Photo By Lance Cpl. Katalynn M. Rodgers | Several motorcyclists line up to take each other on at Qualcomm Stadium during Race...... read more read more
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SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Many Marines are known to love the rushing feeling adrenaline brings, whether it is in combat or training. When they aren’t getting that feeling, some enjoy racing their cars or motorcycles.
In order to keep these adrenaline chasers safe and away from illegal street racing, Race Legal, a non-profit organization, offers a safe and closely supervised environment to race in at Qualcomm Stadium. Their main goal is to avoid the needless loss of life due to street races gone bad.
Most researchers agree that these risky behaviors trigger a “fight or flight” response that is favored by many young men, according to Race Legal’s official website, RaceLegal.com They find the tingle, high and excitement irresistable.
The organization provides approximately 12 racing events at San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium annually, which are scheduled every other Friday of each month. There usually is some form of entertainment, such as a disc jockey or local artist.
“I enjoy the feeling that the hard work I’ve put into my car pays off when I take it down the track,” said Lance Cpl. Ryan Probst, military policeman, Headquarters and Service Battalion. “It’s the adrenaline rush of being able to push your car to its limits and the rush of trying to be faster than the guy next to you.”
During the event, participants have an opportunity to race alongside off-duty police officers through the Code 4 Racing Program, which was conceived and started by two San Diego Police Department officers.
This program was adopted to help guide people away from illegal street racing and into the safer alternative of track racing. It is sponsored by organizations such as the SDPD and Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
Racers and spectators alike must pay an entrance fee. Racers must meet certain requirements, such as having their driver’s license and registration before they can race. They also must have a helmet and closed-toed shoes, even if they are riding as a passenger.
To keep safety a priority, emergency medical services and security are on call through the entire race night.
The vehicle must pass a safety inspection in order to race. The vehicle is then put into a class according to its speed. For safety reasons vehicles may not be faster than 115 miles per hour over the course of the eighth mile track.
Once they pass their inspection, they are given a wrist band and a number for their car. After they are through this process they can burn rubber and race until 11 p.m.
The organization occasionally gives prizes for participants with the overall best times.
Vehicles of any year, make or model can participate. They can be ran stock or with modifications, and racers are at times pitted against someone much faster or slower than them.
Race Legal is slated to hold its next event July 29 at Qualcomm Stadium.
| Date Taken: | 07.01.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 07.07.2011 11:37 |
| Story ID: | 73361 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 64 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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