Steven DiPaolo, through his company HQ Riverfront Enterprises, is making significant strides in establishing Peekskill as a premier destination for motor vehicle enthusiasts. 

Last year, HQ Riverfront Enterprises paid $10 million to acquire the former D. Bertoline & Sons building and several acres of land at 7 John Walsh Boulevard. A portion of the building was redeveloped into HQ Auto Vault, a private vehicle storage facility that celebrated its grand opening on March 30. [Peekskill Herald was first to report on HQ’s plans in this March 26 exclusive report by Dave Mueller.]

Now, DiPaolo is ‘gearing up’ for his next venture – an ambitious plan to bring to Peekskill the largest indoor/outdoor multi-level go-kart track in the United States. 

On April 8, DiPaolo and architect Joseph Thompson presented their vision for “HQ Racing” to Peekskill’s Planning Commission. Their proposal includes converting 4,125 square feet of the HQ Auto Vault building into a three-level electric go-kart racetrack, complete with a lobby, classroom and storage area. According to city documents, the racetrack would extend outdoors only on the ground level near the parking lot area on the south side of the building, and will operate only during suitable weather conditions. The proposal also includes the addition of 22 to 24 pervious parking spaces to the existing 64 spots on site.

Due to the site falling within the M-2 General Industrial zoning district, the project requires both a special permit from the Common Council and site plan approval from the Planning Commision. 

“We think it could be a nice complementary use for what is starting to turn into potentially an amusement district adjacent to The Factoria [catering facility] and Spins Hudson [recreation center],” said Thompson at the April 8 meeting.

During his presentation, Thompson shared updated renderings of HQ Racing and noted the potential for additional features such as a game room, candlepin bowling, an outdoor patio, and viewing platforms that would allow spectators to observe races. No food or alcohol would be served on the premises.  

The racetrack will be designed by PGK Design and imported from Italy. The track is expected to be part of the SODIKart global circuit. SODIKART is based in France and is a world leader in the karting industry, specializing in the manufacturing, distribution, and related services for go-karts.

HQ Racing aims to attract a broad audience of customers. Children would be able to join a driver school, while adults may enjoy the facility for recreational use or competitive events. The site is expected to host national and international events four to eight times a year, and pro-level races in gas-powered go-karts one to two times per month.

Following the presentation, Planning Commission Vice Chair Ruth Wells suggested that nearby municipalities, such as the Village of Buchanan and Town of Cortlandt, be notified, due to the project’s proximity to their borders. Peekskill Planning Director Carol Samol confirmed the department would look into the suggestion.

Commission member Mark Porterfield voiced support for the project but suggested adding graphics to the back of the building to catch the attention of people on the waterfront trail. The exterior portion of the track is approximately 50 to 60 feet from the trail.

The Planning Commision concluded its discussion on the project by voting to declare its intent to act as lead agency for the project’s State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) review.   

The project is expected to return to the Planning Commision in May. At that time, members will make a recommendation to the Common Council regarding a special permit and site plan review. The Planning Commission will make a SEQR determination before any final votes or approvals are issued.

When reached for comment by the Peekskill Herald after the meeting, owner DiPaolo stated, “We will work with the city to achieve both the city goals and ours to bring this go-kart track to reality. HQ Racing will be a great entertainment location for local children, teenagers, and adults, and we will also have go-karts for people with special needs.”

DiPaolo hopes the facility will open this fall. According to Thompson, preparation is already underway, with the interior of the building being painted black in anticipation of the track installation.

With HQ Auto Vault, Spins Hudson, The Factoria, Holiday Inn Express, TKS Sensei NY LLC, Wild Blast Fitness, Downstate Athletic Center, and now potentially HQ Racing, John Walsh Boulevard is quickly evolving into a thriving commercial and entertainment hub in Peekskill.