The Last Race

The Last Race

Year: 2018

Runtime: 75 min

Language: Czech

Director: Michael Dweck

SportDocumentary

This documentary explores the history of stock car racing, focusing on the Long Island track that represents the sport’s unlikely birthplace. As the only remaining track of its kind, it faces an uncertain future, threatened by developers eager to capitalize on its valuable location. The film highlights the dedication of the track’s owners and the local community who fight to preserve its legacy and the passion for racing it embodies.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Last Race (2018)

Trace every key event in The Last Race (2018) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Origins of Stock Car Racing

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.

1949 Long Island
2

Establishment of Riverhead Raceway

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.

1949 Riverhead Raceway, Long Island
3

Commercial Development Surge

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.

1980s-1990s Long Island
4

The Cromarty Acquisition

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.

1977 Riverhead Raceway, Long Island
5

Value of the Land

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.

2020s Riverhead Raceway, Long Island
6

Survival Against Odds

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.

2020s Riverhead Raceway, Long Island
7

Community Connection

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.

2020s Riverhead Raceway, Long Island
8

The Race Experience

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.

2020s Riverhead Raceway, Long Island
9

Aging Owners and Uncertain Future

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.

2020s Riverhead Raceway, Long Island
10

Threat of Commercialization

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.

2020s Riverhead Raceway, Long Island
11

Legacy of Blue-Collar Triumph

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.

2020s Riverhead Raceway, Long Island
12

Imminent Transformation

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.

2020s Riverhead Raceway, Long Island
13

Clinging to the Past

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.

2020s Riverhead Raceway, Long Island
14

The Final Struggle

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.

2020s Riverhead Raceway, Long Island

Last Updated: October 25, 2024 at 08:31

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