LIKA ADOPTS VANDERBILT HISTORY TO PROMOTE NEW
“VANDERBILT RACING SERIES”

    The Long Island Karting Association (LIKA), a Long Island based organization dedicated to the promotion, safe execution and family-fun of motor-sports on Long Island has received permission from the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum to incorporate the Vanderbilt name into their upcoming racing series. LIKA’s new “Vanderbilt Racing Series” is named to honor the rich Long Island Motor-Sport history created by the Vanderbilt family, the Vanderbilt Cup Race and LIKA.

     The Vanderbilt Cup was the first major motor-sport competition in American auto racing. The Vanderbilt Cup was an international event founded by William Kissam Vanderbilt II in 1904. The first race was held at a course set out in Nassau County on Long Island, New York.

    Through racing the Vanderbilt’s and the Vanderbilt Cup made substantial improvements to Long Island. After the first Vanderbilt Cup was won by a European, William Vanderbilt offered a large cash prize to encourage American manufacturers to increase the American presence in racing which led to improvements in automotive technology. William Vanderbilt also formed a company to build the Long Island Motor Parkway. The Parkway became one of the country's first modern paved parkways. The parkway was used for racing, but also created greater access to Long Island which opened it up for economic development.

    The Long Island Karting Association has a long history in racing on Long Island as well. LIKA began in eastern Long Island in the late 1960’s, where members raced on a track in Westhampton for forty years. Long Island’s motor-sports traditions span across generations of families who are devoted enthusiasts, LIKA has members that are 5 to 75 years old.

    “Together with the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, we are using our deep histories in motor-sports to continue the racing tradition on Long Island. We are excited to promote our new ‘Vanderbilt Racing Series’ and educate the public about the Vanderbilt history in motor-sports. We are grateful The Vanderbilt Museum has allowed us to associate the Vanderbilt name with LIKA to further their visibility and karting on Long Island,” said Charles Janosick, President of LIKA.

   
    Today LIKA maintains a road-course in the parking lot adjacent to Nassau Coliseum. They hold racing events twice monthly through November. For more information regarding LIKA, The Vanderbilt Museum, the “Vanderbilt Racing Series” or how to participate visit the LIKA’s website at www.likaonline.com or www.vanderbiltmuseum.org.