LOS ANGELES COUNTY – Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department issued a public service announcement (PSA), September 22, encouraging drivers to seek legal alternatives to street racing. The department recommended the Apple Valley Speedway along with other racing venues “rather than contribute to the needless injuries and fatalities that continue to occur at illegal street takeovers.”
According to law enforcement agencies, illegal street racing began surging nationwide during the pandemic when the streets were empty, creating prime speedway conditions for drivers. Los Angeles County Sheriff Sergeant Michael Downing said calls increased by about 60% from 2020 to 2021 and for 2022 alone – 838 calls.
In addition to the pandemic lockdown, some cite the Fast and Furious franchise for promoting illegal street racing. Residents of a Los Angeles neighborhood protested, in August, the filming of the latest installment of the franchise, citing safety concerns.
Illegal street racing has also affected San Bernardino County.
Most recently, a racing vehicle fatally struck a pedestrian in Barstow. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has begun to work with the Inland Empire Street Racing Task Force to share information about street racing and “pop-up” car shows so the agency responsible for the area can prepare.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff PSA is another pre-emptive attempt to deter drivers from illegal street racing.
The video, filmed at the Irwindale Speedway, shows a reenactment of a street racing scenario with two drivers opting to race at a legal venue rather than the street.
It goes on to list the Southern California racing venues – Irwindale Speedway, Apple Valley Speedway, Willow Springs Raceway, Auto Club Speedway, Barona Speedway, Famoso Dragstrip, Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, and Adams Motorsports Park where drivers can “participate in drifting and drag racing events, in front of large crowds, and as part of a vibrant car community.”
The Apple Valley Speedway has a .8 mile Main Track with 15 turns and a 34,500 square foot Skid Pad for drifting. Group pricing to rent the Main Track starts at $800 and a $365 individual annual pass is available for purchase.
For more information about the Apple Valley Speedway visit https://applevalleyspeedway.com/
