Before I go on hiatus, I would like to share this:

http://www.mlive.com/flintjournal/index.ssf/2008/08/flint_mayor_don_williamson_pla.html

Please look at the poll. Sure it's Flint, MI but I am sure we would be able to generate a similar or great interest.

Richard

Just the beginning

I would like to thank everyone who has visited this site to this point. The votes and the comments have shown me that my interest is not a unique one and that a drag strip in Rockland should be pursued.

At this point in time I am going to have to let this blog lapse for a while due to my current course work at school. I would like to welcome people to post their thoughts and ideas on this page so that when I find myself again with time to give to this project I can utilize this ideas.

As the course work tends to build, I may not be able to devote much time to this cause until the winter break, but Rockland has waited this long already and I don't think another two months will make that great of a difference. Keep your eyes and ears open for my return to this site.

Thanks for reading.

Richard

Food For Thought

In Flint, Michigan the former home of Buick, the mayor has decided to take a bold step in the right direction for his residents. He has brought forth the plan to create a local dragway.

Although I would like to talk at length about this, I would like to direct you to an article written about it.

http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/story?section=news/local&id=6361465

In addition to this story, the mayor has predicted that due to weather the newly prepared road surface may not be used this year. He is also anticipating a project to create a more fully developed strip next year.

There have been many articles citing a Flint, Michigan illegal racing culture that has risen over the years. This strip will be the first new strip in Michigan in 40 years. If this idea pans out, it could provide a good deal of research for this project.

There are ever increasing efforts on the part of communities and organizations to bring the illegal racers into a more controlled environment where safety can be monitored. More on those other areas at a later time.

Once again, please leave comments, I'm all ears.

Richard

Thanks for a sucessful first day

First off, I would like to thank Dino for his comment and all those who took the poll for their votes. Through a building of support on this website it will be possible to create an interest in this project. I hope that everyone who visits will feel free to contribute as it is the site viewer who is the most important.

Part two of the Rockland Journal News' article ran today and there were some comments. I am hoping to direct attention to this cause of building a Rockland County drag racing cause.

Today I have shared the first in a series of articles I hope to in regards to what community good dragstrips provide. This particular article comes from the Detroit Free Press and it addresses an event that took place last weekend to teach young people the responsibilities of driving a car, more specifically the acceleration aspect of it. Although their event targets a younger audience than I am comfortable supporting behind the wheel, I believe the intent is very good. It is important to instill in the youth responsibility and "driving smarts." An important tool for this would be a dragstrip.

Visit frequently becuase I have good plans for this project.

Thing to look foward to in upcomming blogs:
- News in relation to drag strips across the country
- News in regards to street racing nation wide
- Opinions of Rocklanders and other local areas
- Advice from people who have wittnessed what organization can do
- A forum for open discussion on a "Rockland Dragway"


Thanks for visiting, please leave some comments, I'd love to hear from you.

Richard

Welcome

Today, after seeing the teaser in the Journal News in regards to a man arrested in association with illegal street racing on the Palisades, I decided it was time to push for an idea I have been developing for quite some time.

This idea is simple and well intentioned. My intentions are to make the streets safer in our home town and surrounding areas while creating an enjoyable place for those with an interest in Drag Racing. The solution created of my intentions would be the Rockland Dragway; a place where racing could be done legally. More importantly it would be a place where it could be done Safely.

Street racing has been an issue in Rockland County for decades, and it stems from the long distance from our county to the nearest drag strips. The nearest drag strips currently are in Old Bridge Township, New Jersey, and New Lebanon, New York. In the past there were many more tracks in the Long Island area, and across the nation for that matter, but in light of increased real estate values many of these places have been closed. The closure of these sanctuaries has created an increase in illegal racing activities.

Aside from our own county, other areas that are troubled with illegal racing include New York City, Westchester, upstate, Connecticut, and North Jersey. The police have a hard enough job to do without having to worry about racers. A racetrack in Rockland would give police an even greater opportunity to serve and protect.

On this blog I will post nationwide news regarding street racing and mediation methods. It is in my opinion that a drag strip will present itself as a great opportunity for us.

Please check back frequently and feel free to comment. As a community we must stand.

Richard