Suffolk Legislators to Explore Legal Drag Strip in Suffolk County [POLL]

HAUPPAUGE, NY - Suffolk County legislators have announced that a committee has been formed to look into building a legal drag strip in the county.

The announcement was made during a press conference at the Suffolk County legislative building in Hauppauge earlier this week. There were so many people attending the conference that the event was moved from the lobby to the auditorium of the building.

“Based upon the number of people who showed up here today, there is clearly a demand,” Leg. Robert Trotta, who represents the 13th district said. “This county needs revenue, and if we can put a drag strip in and attract people from all over the country to come here and spend money, it’s a great thing. The problem is, we have limited space, but we are going to do our best to find a place and figure out a way to make this happen.”

The idea for the drag racing was prompted by a request from Leg. Tom Cilmi after racing enthusiasts expressed a desire to have a family-oriented motorsports park in Suffolk County.

The committee will investigate potential locations in Suffolk for a drag strip, the economic benefits the project could bring, and the impact it would have on combating illegal drag racing and threats to public safety.

Committee members will include motorsports advocates, a county representative from the Department of Planning, and a representative from the Suffolk County Supervisors’ Association, as well as a bipartisan group of legislators made up of Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory and Suffolk Legis. Cilmi, Al Krupski and Trotta.

“Long Island has thousands of families who are passionate about racing as a sport, and providing a legal outlet for drag racing could bring tremendous economic benefits to Suffolk County,” Gregory said. “Long Island is losing money in sales tax as residents and tourists flock to nearby states, including New Jersey, to use their drag racing strips."

According to Gregory, a drag strip is estimated to bring in over $100 million in revenue as well as create jobs in high-tech industries that build cars and support racing.

More than 100 members of the Long Island Needs a Drag Strip advocacy group stood alongside legislators at the press conference to express their support and gratitude.

“It’s great news that Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory and the Legislature are taking a serious look at the possibility of creating a drag racing strip in Suffolk County,” John Cozzali, of Mastic, founder of Long Island Needs a Drag Strip said. “My fellow racers and I are so happy to see this big step take effect. We look forward to working on this initiative, which we believe will have a positive economic impact for Long Island and will create a safe place for the new generation to come and race.”

What do you think?