Illegal Street Racing: How Can we Minimalize It?

[JohnBM01]

GTPlanet, hello again.

Under the motorsport/drifing... category, I decided I'd bring this topic up as a special topic. And this one is VERY special because illegal street racing dominates our streets. As a fan of racing, I know that there is a time and place for racing. Since I don't drive, sometimes I'm with Mom, Dad, and my brother. I have seen some rough drivers. Those who don't look both ways before jumping out into the middle of the road, those who switch lanes TOO often, and almost anything you can imagine. Living here in Houston, Texas, USA in the southeast part of town, I know that if I was going to get into racing, I don't know any race tracks except for Houston Raceway Park in Baytown (from downtown, it's about maybe an hour to get to).

Anyhow, the meat of this topic is the mentioning of illegal street racing. Tom Hnatiw of the new show "Sports Car Revolution" continually said this: "Racing on the street is like kissing your sister, and if you do it, you're a moron." Mr. Hnatiw also mentioned that if you want to hit a race track, all you have to do is make a phone call. What kind of racing you want to do depends on your tastes.

So my suggestions? I'll start, as I am a voice of opinion as you are.

Being in a big city like Houston, normally, a person may not have access to a Laguna Seca, a Sebring, or even a Road America. Houston does have its own SCCA division. And I mentioned that Houston Raceway Park is for the drag racers. I think it also has a dirt track for the circle trackers. And before you say that these are mostly people who race Hondas and Toyotas that illegally race, you're wrong. There are even some American cars, European cars... in other words, if doesn't matter what nationailty the car is, illegal racing in an automobile is illegal racing.

Now I mentioned suggestions. These would be mine. If you have an SCCA sanctioning body in your region, learn how to apply for the group in question. Like I said, I'm in Houston, and there is a Houston SCCA group. And I know because I looked online, and I acutally E-mailed the head of the Houston SCCA. If full-bodied cars aren't your deal, tell you what. If you have about $500 to maybe $5,000, why not try go-karting? My brother been to the Davy Jones Karting Experience in southwest Houston. It is an indoor karting track. Each session is about 10 minutes. You pay $15 for each session, and to pay for a license, you'll need $5. That's 20 dollars to go racing, and you're not endangering other lives. If you have a PS2, just play some Gran Turismo. I know GT is not real, but at least it is a racing game. If you can't race in real life, you can always race safely with your PS2. Or if you have XBOX, PGR2. If you have GameCube... I think you have R: Racing Evolution. I believe you can be able to purchase some used race spint cars for oval racing. You can also get into that 600racing.com (http://www.600racing.com) deal. SCCA isn't all road racing. In fact, you can run SCCA Rally. Rallies are available on road and off road. But if you like street racing, enter a street-legal racing event. Look online for street-sanctioned events.

But there is too much to risk when doing this on the streets, and especially with people commuting around town or country. Don't let "Initial D," "The Fast and the Furious," "2 Fast 2 Furious," "Gone in Sixty Seconds," or anything like that tell you that Hollywood-style street racing is perfectly fine. Maybe here in America, this is what we have in terms of minimalizing the risk of street racing in America. For those of you around the world, you'll have a chance to tell us about your alternatives. I know in Japan, there are those ever-famous Wangan Battles doing down Tokyo's Wangan B highway in the wee hours of morning. Anyhow, let's talk about minimalizing this.

 

[VIPFREAK]

Hmm... well first of all... it's not really "racing" so it might be helpful to get the idiots that think they can "race" in a straight line off the road. Another thing is both racers and the police are idiots. It is a shame that there arn't more places to learn to race... err... learn how to drive right so people can become pro drivers. I think that's partly why there has always been street racing. I'm sure I'm not the only one that would say yeah I'd like to race or practice whenever I want not whenever there's a legit race held by police where you only get to race a few times. Then again this could be said for a lot of things. Too much population not enough room.

 

[Der Alta]

I'd like to add more to this, but it's time to leave for the office.

http://www.cnn.com/2004/US/South/02/29/teen.crash.ap/index.html

The image of the car afterwards is shocking.

