Q: I agree completely with Nick Harrah. Punishment just isn't one of the best ways to cease sideshows.
There isn't any distinction between sideshows now and road racing of the 50s, 60s, and 70s. It's simply 20-something boys displaying off their automobiles and their macho, as immortalized in “American Graffiti.”
Sadly, just like the automotive that crashed and burned within the film, many road racing children crashed and burned, and a few died. The answer was to construct drag race parks to get them off the road and right into a protected surroundings.
What’s wanted is a straightforward, paved lot with concrete boundaries round it. Cost admission for individuals and spectators. Present an incentive for individuals to get the exhibits off the road, similar to they did within the drag race parks and Destruction Derbies, and like they do in race automotive tracks immediately.
D.G.
A: I perceive the comparability between road racing and sideshows. The dynamics are totally different now, although. With cell telephones and texting, individuals can shortly draw the big crowds they need to places the place they assume police won't be patrolling.
Q: Whereas I believe police ought to take their automobiles for a month, they need to additionally give them checklist of authorized locations to carry out. Did you ever point out Wednesday night time Drags and Drift at Sonoma? Or SCCA Autocross?
Joanne Clare, Danville
A: And…
Q: Nick Harrah’s thought has been tried and was successful on the Pomona Raceway in Southern California. It was shut down as a result of neighbors complained in regards to the noise from occasions that weren't on the Nationwide Sizzling Rod Affiliation (NHRA) drag racing schedule (a whopping two occasions per 12 months) and people extra occasions had been shut down.
In Santa Clara County, we may strive one thing related with the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds. It used to have a racetrack and host all types of auto and truck-related occasions, however was shut down by neighbors dwelling close to the fairgrounds who didn’t just like the noise.
Like Mr. Harrah, I’m a long-time racing fanatic as a spectator and as a participant. We gained’t get a non-law enforcement-related answer to sideshows due to the NIMBY’s of the Bay Space.
Chris Bracher, Campbell
A: And…
Q: I like 1) authorized locations for sideshows, low revenue with equitable entry, and a couple of) longer car confiscation, with an opportunity to see the car bought for enforcement prices after a number of offenses.
The punitive strategy will entice essentially the most assist as a result of outsiders don’t “get” the draw or perceive the household impression of confiscation.
Kate Jones
A: I don’t disagree, however the actuality of getting authorized locations for these occasions is more difficult than folks might understand.
Search for Gary Richards at Fb.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com.