Safe Alternatives to Street Racing

Vividly portrayed in movies such as The Fast andFranklin, Venango County;o The GingerMan
The Furious series and Biker Boyz, street racing isRaceway in Chicago.
as engaging and addictive as it is dangerous.Depending on the body build, engine type, and the
Although street racing was already in existencenumber of passengers a car can hold, there are a
prior to the release of such movies, both Thelot of categories amateur racers can compete in.
Fast and The Furious and Biker Boyz have givenAmong the popular choice is drag racing. In the
street racing a boost in terms of popularity. MoreUnited States, there are five popular categories in
car and motorcycle owners have ridden with thedrag racing:o Top Fuel Dragster - the fastest class
fad and have customized their cars with neopreneof dragsters compete at this level, where they
seat covers, gas-guzzling engines, and have addedcan use up to 90% of their nitromethane fuelo
other accessories outside the standard customTop Fuel Funny Caro Pro Modified - modified cars
seat covers and car floor mats.that can run on superchargerso Pro Stock - cars
Due to the nature of the race and its venuesracing in this category must maintain stock
(occurring mostly on highways and city roads),appearance and can run only on limited amount of
street racing is deemed an illegal activity andfuelo Sports compact
banned in most states. It is difficult, however, toStreet racing organizations across the country
completely deter people from participating in thishave been working together with the government
activity, especially if they have the need forto promote safe street racing and at the same
speed and have high-powered sports cars withtime educate young people about the hazards of
nitro tanks hidden underneath the car floor mats.actual racing in streets and city roads. Racers
Indeed, despite the danger presented in streetAgainst Street Racing (RASR) is mainly an
racing events, hundreds still flock and race throughoutreach program with professional drag racers
the city streets with cars that have race-themedserving as representatives. With a list of nearly
neoprene seat covers and sporty exterior details.300 racetracks and/or organizations that sponsor
Some states, in an effort to regulate streetrecreational sport compact racing, they strive to
racing, provided safe alternatives to street racingeducate young people on the dangers of street
in coordination with several racing clubs. In Hawaii,racing while staging sanctioned, organized race
where drifting is a popular racing event, carcontests.
owners now race under the supervision of theOwners of sports and stock cars who have
appropriate agencies in a controlled and safemodified their ride with custom seat covers,
environment at the Aloha Stadium.20-inch rimmed wheels, and powerful engines can
The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), annow race without fear of getting arrested. Aligning
organization of street racers that have addressedwith legitimate street racing groups is fast
the problem of street racing since the 1950s,becoming an option for people who love to race.
promotes safe racing by promoting the StreetMany people view street racing as a rite of
Legal Program, a series of racing events in drypassage, so banning street racing completely and
lakebeds and deserted runways. in San Diegospreading word about its adverse effects may
holds events such as 1/8-mile drag races at thejust fall on deaf ears. Providing street racers
Qualcomm Stadium, the site of Padre andguidelines and safe venues where they can burn
Charger games.their tires have helped in encouraging responsible
Several other racetracks that cater to amateurdriving and hopefully take street racing off the
events include:o The Sharon Speedway instreets.
Hartford, Ohio;o The Tri-City Speedway in