AO

 

[jizzmirk]

It's been my experience that there is nothing that you can do across a computer screen when the other side is not willing to listen (which usually they are).

But I am a big proponent of getting street racing off public roads (damn, I almost sound like a politician). But whenever I discuss this topic with others, I do it face to face. It's very easy to rebut just about ANY point an illegal street racer has to make (save for the odd man out that LIKES running from cops) - and it's very convenient to have the conversation happen instantaneously. Though I have been known to ask, "Are you frickin' stupid or something?" I try to keep my discussions as intelligent as possible.

But you know, some of these youth (and a few older adults) don't comprehend the consequences - there is an age when some kids think they're invincible, and that tends to make them arrogant and obnoxious. And then you have to factor in the "Testosterone Effect." It's what I like to call that moment that one get's egged on to an impromptu stoplight street drag or a freeway horsepower display due to some other guy thinking he can "come up."

Now, I have to admit, I have partaken in a fair share of the Testosterone Effect - and moreso considering I'm Asian and a drive a Mustang Cobra in a county full of import tuners. My problem is that I don't even remember when I "flipped the switch" and realized that none of the public danger is worth the trouble - but it was some time ago (about 6 or 7 years ago, sometime after turning 22).

So back to the point at hand. I've discussed the street racing issue with my neighbors (a brother and sister who both have recently reached driving age) and several people I've met here and there.

Most people that I've talked to realize the danger that involved with this activity. Sometimes all it takes is to ask them a couple of questions: "Do you know how dangerous this stuff is?" Most will answer your question honestly. I like to follow that up with: "Then how do you feel knowing that there are other guys like you on the road when your mother, father, brother, sister, friends and family are out there driving as well." I don't look to get these guys and girls to stop street racing immediately, but at the very least you want to get the gears turning.

 

[Gil]

I've spent too much of my "professional" time taking care of people who have been in MVA's. (Motor Vehicle Accidents). I have seen the issues that can come up due to an actual accident, as opposed to some idiot trying to show that he/she does indeed have some hair on their a**.
In the medical profession we have a name for bikers and street racers. We call them "Potential Organ Donors."

I don't know If we'll ever get rid of street racing.
But for those of you that think street racing is stupid. Yay for you.
For those of you that are gonna do it anyway: two requests,
1. Please endeavor to kill only yourself. Put any passengers out of the car during the race.
2. Please sign the organ donor cards on the back of your driver's license. If you're too stupid to live your life. There's somebody out there that can benefit from your idiocy.
Please, If you have to kill yourself make a decision that can help several others live quality lives. Give the gift of life. Then at least your senseless death can have some meaning.
Sign Your Donor Card.
And please wear your seatbelts so you don't damage your eyes by getting thrown thru the windshield.

Then your mother can see your eyes peering out of someone else's head,
She might meet the guy that got your heart and lungs.
Maybe, she'll hear about the person that got your liver.
Or the people that got each of your kidneys.
Heck, Your bone marrow might even help some poor kid with leukemia.
And your skin may be usable for grafts for a burn victim or two.
Yes, you too can be "parted out" just like a wrecked '69 Camaro.

[heavy sarcasm]Gentlemen, Start your Engines!!![/heavy sarcasm].
If you haven't guessed, I have little respect for people that will willingly, and gleefully put others in harm's way just to get a few "laughs". So, again, Street Racers: Please race in a "deserted" area, and ride alone, so the only casualties will be you and the car.

 

[Gil]

My son, just suggested that perhaps Street racing is the "Chlorine" that needs to be poured into parts of the gene pool.

 

[JohnBM01]

I seen that car accident mentioned within Del Alta's post. All I have to say is... damn. I mean, I don't think I seen a NASCAR crash similar to the one posted in that topic.

