Calverton drag racing at Enterprise Park will have added security after assault, officials say

Riverhead police detectives are investigating an assault during a drag racing event in Calverton last weekend, prompting the town to require enhanced safety measures ahead of this Saturday’s race.

Supervisor Tim Hubbard said the town is requiring the organizer, Race Track Not Street, to staff future events with a police officer, which will cost $850 per day. The drag racing events are held on a 7,000 foot town-owned runway at the Enterprise Park in Calverton.

In a news release Wednesday, Riverhead police said they were investigating an assault that took place during a race on Aug. 23 at approximately 5 p.m.

"It was some type of altercation involving two people that had started long before the race track," Hubbard said Thursday. "I guess they ran into each other there and had words and one guy apparently grabbed a screwdriver and made a stabbing motion," he said.

Police said the individuals "have been uncooperative and no arrests have been made," and said an investigation remains ongoing. Ed Frost, the chief of police, didn’t return a phone call seeking more information Thursday.

This marks the fifth year drag racing events are being staged on the runways at the former Grumman plant in Calverton, where the Navy once tested fighter jets. The season runs from Aug. 16 to Nov. 2, according to the event website.

Peter Scalzo, the event promoter, did not respond to requests to comment on the incident. In a Facebook post, organizers wrote that the people involved in the altercation have been banned from both spectating and racing at future events.

"Our entire team fought very hard ... to have a race track back in Long Island and because of 3-4 guys — they almost ruined it for everyone!" the post read. "We have run for 4+ years and tout a wholesome family environment where everyone, young and old can come out and have a blast without incident. We have zero tolerance for anyone to display very poor behavior!"

In addition to the added police presence, event organizers announced increased lighting in the parking lot, additional private security in both the pits and stands and reiterated that no alcohol or drugs will be allowed.

The enhanced safety expenses also led organizers to increase ticket prices by $5 and to the cancellation of all Sunday races, according to the post.

Hubbard said the events have been popular and an economic generator for the town.

"They’ve been really run well and there haven’t been any incidents up there," he said. "It’s unfortunate that something that happened outside this place came to a head. ... It’s a good thing, and you can’t let one or two people ruin it for everybody."