Group Explores Viability of Long Island Drag Strip, Shares Data

The United States Motorsports Association (USMA) has been studying the economic benefits of a drag strip on New York’s Long Island. USMA plans a larger release of the report in the coming weeks, but shared some early findings.

USMA has been collecting data from racers, businesses, existing track owners, communities and other sources to compile the analysis.  A key component to the report has been a focus on possible money spent by non-resident visitors to Long Island.

Initial findings of the report indicate more than $17 million of potential annual spending by visitors to a Long Island drag strip. It’s estimated that the track could see well over 300,000 visitors each year.

In addition to racing related visitors the track would also produce added spending and tourism for non-racing events hosted at the facility such as fairs, festivals, concerts and specialized training, according to USMA.

One section of the report draws a comparison between a possible drag strip and the U.S. Open, which was recently held on Long Island. The U.S. Open provided a $120 million impact to Long Island and attracted 35,000 spectators daily.  When all factors are considered a Long Island Drag Strip would equal the U.S. Open every 5-years, according to USMA.

A Long Island track could also influence safer teen driving and dramatically lower illegal drag racing, according to USMA. Several existing programs outlined in the report show proven organizations have dramatically reduced illegal street racing accidents, deaths, and arrests. In addition, areas with a nearby track to properly train teens drivers have experienced much lower rates of teen accidents from distracted driving and loss of car control, according to USMA.

“We are eager to get the report completed and released,” said USMA’s Shawn Stewart. “There is a lot of data that we’ve collected and run through various methodologies created specifically for this study. Now we’re in the final stages of getting it organized into a report that helps tell the story of the benefits a Drag Strip on Long Island.”