How would you describe the street racers who share rivalries on the road? You know, is there actually a car "gang" that has a rivalry with another gang and will keep battling on the streets until one side or the other gets their cars impounded, have lives taken, or arrests being made? Now, I like an idea like this, but ONLY in a video game. You see in a video game, you can come up with any cars you want, any storylines you want, and no lives are endangered. But take that to real life, and things get uglier than Grace Jones. Now sure, I wanted to bring in humor just so that I don't get all too serious. But this IS serious (illegal street racing). Gil came along and said in red letters, "Sign Your Donor Card."

Now as I said, how do you find places to race if none are in your area? Like I said, I'm in a big city, Houston, Texas (4th largest in the nation). I know I mentioned Baytown. But what if you live in a big city with no preference as to a race track to go to? You sure as hell don't take it to the streets and endanger lives. Who knows? Maybe you're out trying to showboat on the highway and you accidentally ram your car right into your friend, your girl/boy friend, and all Hell breaks loose. I mean, there are too many risks. There are some bad drivers, like those who sneak up on you and look to pass you by. Some people think of citiy streets as a race track. Only these tracks don't have curbing, pit road, grandstands, or a start/finish line. You need to drive carefully out there! Crazy drivers and people who just don't know when to quit are out on the highways screwing you out of getting from one place to another. Too much can happen that can be avoided with common sense.

In one of the Gran Turismo 4 posts, one person mentioned an indicent in Europe where a car drifted out of control and hit quite a lot of stuff. Why did I bring this up? This is to show that America is not the only place in the world where tricky drivers are from. I'd like to invite people around the world to tell us about speeding and illegal racing from places other than America.

 

[Gil]

I was quite serious.
Street racing will likely kill you if you do it long enough.
Or you'll accidently hit some kid on a bike, or walking down the street, etc.
Keep that crap on the track. At least, in a proper environment, with a properly prepped car, you stand a very good chance for survival. There is also less likelyhood your foolishness (and if you race on the street, foolish is the least of what you are) will harm others.
So, If you are gonna race on the street:
Sign your donor card
Then if you are killed being an idiot, your kind act of donating your organs can bring some worthy meaning to your death. I truly believe that "Stupidity should hurt" but Somebody should at least benefit.
I know, it's uncharacteristically cold for me, but I have my reasons.
A car is not just transportation. It is a "weapon" if driven irresponsibly. It can kill wether by intention or by accident. Remember that every time you get behind the wheel.

 

[Gil]

BTW. Please read everything around the red letters in both of my big posts. I feel like it's important stuff.

 

[///M-Spec]

I think there are three broad catagories of street race participants.

The first is the casual street racer of opportunity. This is the guy that indulges once in a while when an opportunity presents itself. He is just your regular joe car guy, maybe with a decently quick ride, who doesn't see any harm in cutting loose once in a while but doesn't regard it as the focus of his enthusiasm.

Then you have the the group that mostly do it out of a sense of social belonging. These people may do it regularly or irregularly, but gravitate towards it because their friends do it, because it's "cool" and frankly there's nothing better for them to do. To them, cars are about social identity and just like wolves and dogs fight for dominance, so will these guys. These are the 'social racers' so to speak.

Then you have the real sociopaths. The ones with either something to prove or one who just needs that rush from doing something dangerous and illegal. For them, the act itself is less important than the fact that they are doing something they shouldn't be doing.

You'll obviously never get very far getting the last group to stop. The more taboo you make it, the more they'll want to do it. The first and second groups are the ones to target with alternative outlets for their go fast urges.

I think the SCCA is doing a good thing by targeting the new generation of import owners. I know its working, because I see a good number of them autocrossing.

I also think legal street races are the way to go, ultimately. Any city that has a problem with street racing should simply look into giving people an outlet. A safe, sanctioned outlet. Done correctly, it may even give local business an opportunity to make some money. You will never get the third group or even some of the second group because of the 'safe' nature of a sanctioned event is a turn off for some, but every little bit helps. One life saved can be worth it.


M

 

[emad]

I remember back when I lived over in houston, my brother and his friends would drive down to Louisianna once every couple weeks because it was relatively affordable there (track time). Here in Toronto, the only track within 3 hours driving charges about $800 for a day of track time.

