Help Save Racing at Floyd Bennett Field (FBF)

Dear Cycling Community:

We appeal to you as the calendar for cycling races continues to shrink. Tom Mains, Jon-Paul(JP) Rorech, Phil Castaldi, Mitch Jacaruso and Etsu Taniguchi (and a State Senator) have been dealing with NPS and Aviator for the past year to keep racing alive at FBF.

Unfortunately, because of the new structure of Aviator being the agent for all organized events, the permit fee is now $1250 per day. The fee includes 4hrs NPS Police and one employee from Aviator to organize. Although the profit to Aviator is ~$700 per day, NPS has stated over and over that it is within their charter to have an Agent for events, and who, at their sole discretion can agree or disagree to host the events.

We have pushed as hard as we can, we don't like it, but this is where we are.

To keep your race fees reasonable for all, we’re appealing to Cycling teams, Clubs, participants and fans.

We are asking for individual/team Race Sponsorships of $1250.

We are asking for “co-sponsored” races for $625.

We’re asking for donations at any level.

Tom, the promoter, will keep race fees unchanged at $30.

If we fall short in fundraising, He will commit to using a $5 increase solely for Aviator fees (~$500 -$600per race)

Reminder, This $1250 doesn’t include the expenses that Tom incurs for Ambulance, Marshals, staff, and increased rates for USAC insurance.

We need the Community’s help to keep this great tradition of 30+ years alive.

So we don’t have to do this each year, we’re going to create an FBF Racing Fund where 100% of the fund will go to cover the FBF racing permit fees this year and beyond.

We will elect a formalized board to oversee the fund and fiduciary responsibility.

The GOOD NEWS IS, We can start racing on May 23rd and for 14 Tuesdays this summer. This is within our power to support this tradition. We already have a team that’s committed to funding the first two races (Burrowes Brothers Bike Shop).

Thank you for your generous donation at any level and for taking part in saving Tuesday night bike racing at FBF.

Tom, JP, Phil, Mitch and Etsu

P.S. This is an article from Bicycling Magazine when we started our dealing with NPS/Aviator for the 2019 season:

https://www.bicycling.com/racing/a27919896/floyd-bennett-field-racing/