ISC facing difficulties in Staten Island
by Steve Waid
NEW YORK – During a session at the Motorsports Marketing Forum here, where several issues facing NASCAR and other sanctioning bodies were discussed, the matter of the proposed speedway in Staten Island was brought up in an interesting way.
The attendees who thought there would be a NASCAR race in New York before one in China were asked to raise their hands. None did.
Then, all the New Yorkers in attendance were asked to raise their hands if they thought a track would be built in their city. None did.
Interesting. It would indicate that ISC's attempt to put a track in the country's No. 1 market is a task that might be too formidable to complete – at least, that seems to be the opinion expressed at the forum.
In the past, ISC has vigorously pushed for the creation of the speedway. It has, among other things, bought the land in Staten Island, presented traffic plans, pleaded that racing is good for the city's economy and butted heads with the local politicians – who have been unimpressed, to say the least.
ISC officials said that it's going to take time. And as that time passes, its hope is that newly elected officials will be more receptive of the project – which, I would think, is the first step toward its completion.
It's obvious that many folks in Staten Island have no desire to see a track built in their borough and have said so.
But others have been equally vocal in their support. They've said the economy isn't the best and the influx of dollars and jobs from a speedway would be a boon.
Some have also said they aren't certain that their fellow citizens understand what a NASCAR race really is. It's not just about cars running around in a circle. It's a major event that spans days, with all manner of related activities and promotions.
There's no doubt ISC would greatly benefit from a speedway in the country's largest metropolitan area and the home of many major corporations.
It's obvious that to have it is, indeed, going to take time – and money.
by Steve Waid
NEW YORK – During a session at the Motorsports Marketing Forum here, where several issues facing NASCAR and other sanctioning bodies were discussed, the matter of the proposed speedway in Staten Island was brought up in an interesting way.
The attendees who thought there would be a NASCAR race in New York before one in China were asked to raise their hands. None did.
Then, all the New Yorkers in attendance were asked to raise their hands if they thought a track would be built in their city. None did.
Interesting. It would indicate that ISC's attempt to put a track in the country's No. 1 market is a task that might be too formidable to complete – at least, that seems to be the opinion expressed at the forum.
In the past, ISC has vigorously pushed for the creation of the speedway. It has, among other things, bought the land in Staten Island, presented traffic plans, pleaded that racing is good for the city's economy and butted heads with the local politicians – who have been unimpressed, to say the least.
ISC officials said that it's going to take time. And as that time passes, its hope is that newly elected officials will be more receptive of the project – which, I would think, is the first step toward its completion.
It's obvious that many folks in Staten Island have no desire to see a track built in their borough and have said so.
But others have been equally vocal in their support. They've said the economy isn't the best and the influx of dollars and jobs from a speedway would be a boon.
Some have also said they aren't certain that their fellow citizens understand what a NASCAR race really is. It's not just about cars running around in a circle. It's a major event that spans days, with all manner of related activities and promotions.
There's no doubt ISC would greatly benefit from a speedway in the country's largest metropolitan area and the home of many major corporations.
It's obvious that to have it is, indeed, going to take time – and money.