There is no sanctioning outlet trying to open up time for the dumbasses that race on the streets. Hell, Canada itself doesn't have anything like the SCCA. Because of that, the number of morons driving through Toronto streets is extremely high. Combine the racers with the newly immigrated Pakistani/Indian and Asian people who drive at 2 miles an hour because they have never driven in snow in their lives and well...you're just begging for an accident.

Best way to get people to stop racing on the streets is to give them access to tracks. Go ahead and charge money for it but it's gotta be reasonable. The only folks you'll see at the Mosport raceway are the ones that can afford afford the $600 for whatever amount of time they give you access to the track.

 

[VIPFREAK]

Hmm... I guess I wasn't anyone of them although I did "go to the races" for a time but it was to see all the nice cars (which never really happened). When it did, it was more likely because the idiots were getting there ass burned... i.e. a supra getting smoked buy an S4 w/ 3 other people in it. My ass was smart and parked in the parking lot AWAY from the street. I could smell the stupidity in the air it was odd?

 

[Takumi Fujiwara]

A big help in eliminating street racing would be open tracks. Now, I know that drag tracks exist and aren't hard to run at.

But, that doesn't do any good for many of us. A lot of racers aren't the idiots who race down city streets, they're the rapidly growing segment of road racers, who race for the corners, not the straight lines. If there were real tracks around, that were open to the public, I know a lot of people who would race on them. But, instead, all we have are drag strips, or the occasional oval, which are no fun, and no challenge, to drive.

 

[JohnBM01]

Takumi has a point there. Speaking of Fujiwara Takumi in the "Initial D" series, they race down Mt. Akina. There are the "drift" and the "grip" racers. Actually, either one is fun. Drifting is for aggressive cornering while sliding your car out. Grip is for going through the turns with precision.

You may not notice this, but... you ever realize the Ridge Racer series? Yeah, I know, just a racing game. But look at all the tracks and the action. You race around on city streets against others. Thing is, they make them look like professional race cars. So could you say that Ridge Racer (classic) was the first-ever game devoted to racing on city streets?

Then of course, here comes Midnight Club, Tokyo Xtreme Racer, and all these other games. A thing about some concepts is that some people take one concept and make it either fashionable or more fun. You know, when American people AMERICANIZE Japan and ninjas? Or in the fashion world, make cargo and carpenter jeans for guys and girls. What people fail to realize is that what is in the media shouldn't be tried at home. Now, I don't know anyone who rams the front of his/her car into the living room, but that's not what "at home" would mean. To me, it should have been "don't try this in real life or on the streets." When BMW made their commercial about one of their motorcycles, a disclaimer read "...sanity optional." When you're on the street, sanity is REQUIRED. Sanity reminds us that it's okay to have our race car legend dreams. However, not endanger other lives.

Here is a bit of an idea. Create areas around town where people can freely race or test their cars. If you don't have a race track, you need some kind of place to race at. "Sports Car Revolution" mentioned Solo II. And they had a 300hp Honda S2000 with a carbon fiber (or for some people, carbon fibre) hood and all. These people are tuner car people who like to race them. After all, those suicide doors, chameleon paint, wall-to-wall speaker systems, and neon-lit underbody wouldn't make a serious race car. I say that if you want to make a tuner car that you can actually drive and have fun in, do that. But if you're performance-bound and want to challenge your driving talent, go road racing. If you feel your car is better suited to the straight line roads, go drag racing. Now, I am a road racing fan, but I don't mind drag racing. After all, straight line speed is a nice element in road racing, especially for the straights. Of course, I don't picture John Force doing 320 in his NHRA Mustang on the Mulsanne, however, you learn to be a real racer by overcoming obstacles on circuits. I'm not going to start another oval-bashing session, this is about minimalizing the risk of street racing.

Anyone else want to make any comments? Any "sign your donor card" messages? Anyone?

 

[Takumi Fujiwara]

Kinda ressurecting this thread here...

