Westmoreland supervisors approve special-event permit for drag strip with strict safety, staffing and reimbursement conditions

The Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 on Wednesday to grant a special‑event permit that will allow major events — including a contested burnout/drift pit — at a longstanding drag strip on Longfield Road, provided the owner meets a list of safety, staffing and operational conditions.

The vote followed nearly two hours of public comment in which neighbors complained of late‑night noise, unsanctioned paving and camping, and supporters said the track brings revenue and provides a legal place for local drivers. Supervisor McCormick moved to approve the permit with conditions; the motion passed with Supervisors Trivet, Ingram, McCormick and the chair voting aye and Supervisor Henson voting nay.

Why it matters: The board balanced public‑safety and nuisance concerns raised by residents against economic and recreational arguments from racing supporters. The permit carries several enforceable conditions intended to limit risk to attendees and neighboring property, and it specifies that the drift/burnout pit may not operate until additional fencing and inspections are completed.

Public comment and community concerns Residents and property owners along Longfield Road told the board they had experienced recurring late‑night racing, loud music, camping and trash spilling onto nearby fields. Robert Vaughn, who identified himself as a nearby property owner and an attorney, said noise and unsanctioned site work had occurred “many times in the morning” and that a drift/drift pit had been built without permits. “They've ignored the county rules and regulations,” Vaughn said.

Other nearby residents urged conditions rather than a shutdown. Carrie Geddesen, who gave an address on Longfield Road, said residents do not want the track removed but object to special events that continue past midnight and to the drift pit and late‑night music.

Supporters of the track said it provides regional draw and a…