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SHUT DOWN CONDITIONS UNFAVORABLE FOR OSM COMPETITORS
Outlaw Street Madness will be looking for a new track to host its August 23rd event. At the series’ event at Action City Dragway in May, several racers had a hard time stopping at the top end due to bumpy surfaces and the four foot wall of dirt at the end of the track. The track is known for having a short shutdown, but most feel there are better ways to prevent a driver from going off into the dirt, or worse, rocketing over the dirt and onto the public road not far away. Plans were in effect at the end of the 2007 season to lengthen the track, remove the dirt wall and install a better sand trap and catch net but the untimely death of the previous track owner prevented plans from evolving. Rest assured these things did not go unnoticed at the May event. In talking with OSM drivers most felt it very unnerving and explained that they were thinking more about being able to safely stop their cars instead of being focused on racing.
“The recent events in NHRA involving Scott Kalitta have drawn attention to event facilities all over the country. Top end safety should never be an issue. The first question I get asked by newcomers to our events now is what does the shutdown area consist of? This tells me that people are concerned now more than ever about being able to complete a pass without fear of incident. While drag racing is a dangerous sport, steps can be made to prevent avoidable ugly situations.” Stated Kelly Pelrine, Outlaw Street Madness promoter.
“I want my racers to not only feel safe, but be as safe as they can be. They understand the risks involved in the sport they compete in and although we can’t foresee every undesirable occurrence, I owe it to them to make these tracks as safe as possible.”
“I spoke with Action City’s track owners and they did everything they could to convince the township that removing the dirt wall and shutting down the public road were a necessity when having the caliber of cars that an Outlaw Street Madness event brings. Doing so would enable drivers an extended runoff until improvements could be made over the winter. But, unfortunately the township did not see the point. Both I and Action City’s staff were perplexed with the outcome of their decision. I would like to thank Connie and Matt for their efforts.”
“It is really a shame that we can’t race at Action City as the staff are extremely courteous and helpful not to mention the racing surface is a heck of a hooking track. But I’d rather not have the event at all then one of my guys get hurt and knowing I could have done something about it. I just couldn’t live with that.”
Hopefully Outlaw Street Madness can secure another venue and not have to completely cancel the event. Race promoter Kelly Pelrine has already contacted Edgewater Sports Park and US 41 Dragway to see about making accommodations. Information will be posted on www.outlawstreetmadness.com once available.
Outlaw Street Madness will be looking for a new track to host its August 23rd event. At the series’ event at Action City Dragway in May, several racers had a hard time stopping at the top end due to bumpy surfaces and the four foot wall of dirt at the end of the track. The track is known for having a short shutdown, but most feel there are better ways to prevent a driver from going off into the dirt, or worse, rocketing over the dirt and onto the public road not far away. Plans were in effect at the end of the 2007 season to lengthen the track, remove the dirt wall and install a better sand trap and catch net but the untimely death of the previous track owner prevented plans from evolving. Rest assured these things did not go unnoticed at the May event. In talking with OSM drivers most felt it very unnerving and explained that they were thinking more about being able to safely stop their cars instead of being focused on racing.
“The recent events in NHRA involving Scott Kalitta have drawn attention to event facilities all over the country. Top end safety should never be an issue. The first question I get asked by newcomers to our events now is what does the shutdown area consist of? This tells me that people are concerned now more than ever about being able to complete a pass without fear of incident. While drag racing is a dangerous sport, steps can be made to prevent avoidable ugly situations.” Stated Kelly Pelrine, Outlaw Street Madness promoter.
“I want my racers to not only feel safe, but be as safe as they can be. They understand the risks involved in the sport they compete in and although we can’t foresee every undesirable occurrence, I owe it to them to make these tracks as safe as possible.”
“I spoke with Action City’s track owners and they did everything they could to convince the township that removing the dirt wall and shutting down the public road were a necessity when having the caliber of cars that an Outlaw Street Madness event brings. Doing so would enable drivers an extended runoff until improvements could be made over the winter. But, unfortunately the township did not see the point. Both I and Action City’s staff were perplexed with the outcome of their decision. I would like to thank Connie and Matt for their efforts.”
“It is really a shame that we can’t race at Action City as the staff are extremely courteous and helpful not to mention the racing surface is a heck of a hooking track. But I’d rather not have the event at all then one of my guys get hurt and knowing I could have done something about it. I just couldn’t live with that.”
Hopefully Outlaw Street Madness can secure another venue and not have to completely cancel the event. Race promoter Kelly Pelrine has already contacted Edgewater Sports Park and US 41 Dragway to see about making accommodations. Information will be posted on www.outlawstreetmadness.com once available.