The subject of road racing brings up an interesting subject. What we really need is tracks like Ebisu. In addition to a sttandard track, Ebisu has one of the coolest features at a racetrack ever: a touge. The designers took advantage of the adjacent mountain and built a racer's paradise, a mountain road custom designed to have a wide variety of corners and straights for racing. In addition, the downhill has strengthened guardrails, powerful lighting, and, of course, no traffic.

Even better, Ebisu is open to the public! As long as the car meets safety regulations, 80 bucks will let you race all day!

We need places like Ebisu in America.

 

[nk4e]

I was reading a article on illegal drifting that is happening in California. Ever since the " drift invasion" came it start to make drifting look like street dragging( racing) and these drifters will say "its too expensive" and it also goes for the street racers. Its better than nothing, if u crash ur car its alot more to pay and you don't have to worry about dangering other people's lives

 

[ZroBlu]

was that from import tuner? i think i've read an article from there or from some other tuner mag but it noted that they drifting trend has been rapidly increasing for 2 years now in california. at pomona it's hard for me to go at night to mount baldy since police have increased thier patrols at night. but i hate to see too many noobs go out there and assume they have god like control like the drift king, then end up either with a banged up car or becoming another organ donor. i think they should open new tracks if it's possible or have more current tracks setup drift days so drifters can practice at a safe place.

 

[XzifT]

👎 The way I see it, it doesn't need to be minimized. Kids will be kids, nothings ever going to change that. I'm not saying I've never done 100+ on the freeway, because I have, but whatever...

 

[ZroBlu]

Originally posted by XzifT
👎 The way I see it, it doesn't need to be minimized. Kids will be kids, nothings ever going to change that. I'm not saying I've never done 100+ on the freeway, because I have, but whatever...

that's true but i think there is a need to make it safer for kids to race. down at san diego, they started a drag racing day about once a month or so if i remember right for a fe years now. some of the racers dont like it since it doesn't have that "sense of danger" they want. as far as dirfting goes, i wouldn't be surprised if mount palamar is full of police watching for any drifters. haha me pushing 100+ on my civic makes the car shake so much, it might explode or something.

 

[jizzmirk]

Originally posted by XzifT
👎 The way I see it, it doesn't need to be minimized. Kids will be kids, nothings ever going to change that. I'm not saying I've never done 100+ on the freeway, because I have, but whatever...

Now there's a statement bound to start some kind of negative argument (and it might as well be me)...

Such ignorant words from what I can only assume to be a teenager. True, kids will be kids - but standing idle (to me) is the same thing as saying it's OK. And face it, it isn't. That's why IT'S AGAINST THE LAW.

 

[XzifT]

Who cares? No one is going to stop racing because they read a thread on it in a Gran Turismo Forum..So why argue?

 

[ZroBlu]

well i dont expect this post to stop them either but we're jsut discussing about it. they will stop once they get a ticket along with thier car and license being taking away. i already have a couple of friends that got thier parents pissed off becuase they had their cars towed away and cant drive anymore.

driving is a privilege not a right.

 

[bretleg]

ok i just turned 17 and i want to express my opinion first this first i am a illegal street racer

ok second some one posted somthing about three types of street racers i dont fit into any of them i do it to challenge my self and my car not to prove myself or show off or get a rush for me its the challenge its just fun

third is why i dont go to tracks one thing about tracks is they cost way to much and some times u dont win any money another thing about tracks is theres not the challenge of racing past and around cars(i know its highly dangerous and the people new at it should never start they are the ones that need the track)

fourth thing is video games see the thing about video games is this they are to entertain video games were really cool but they never made me want to race on streets maybe for some kids it might not me

finally im sure yall wanna know how i got started i got started not because video games it was because(believe it or not) school i was spoon fed everything in school so people like me that like challeging things(rare) when im in school finished with my work sitting there thinking of ways to challange myself an idea pops in my head hey maybe i can get challeges from cars thats how i started

just to let yall know my first car was a dodge charger i sat on my drive way for many weekends building the engine to perfection making adjustments to the camber angle and many other things im just now doing body work on it and all the chrome its now tuned perfect has ever modification except nos i know my limits so as soon as i finish they body work im selling it to my friend for $70,000 when i bought it it was $3,000

hopefully this made u realise somethings out of a childs mind about racing

 

[Rx7Ownz]

Hmmm, im 15 and will soon get my permit. I Absolutely DESPISE Street racing -___-.

