Long Island developer eyes possible NASCAR track

You don’t erect an 80,000-seat motorsports facility for a Saturday-night enduro feature. So as long as those spearheading the Enterprise Park at Calverton (EPCAL) Centre project are talking about building a track that size, local NASCAR fans can at least dream of someday hosting the Nextel Cup’s finest.

On March 9, RexCorp Realty, in partnership with Long Island Destination Group LLC, released plans for a $1 billion entertainment complex at the former Grumman air runway and testing facility, provided that the Town of Riverhead agrees to sell the property and green-light the project. The plan includes a 1/4-mile track for local weekly events—similar to what takes place at nearby Riverhead Raceway—and a 3/4-mile track.

The project would also feature a large equestrian center; a 15,000-seat amphitheater; an 8,000- to 9,000-seat indoor arena; and a family entertainment resort, featuring two hotels and amusement park-like activities.

The proposed tracks have no connection to the NASCAR-affiliated International Speedway Corporation (ISC), whose attempt to build a track in Staten Island was scrapped last December amid fierce opposition from residents.

Michael Mannetta, the lead designer for the project, says that while NASCAR is not officially involved, the sport’s governing body has “been spoken to in quiet ways" about the EPCAL Centre.

“If you want to attract a franchise [like NASCAR], you need the kind of facility that will give you that opportunity," says Mannetta, a partner and director of design with the Spector Group in North Hills.

He adds that the racing facility can be built in phases to eventually reach the 80,000 number. That jibes with the interpretation of Riverhead Supervisor Phil Cardinale, who says it was explained to him that the initial track capacity would be 20,000, and would be expanded only if it were awarded a top-tier race date by NASCAR. More at Long Island Press