One of the big questions in the wake of the state’s renovation of the New York state fairgrounds near Syracuse, was what will happen to Super Dirt Week once the grandstand and track come down. Gov. Andrew Cuomo, during his "Capital for a Day" visit in Syracuse Wednesday, announced that Oswego County will reap the economic benefits of the popular event.
Starting next year, the 70,000 auto racing enthusiasts who pour into central New York every year for Super Dirt Week, will head to the town of Hastings, where races will take place at the new Central New York Raceway Park, a racing complex being built 17 miles north of Syracuse.
Cuomo, a racing enthusiast, says the state will help this project along.
"New York state is investing $5 million for the building of the race track to make it a reality," said Cuomo. "We’re also going to feature it in the 'I Love New York' ads, the 'I Love New York' campaign, television ads, print ads that are quite effective."
Brian Carter, CEO of Dirt Car Racing, is looking forward to keeping one of the biggest racing events in the northeast, something that will remain popular for dirt car racing fans.
"The excitement is, we have a blank slate," said Carter. "We can design it to make sure we entertain race fans, so they can have the social life they want at the racing event, the family community they want with the camping areas, and make sure they have a good time.”
Oswego County Legislature Chairman Kevin Gardner says a development like this is something Oswego County sorely needs.
"We all know that Oswego County is hurting in many ways," said Gardner. And hopefully with this boost, more jobs and a bigger tax base, obviously that's all going to be a positive for Oswego County.”
Super Dirt Week has agreed to staying in central New York for at least 10 years.
