The roar of engines and the smell of burning rubber filled the air as the Long Island Drag Racing Strip in Calverton kicked off a new season of thrilling car racing and family-friendly fun. The much-anticipated event drew a large crowd of racing enthusiasts and community members, all eager to witness the start of what promises to be an exciting season at the popular motorsport venue.
The season’s launch was marked by a festive atmosphere, with local officials and racing advocates coming together to celebrate the success and impact of the drag strip on Long Island. State Senator Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue), Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio (R-Baiting Hollow), Riverhead Town Supervisor Tim Hubbard (R-Aquebogue), and members of the Riverhead Town Council were all on hand to participate in the opening festivities, underscoring the strong support the drag strip has garnered from local leaders.
In a symbolic and thrilling start to the new season, the local officials played a key role in the opening ceremony. Holding a ribbon across the starting line, Senator Murray, Assemblywoman Giglio, while Town Council members held the ribbon on the second track, this kicked off the first race with the cars driving through the ribbon, marking the official start of the season. The crowd erupted in cheers as the engines roared to life and the cars sped down the track.
Adding to the excitement, Supervisor Hubbard himself participated in the first race of the season. In a friendly and spirited competition, Hubbard went head-to-head against one of the drag strip’s passionate advocates. The race highlighted the community spirit and camaraderie that the drag strip fosters, providing a safe and legal space for racing enthusiasts to indulge in their passion.
The successful launch of the new season at the Long Island Drag Racing Strip is the culmination of years of advocacy and hard work by local leaders and racing enthusiasts. State Senator Dean Murray, in particular, has been a tireless supporter of the project since his days in the State Assembly. His commitment to providing Long Island with a fun and safe place for car racing has been unwavering, and he expressed his joy at seeing the drag strip come to fruition.
“It was a great kickoff to season number four of safe, fun, and exciting drag racing on Long Island. For anyone who doubts the popularity of drag racing on Long Island, I invite you to come out to Calverton to experience it for yourself. I look forward to continuing to work with the organizers to grow this into the entertainment and economic juggernaut it can be,” remarked New York State Senator, advocate and enthusiast for this track, Dean Murray.
Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio echoed these sentiments and emphasized the importance of including Armed Forces in the ceremony, such as the Color Guard.
“I can’t think of a more exciting, energetic way to celebrate the members of our Armed Forces than drag racing at Calverton,” Giglio told The Messenger. “Just as this racetrack is a testament to the efforts of a select group of dedicated individuals, our Armed Forces demonstrate the strength of the service men and women who protect us. I’m proud to support Racetrack Not Street, and I thank each of our service members for their sacrifice and commitment to our country.”
As the new season gets underway, the Long Island Drag Racing Strip is poised to become a staple of the local community, offering a unique blend of high-octane excitement and family-friendly activities. The support from local officials and the enthusiastic turnout at the season opener are clear indicators of the drag strip’s positive impact on the region.
With the engines now revving and the track open for competition, racing fans across Long Island can look forward to a season filled with speed, competition, and community fun at the Calverton strip. As the season unfolds, the drag strip will continue to be a symbol of what can be achieved when a community comes together to support a shared vision.