When i see people like my friends racing each other at red lights to see who has a better car when one has a Lancer and the other guy has a civic lol.

I like the idea of a public race track like ebisu, where people can race safely away from friends and family. I like motorsport and racing, but not totaling my car and harming others on the road. And definitely don't want to be a organ donor at this age lol

 

[JohnBM01]

SIGN YOUR FREAKING DONOR CARD!!! You read what Gil said!

 

[ND4SPD]

I think the idea of street racing is an incredibly stupid idea, sure its fun for a few seconds, but you can have the same fun at a local drag strip without the danger of killing someone. Just a few weeks ago one of my friends was killed because of street racing, he wasn't in a car that was involved in the race, but he was in a passing car at the wrong place at the wrong time. His mother is also in critical condition thanks to some stupid kid in car who decided to do one of the stupidest things you can do in an automobile.

 

[zoxxy]

They built a 1/8 mile strip, to minimize it.
Let's just wait and see how it works.

 

[Joey D]

Well I used to street race all the time, you couldn't find me anywhere but a race on a Friday and Saturday night for a long time. I've seen some bad wrecks to, guys flipping their cars, hittnig signs, I've even seen a girl get hit by a sport bike. There is no doubt in my mind racing is dangerous.

I tried to quit racing, but there's just something about it that made me want to keep doing it. And while now I don't go to many organized races, I'll still take someone off the light or let the gears run out on the express way. And why do I do this you might ask, well I guess cause I think I'm to much of a hard ass to back down from a challenge. Most of the ricer.....errr Import tuners around here know that I think their cars are a joke. So they rev at me at lights, but time after time I beat them.

Could I go to the track? Yes I could drive to Lapeer, about 45 minutes away, but they don't usally let you race someone else, its mostly time. Maybe I just go on bad days.

And when I do race someone off a light or something, its not like its in rush hour traffic. Thats stupid.

My 2 cents on street racing. I know I'll get flamed but whatever.

 

[tuff240]

I used to do a lot of street racing and very rarely still do and I'm 31 years old with 4 kids. I've raced go-karts, still auto-x (BMWCA or SCCA local events), attend several track days with NASA's HPDE program (Sears Point & Thunderhill) each year, BUT I still enjoy some reasonably safe street racing. It's never safe, but I do my best to avoid the more dangerous aspects of it...traffic and/or large crowds. It's just different, and if you have never been into it, you will never understand it. We can argue both sides until we are blue in the face and we will get no where.

The alternatives will never work until someone can provide a cheap place to run all night and let the racers run who and when they want. I've actually looked into this avenue, but the cities or counties always shut you down as soon as you tell them what you are trying to do. Makes no sense to me. They whine about street racers, then don't want to support anything to try to get them off the public streets.

A major problem with drag strips is that for $25-40 an evening you get 3-7 runs. On an average night of street racing I'd run at least 30 times.....for free (unless I lost and it was for money ).

Street racing is where RACING started. It has been around FOREVER. With todays more populated and un-educated world it is just more dangerous than before.

And YES, my donor sticker is present and the card is signed. Been that way since my first license when I was 16.

Reason I street race(d)? Have you ever seen the look on the SS Camaro guys face after he gets beet by a Volvo 240 that's 20 years old? .........Priceless!

 

[JohnBM01]

As an update to this old thread, Houston has a brand-new track that I tried to figure out what it was. The track is known as, true to Texas, the "Motorsport Ranch." This should be their official website:

http://www.MSRHouston.com

So street racers in Houston, take your hot wheels out to Sugarland and tear things up... TEXAS STYLE!