]

If you divide by zero your answer is what happened in westhampton

[JAYMAN454]

6000ft. By 500ft. According to the map i just measured.

That would be about 69 acres.

In e-town, just the area where the dragstrip, pits and parking lot (paved) are, is 82.8 acres

at 500ft wide you could probably have a track on close to 50acres.

[betcha618]

at 500ft wide you could probably have a track on close to 50acres.

well the last 750ft was the old oval. so it was about 60 acres without the oval track area.

[RICHIESBLOWN34]

just tryin to help out, you don't always have to be an asshole, cause contrary to what you might think its not funny. Some people are really interested in this kind of stuff, not just here to jerk off like you obviously are. They wanted to know how big it was, there were two different answers. I'm not a fucking retard and can read a map so i figured it out for them.

By my count we now have 3 answers........um who has the right answer... sound like Betcha has done his homework:violent1:

[Art]

Does anybody know what size property Westhampton was?

Does the NHRA or IHRA have min requirements for a facility?

Mike

I'm not sure. I can look in the rule book when I get home.
The basic issue as I understand it goes something like this: Just a dragstrip, while desireable, isn't what the the developer is looking to build. The proposals that were presented included a road course, an oval,(or two) a dragstrip, and other entertainment. That having been said, IF someone had the land and the ability to build, I think it would have happened already. With the way prices are tanking right now it is a possibility in in the future. (just my opinion) There seems to be, for a multitude of reasons, a pretty tough go for any facility right now. Check out F1 in Calverton for a real time view of the hassle involved.
http://www.f1longisland.com/
http://www.f1longisland.com/page12.html

[JAYMAN454]

i'm not sure. I can look in the rule book when i get home.
The basic issue as i understand it goes something like this: Just a dragstrip, while desireable, isn't what the the developer is looking to build. The proposals that were presented included a road course, an oval,(or two) a dragstrip, and other entertainment. That having been said, if someone had the land and the ability to build, i think it would have happened already. With the way prices are tanking right now it is a possibility in in the future. (just my opinion) there seems to be, for a multitude of reasons, a pretty tough go for any facility right now. Check out f1 in calverton for a real time view of the hassle involved.
http://www.f1longisland.com/
http://www.f1longisland.com/page12.html

epcal is going to be in term oil for a long time.why not stay
with trying to use the run ways.

[LongIsland63SS409]

Art/All,

Being a newbie I don't want to step on anybody's toes.... just throwing out some ideas.

I fully support a new multi motor sports park concept. I want to help the cause to bring this type of complex to LI. I have been getting the word out about this site.


I am trying to get an idea of what a 1/4 mile dragstrip property size would be. If I understand you right if some had 50-60 acre private property they could put a racetrack on it with proper permits?

I like the Jaymans454 last posts idea of using the Calverton Runways. I wonder if the runways could be leased?

Mike

[novadose454]

lease hu??? sounds like it might be good...insurance etc....bond..what do we need to do it....??? has mike or marty tried going down this avenue yet....and dont worry longisland63...never think that your stepping on anyone toes....this is supposed to be fun...otherwise...what the hell would it be good for?.....

[Art]

I think, no I'm sure that leasing one of runways was looked into. And we were given grief. The Riverhead Town Board controls the property at EPCAL. So if you were to ask, that's where you would go. It never hurts to ask again. After all, the R/C airplane club was able to rent one of the runways for a while so it is feasible. The insurance isn't the issue IIRC. And no I don't mind answering questions. It means folks are interested, and I share what I know. Not saying that I know everything either :D .....

[Suicide666]

Art/All,

Being a newbie I don't want to step on anybody's toes.... just throwing out some ideas.

I fully support a new multi motor sports park concept. I want to help the cause to bring this type of complex to LI. I have been getting the word out about this site.


I am trying to get an idea of what a 1/4 mile dragstrip property size would be. If I understand you right if some had 50-60 acre private property they could put a racetrack on it with proper permits?

I like the Jaymans454 last posts idea of using the Calverton Runways. I wonder if the runways could be leased?

Mike

The idiots who run that place put bearms up on the runways to stop the racing that was going on there.
It was a good spot, good races.

[betcha618]

I think, no I'm sure that leasing one of runways was looked into. And we were given grief. The Riverhead Town Board controls the property at EPCAL. So if you were to ask, that's where you would go. It never hurts to ask again. After all, the R/C airplane club was able to rent one of the runways for a while so it is feasible. .....

Actually, I thought Marty said legally the land belonged to RR now? If this is the case and the Town is burying them in legal p[apers, maybe they would rent it out to us just to spite RHT???

Iknow the movie sucked balls, but remember Fast and the Furious?? They used that old airport for their "street wars" same concept.

[Art]

A phone call to Mitch Pally would answer that. He is the mouthpiece for Riverhead Resorts.

[JAYMAN454]

a phone call to mitch pally would answer that. He is the mouthpiece for riverhead resorts.

yes .chances are they will say no the 1st & secound time.with the
economy & other turn of events who knows.at the very least
your letting people know we're still out there,we're not going away

[LongIsland63SS409]

What a small world!

Mitch Pally works for the same employer that I do.


http://www.mta.info/mta/leadership/pally.htm


Mike

[Tmac]

What a small world!

Mitch Pally works for the same employer that I do.


http://www.mta.info/mta/leadership/pally.htm
You mean this prick collects money from the government payroll and works with people in negotations with the government because he has connections to get things done.Look at all the organization he's a member of that spells a lot of free time.To a lot of people it may look like he's busy but to me it looks like someone looking for something to do.Typical government official.
Why are your taxes so high and America is failing,here is your standard answer.He's one of many dipping from many troughs because he's connected and only has to answer to people just like him.Corruption at its best.Remember some of the other names involved inthe RR project that russian stock scammer turned construction company buliding their project.

MikeThrow Pally from the train.

[Art]

Yeah, Mr. Pally seems to be everywhere.

[LongIsland63SS409]

The MTA has very strong Ethics Policies concerning organizations that employees can belong to. The policies are actually more stringent that a NYS employee.

I wonder how he gets around it :confused:


Mike