"Where it all began..."

BARBARA & JIM CROMARTY INDUCTED INTO HALL OF FAME
by SAFER Staff

     The Suffolk Association of Figure Eight Racing will honor Barbara and Jim Cromarty this evening when they honor the husband and wife promotional team by inducting them into the S.A.F.E.R. Hall of Fame tonight.  Ever since the Cromarty's took over the promotional reigns of the Islip Speedway in the late 70's right up until today, Figure Eight racing and the S.A.F.E.R. family have played a major role in both the hearts and business minds of Barbara and Jim.

     Figure Eight racing has been a staple of stock car racing on Long Island right since it's inception in 1963, with the late Larry Mendelsohn, the promoter who introduced the class to Long Island, as well as to the world.  However, it would be Barbara and Jim Cromarty who would ride the waves, both good and bad, with the Figure Eight troops for over 20 seasons.  When the famed Islip Speedway ran it's final race in September of 1984, the Figure Eight class, as well as S.A.F.E.R., lost not only it's home, but it's birthplace as well. What would the future hold for the most unique division in stock car racing in America? Well, Barbara and Jim Cromarty, who were leasing Islip Speedway when it was swept from beneath them, had no doubt in their mind. Go east Figure Eight drivers, head east.

     In 1985, Barbara and Jim Cromarty switched the NASCAR stock car racing action to the Route 58 oval known as Riverhead Raceway, a facility they had leased prior to purchasing the quarter mile oval outright in the late stages of 1984 from Ed Hawkins. The Figure Eight troops and the S.A.F.E.R. club now had a new home some 30 miles east of Islip and the question would be, how many drivers would make the weekly trek east.  Barbara and Jim knew that the transition would not be an easy one and they vowed they would stick with the Figure Eight and S.A.F.E.R. family.

     Ever since the first race date in 1985, simply put the Riverhead Raceway transition for the Figure Eight division has been one that could be compared with a rollercoaster ride at an amusement park. There have been good times, as well as some rough times. However, through all the ups and downs, one constant has remained; the loyalty and support of Barbara and Jim Cromarty.  Not even a life threatening accident that nearly took the life of  Barbara Cromarty could waiver the support and commitment that the Cromarty's have for Figure Eight racing. 

    It is the love and loyalty that find Barbara and Jim Cromarty honored tonight with their induction into the Suffolk Association of Figure eight Racing's Hall of Fame.  How honored do Barbara and Jim feel about this induction? Well they came home from their winter retreat in Florida earlier than normal to be with the S.A.F.E.R. family on this special night.  How do they feel about the future of Figure Eight racing?  It was Barbara and Jim Cromarty who instructed Bill Brice III and his staff to take a long hard look at the rules and to reduce the cost to field a Figure Eight car to preserve the future of one of the most exciting forms of Motorsports.  Also the Smash-To-Pass Figure Eight Demo was introduced not only to thrill the fans with a new and unique event, but to also introduce the Enduro and Demo drivers to the Figure Eight course.

     Barbara and Jim Cromarty, from the Suffolk Association of Figure Eight Racing, a heartfelt thank you for all you've done for over 20 years to preserve our unique brand of racing and welcome to our Hall of Fame.

Reprinted from 1999 SAFER Yearbook