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
1 comment:
I agree 100% with opening a track in Rockland. But as you know, real estate is worth to much, especially in Rockland. There is not enough land available and if there was, the cost would be prohibitive.
I've had my share of racing in the Bronx, but now I am older and wiser. To open up a track in Rockland or even Orange Couny would bring people from all over the New York, New Jersey, Conneticut and PA. The track owners would make money, as well as the county and it will keep our streets safe.
As much as people complain about street racing unsafe, they are the same ones who would now complain about noise, traffic, pollution and the killing of trees. That would be the real battle in opening one up around here. Look at Raceway Park, houses where build around the track in the last 20 years and the house owners complain about the noise. Come on, didn't they investigate where they where buying? They have been trying to shut the track down for years. Thats like the people who buy houses next to the thruway or railroad tracks and complain to the county and state about the noise, thinking they should move the roadway or tracks. But I digress.
As I stated earlier, I would back a local track, this would be a win - win situation for all.
Dino
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