The Last Race

Stock car racing finds its roots in Long Island, once home to over forty racetracks at its peak. This vibrant culture of grassroots racing became an integral part of local identity and community spirit.

In 1949, Riverhead Raceway opened its doors on the edge of a quiet country road, surrounded by farmlands that depict the simplicity of rural life. It was established as a quarter-mile track, inviting local enthusiasts to embrace the thrill of racing.

As the years went by, Long Island underwent a dramatic transformation from farmland to a commercial hub. Shopping malls and retail giants began to replace the once tranquil area, impacting the heritage of places like Riverhead Raceway.

In 1977, Barbara and Jim Cromarty took over the management of Riverhead Raceway, determined to preserve the racetrack against the backdrop of lucrative multi-million dollar offers. Their decision marked the beginning of a passionate legacy to keep racing alive.

The land where Riverhead Raceway is situated is valued at over ten million dollars, a stark contrast to the meager revenue generated from weekend ticket sales. This highlights the struggle between the love for racing and the pressures of commercial development.

Despite the challenges and pressures from developers, the Cromartys continued to operate the racetrack, aware that its closure would mean the end of an era for stock car racing on Long Island. They fought not just for the track, but for the community it represented.

Riverhead Raceway evolved into more than a racing venue; it became a community hub where blue-collar workers found camaraderie. The track thrived on local support, fostering a culture around shared passions and the spirit of racing.

The atmosphere at Riverhead Raceway is electric, filled with the sounds of roaring engines and the scent of burnt rubber. Spectators experience the thrill of speed firsthand, immersed in an emotionally charged environment that celebrates American racing heritage.

With Barbara and Jim Cromarty now aging and facing health issues, the racetrack's future grew increasingly uncertain. Their potential decision to sell becomes a critical moment that could drastically alter the area’s cultural landscape.

As developers circle around Riverhead Raceway, community members grow concerned about losing their cherished space to commercial structures. There is a collective recognition that the cultural and historical value of the track is at risk of being obliterated.

The legacy of Riverhead Raceway is intertwined with the identity of blue-collar workers who find pride in their craftsmanship. Each race at the venue is a celebration of hard work and community dedication, values that defy the glossy commercialism surrounding them.

The anticipation of bulldozers looms over Riverhead, with whispers of commercial transformation threatening to erase the history of stock car racing. The potential loss of the racetrack represents a larger cultural shift toward homogenization and loss of local heritage.

As the community faces the impending changes, a palpable sense of loss and nostalgia hangs in the air. The struggle to maintain the essence of Riverhead Raceway reflects broader themes of resisting the relentless tide of globalization and commercialization.

The ongoing battle to keep Riverhead Raceway open symbolizes a larger fight against cultural erosion. As bulldozers threaten, the owners and local racers cling fiercely to their passion and dreams, embodying the resilience of grassroots American identity.