Long Island Needs a Dragstrip USMA to Research the Economic Benefits
Legislator Tom Muratore joins the LINADS Group in Support of a Future Dragstrip
United States (MOTORSPORT INDUSTRY NEWS) May 18, 2018 --
The United States Motorsports Association (USMA) has launched an independent research effort that will investigate the economic benefits that a motorsports complex could bring to Long Island. The need for a study was initiated by the group Long Island Needs A Dragstrip (LINADS), who has been successfully gaining community support for a new track since 2016. The report will focus on detailed economic impacts and provide an analysis of how money spent through the track could flow throughout the community. The report will also focus on youth safety, tourism, charitable contributions and small business benefits. The USMA has assembled a team of experts that include racing industry leaders, research analysts, and research investigators to conduct the study.
"Long Island is home to over 7-Million people, nearly double the population of Los Angeles. We know already that the Island is rich with automotive and racing enthusiasts. There is a great opportunity for motorsports growth and rejuvenation on Long Island," said Shawn Stewart, Executive Director of the USMA. "The USMA's research team is excited to take a deeper dive and uncover the potentially tremendous benefits of a new motorsports complex on Long Island."
Long Island has a rich history in American Motorsports. America's first international road race was held there in 1904. Once upon a time, but not that long ago, there were over six-tracks on the Island. Today there is only one left, Riverhead Raceway, a paved oval track. Many racers who reside on Long Island are currently traveling outside the county and state to compete, which is lost revenue for the region. In addition some estimate there are hundreds of race cars on the Island sitting in garages not being operated due to not having a local place to race.
LINADS envisions a Motorsports Complex that serves drag racing, sports car racing, and recreational and competitive off road. When motorsports activity isn't taking place the venue can provide the community a place for other non-motorsports events such as concerts, fairs, and fundraising events and even training grounds for law enforcement, first responders, or the military. LINADS and the USMA are equally passionate about providing a safe environment for youth to drag race. Other regions around the United States have years of proven data that shows when a drag strip exists in the community illegal street racing injuries, deaths and arrests are dramatically declined. The report is expected to be released later this year.
About the USMA: www.UnitedStatesMotorsports.com The United States Motorsports Association (USMA) is a non-profit organization that exists to promote the powerful economic benefits of Motorsports and represent the industry across America. The USMA PROVIDES data and research of value, PROMOTES the economic benefits of racing, and PROTECTS the racing industry through strategic advocacy.