Race the strip not the street

When there are cars on the road there is a desire for speed, which often times results in serious injuries and even death. Illegal streets racing has been a growing problem in the United States and although there is no database tracking the number of street racing related deaths, they are too common. Even one is too many.

“I lost a friend in high school to a street racing accident,” Kristina Carone a La Verne resident said. “It is just stupid because it could easily have been prevented.”

“I just wish people would think twice before getting involved,” Carone said.

Law enforcement officials and street racing experts say that there are three types of drag racing challenges. The first challenge is a spontaneous contest between drivers who wind up at the same red light or stop sign on public roads. The second challenge is between two different groups where racers and followers take over the highways. The third challenge is a planned event where racers stage contests for money or even pink slips.

“They happen everywhere,” Louie Sevilla a La Verne resident said. “People of all different age, sex and race are involved.”

Although the need for speed will never diminish there are some alternative forms of street racing. Legal and regulated forms of racing can be a valuable outlet for those who feel the need to go fast.

When Wally Parks created the National Hot Rod Association in 1951 it was an attempt to get drag racing off of the street and onto the strip. He worked with law enforcement, car clubs and hot rodders to create a safe and organized form of drag racing. Today NHRA POWERade series is the second most popular form of auto racing in America behind only NASCAR.

“I do watch the legal racing from time to time,” Carone said. “It still scares me but at least they are in a controlled environment and there are professionals and paramedics nearby.”

There are 140 NHRA member tracks around the country that offer NHRA Street Legal Drags presented by AAA. Some of the NHRA POWERade Series drivers recently produced a video to help promote the tracks and remind people to “Race the Strip Not the Street.” The video will be shown on media outlets such as YouTube.

NHRA, law enforcement officials and other legal drag communities urge people to think about the potential danger they can cause to themselves and other people and to race responsibly.

For those who insist on racing illegally, there are serious repercussions. Laws tend to vary but some general penalties include: being arrested and having your car impounded for 30 days, if convicted of street racing or aiding a street race you can be imprisoned for up to three months and fined up to $1000, your drivers license can be revoked and your car insurance may drop you or significantly increase.

“I used to have a lot of friends that street raced for fun and it never ended well,” Sevilla said. “I’m just thankful they never hurt themselves or anyone else.”

Spectators may be subject to penalties as well and cars near or around illegal street races are often issued violations.