|
unfortunately in southern California, they crack down on street racing and close our local race tracks. The closest 1/4 mile track from where the accident occurred used to be in Palmdale/Lancaster at LACR. Then we started going to California Speedway in Fontana, but you couldn't go faster than 10.0000 there and now that track has been closed (temporarily we hope) due to noise and enviromental concerns (but NASCAR isn't too loud or negatively effects the environment). So the only place I know of is Famoso in Bakersfield 100 miles away.
I'm not saying street racing is ok, or that driving like an asshole on the street is ok either. But when all of you legitimate racing options are a long drive or cost prohibitive (Willow Springs, Button Willow, Fontana Raceway), this is the end result.
The automotive community needs to band together and get safe, legal places to race and enjoy our cars. This is not limited to drag strips, I am talking about all forms of motor racing.
I had an idea I wanted to throw at you guys and see what you thought. In the 90's everyone, everywhere was cracking down on skateboarding. People were issued citations for loitering, vandalism and trespassing for just trying to enjoy their sport/hobby. So, communities built skate parks for skateboarders, rollerbladers and BMX riders to enjoy. Why can't a small portion of public funds be spent on the automotive equivalent of a skate park? Supplemented by revenue from the Autosports Park (I kinda like the ring of that).
Hot Rodding was born in southern California, but now it seems committed to killing it. If our lifestyle is something we want to protect and pass to future generations, the time to act is now.
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to rant or hijack this thread. The most important thing here is two family men and auto enthusiasts lost their lives in an entirely preventable accident. RIP Roger and Paul
|