For more than a century, Long Island has been at the forefront of American motorsport.
The Birth of Motorsport on Long Island
Long Island’s role in American motorsport began over a century ago. From the historic Vanderbilt Cup to early gatherings and circuits, the Island became a place where innovation, community, and passion set the foundation for a heritage that continues to inspire today.
A Century in Motion
Builders, drivers, and fans carried this tradition through generations. From early clubs to landmark events, Long Island fostered a culture rooted in community and innovation—one that echoed across the nation and continues to influence motorsport in a new era.
Long Island Motorsports Timeline
1904 — Vanderbilt Cup ignites the era (Nassau County roads).
America’s first major international road race draws ma ssive crowds on a 30-mile dirt course near Westbury/Jericho—Long Island hits the global motorsport map.
1900 — Queens (Springfield Blvd) → Babylon → Queens, 50 miles (public roads).
The Automobile Club of America stages a round-trip on Merrick Road; Andrew L. Riker wins in an electric Riker. A state historic marker now stands in Babylon noting the event and route.
1908–1910 — The Motor Parkway years.
W.K. Vanderbilt’s new Long Island Motor Parkway (bridges, guardrails, toll gates) lets the Cup run on safer, semi-controlled pavement—Robertson’s 1908 win becomes a local legend.
1915–1921 — Bridgehampton town road races.
Hay bales, snow fencing, and seaside lanes in Bridgehampton/Sagaponack keep closed-road racing alive between eras.
1931 (opens) • 1933–1983 — Freeport Municipal Stadium → Freeport Speedway (paved ¼-mile).
Depression-era concrete bowl grows from motorcycles & midgets into thundering stock cars and smash-ups; summer nights draw 10,000+ before the site is redeveloped in the ’80s/’90s.
1936–1956 — Roosevelt Raceway Grand Prix circuit (Westbury).
A purpose-built 3.97-mile course revives the Vanderbilt Cup; Europe’s stars (Nuvolari ’36, Rosemeyer ’37) come to LI before the site converts to harness racing.
1938–1941 — Cedarhurst Municipal Stadium (midgets)
Pre-war Friday-night midget programs packed the Five Towns grandstands, attracting crowds and fostering the growth of the Long Island oval racing scene.
1939–1940 — Montauk Point Grand Prix (closed public roads)
ARCA-sanctioned summer races loop around the Montauk Downs area—spectators on dunes and fairways.
1947–1984 — Islip Speedway (⅕-mile oval, figure-8, later ⅛-mile drag)
Smallest track ever to host NASCAR’s top series (’64–’71) and widely credited with the first demolition derby (1958)—TV cameras make it famous.
1949–1953 — Bridgehampton street circuit (post-war revival)
Baled town-road races flourish, then end after safety incidents; NY bans racing on public roads—pressure builds for a permanent course.
1951–Present — Riverhead Raceway (¼-mile, paved since ’55)
The last operating oval on LI; a weekly home for short-track culture and a NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour.
1953–2004 — Westhampton Drag Strip (aka Suffolk/LI Dragway, Long Island Motorsports Park).
LI’s long-running quarter-mile drag hub under several names; rezoning/noise pressure ends operations—closing the Island’s last permanent dragstrip.
1957–1999 — Bridgehampton Race Circuit “The Bridge” (2.85–3.1-mile road course)
Grumman engineers carve a flowing, fearsome track with Peconic Bay vistas; hosts SCCA, WSC ’62, and Can-Am; ultimately succumbs to noise rules and real-estate pressure; parts remain within today’s golf club.
1966–1980 — New York National Speedway (Center Moriches/Manorville, ¼-mile, 4 lanes).
A rare four-lane strip draws big AHRA/NHRA-era meets and huge crowds through the ’70s.
2021–Present — Calverton/EPCAL Runway: “Race Track Not Street” (NHRA-sanctioned ⅛-mile).
Legal, timed runway events bring drag racing back to LI after a 17-year drought; seasonal schedules continue under town approvals. Riverhead News Review
2024–Present — Long Island International Raceway
A community-first, safety-forward plan to restore a modern, permitted motorsports home on LI—uniting driver-education, a professional road-course vision, vendor space, and year-round programs so racing returns off the streets and back into a world-class venue.
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