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By Michael Jaworecki
They were always known simply as Jim and Barbara. As a couple they were involved in racing on Long Island for decades. First at the ” World Famous” Islip Speedway, then when that track closed they bought Riverhead Raceway keeping stock car racing alive for future generations.
They were always together, in the office on the track they were a team. Sadly Jim Cromarty has passed at the age of 91.
The Cromarty’s were promotors and successful business owners long before they ran Islip Speedway. They promoted the Suffolk County Fair for years and even brought it to the Islip and Riverhead combining it with racing. Jim and Barbara were involved with the original Long Island Ducks at the old Commack Arena. They owned a Roller ‘and ‘N Ice, a combined two story skating facility in Copiague on Sunrise highway. In 1984 when Isip Speedways days were numbered they bought Riverhead Raceway and moved the NASCAR short program to Long Islands last remaining facility.
Towards the end of their time owning of owning Riverhead Raceway Jim and Barbara became snow birds. They wintered in the Miami area and came north for the race season.
While they had many opportunities to sell Riverhead Raceway and retire they passed on several offers. Those offers to sell the track would have closed the it and ended racing on Long Island.
It wasn’t until they had an offer from the late Eddie Partridge, Connie Partridge and Tom Gatz to purchase the track did they would agree to sell and continue a 60 year tradition of racing at the track, For that all Long Island race teams and fans thank you.
Arrangements for Jim have not been announced.
