the life of street racers part 2

Flyin Ryan

hated cuz he drives fords
Re: the life of street racers part 2

raising the hoood and getting written up for modifications wouldn't fly with me.
 

TwistedTy

More boost! N.A.S.T.E
Re: the life of street racers part 2

something like that happen to me in bayonne NJ except i wasnt even in my car, got a $530 ticket for encouraging drag racing. If you pleaded not guilty and were found guilty you had to pay $700 and 6 points. My buddys car and another actually got impounded that night too. they gave 61 tickets that night and had the road blocked with spikestrips. O well guess there just doin there job
 

JAY

Donating Member
Re: the life of street racers part 2

Link worked for me. BS "your bumpers too low"
 

tinkerjeep

New member
Re: the life of street racers part 2

I think all those measurements for headlights and bumpers are BS. Some states say your front bumper cannot be higher than 12" above the ground...this is for 4x4 trucks, though. If kojak can't find your license plate then he needs some damn goggles.

On the other hand, tuning your ride without using smog certified stuff is illegal, plain and simple. Don't like gettin' dinged for it? Then don't draw attention to yourself.

What the hell is wrong with "proving your manhood" on a drag strip? At least there, if you kill yourself, you won't also crash into a bus full of nuns.
 

SYO237

SyTy Registry
Re: the life of street racers part 2

As much as I support streetracing and do it myself, the cops were in the right to hand out tickets for bumper height and modifications under the hood.

It is law across the US that if the car doesnt come equipped from the factory with those modifications, or it is a dealer installed option that is DOT/EPA legal, the mods are illegal for street use.

Best known mod... altezzas and clears. Used to be they handed out tickets left and right for that mod since no factory vehicle came like that. Look what happened...how many cars are produced with factory altezzas now. Not such a big deal anymore to cops, but the law still applies. No roll off assembly line with it, no street legal.

Notice when you buy most aftermarket mods from a manufacturer, it will typically state on the box that it is not street legal and for offroad use only. CYA on behalf of the manufacturer, cause they know damn well your not using it for offroad....but they are still able to sell it cause of the warning label.

Like it or not, thats how it goes. No one forces anyone to streetrace. Go to the track if thats your thing.


On a side note, that cop doing the interview looked suspiciously like Chris Pearson?!?!?!
 

SYO237

SyTy Registry
Re: the life of street racers part 2

Whats touchy about it?

Streetracing is illegal. If your caught and the officer feels he/she needs to make it a point and write citations on each illegal piece of equipment on your car, so be it, they have every right to. Their intentions are that you hopefully learn your lesson and never do it again and potentionally risk your own or others lives as stated at the end of that video.

Like I said, I condone and support streetracing if done in the safest manner possible given the situation. If you dont like the consequences, haul your ass to the track and go wait in line with Johnny Civic and Integra Jane for your turn down the 1320.

Accidents happen at the track too..... and the same risk is involved with killing yourself and/or other people. Both share the risk of losing your insurance if caught as well.
 

TYTILIDIE

METH HEAD
Re: the life of street racers part 2

SYO237 said:
Whats touchy about it?

Streetracing is illegal. If your caught and the officer feels he/she needs to make it a point and write citations on each illegal piece of equipment on your car, so be it, they have every right to. Their intentions are that you hopefully learn your lesson and never do it again and potentionally risk your own or others lives as stated at the end of that video.

Like I said, I condone and support streetracing if done in the safest manner possible given the situation. If you dont like the consequences, haul your ass to the track and go wait in line with Johnny Civic and Integra Jane for your turn down the 1320.

Accidents happen at the track too..... and the same risk is involved with killing yourself and/or other people. Both share the risk of losing your insurance if caught as well.

Uhh, I didnt say I didnt understand. I said its a touchy subject, and it is. Depends on who you are talking to. I totally agree with what the police do every day and night but for example around here, it is a touchy subject because it is so big, theres not much else to do and everybody and thier mother goes out racing mon-sun. I find it to be touchy because there is somewhat of a politics involved. This is where the arguments always start flooding in. I feel that instead of making the street racers out to be the enemy why not try and help the situation overall? Around here, its a 45min to an hopur to drive to the nearest tracks. This town is huuuge into racing so why is htere not a track here? Its touchy cause one could say well its illegal so if you get caught its your ass but on the other hand people are going to do it no matter what so instead of trying to ban it or "phase" it out, why not find a solution and make spot for people to race? Then theres always the money question. Who will pay for it? I guess I see it as how can you find a solution if youre not a part of the problem? Im sure that sounds totally retarted to some of you but if you think about it its true. And I DO know htat even if there was a track every mile, people would still street race. The local racing forum has been trying for 3-4 years with the city to get somethign going for us. I think that even though people would still streetrace, there would a lot less of it if there were more legal places to do it. Im not a child nor am I ignorant to how the world works, I just think there should be more positive solutions than trying to take somethign away from a group of people that lived for that lifestyle. Most other hobbies and activities are pretty well catered to so why not this? Im dieing to see your reply because Im sure everyone will why this can be a touchy subject. Everyone has thier own opinions about it and many are very different.
 

SYO237

SyTy Registry
Re: the life of street racers part 2

My reply is I agree fully 100% of what you wrote. I just believe in the dont play if you cant pay mantra. Dont whine about getting busted when ya knew that was the risk ;) I dont find it a touchy subject IMHO, I just see it as the risks involved are plain and clear. I wasnt meaning to ruffle feathers.

And your right, there should be a better solution to take the inexperienced off the street and back on the track. Some states do have open midnight drags, but.....people are still going to race on the street no matter what kind of better option is given to them.


I just think there should be more positive solutions than trying to take somethign away from a group of people that lived for that lifestyle. Most other hobbies and activities are pretty well catered to so why not this?

Your absolutely right. What that solution is to make everyone abide and better off? Who knows. Lawmakers just dont see what we do as a hobby or activity, only as a reckless lawbreaking menaces :tup:
 

MikeRenz

not stock
Re: the life of street racers part 2

altezzas are legal is they are dot approved. the apc ones are stamped DOT on them which makes them certified. As long as they reflect red, and are the proper color red then most cops won't give you shit anymore for them.

As for bumpers - thats for your own safety. If your bumper is too low...you rear end a car or get in a front end collision...you will go under the other car - not exactly what you want to happen. The cops don't make up the laws, they just enforce them.
 

dgoodhue

BuSTeD 4.3
Re: the life of street racers part 2

TYTILIDIE said:
Around here, its a 45min to an hopur to drive to the nearest tracks.

I am sure their are others who are much further away than I am, but I am 2 hours without any traffic from both of my local tracks (we have no tracks in MA), its a good 2 1/2 -3 hours trip with traffic for the week night events. I wish we had a local track in Central MA where its very rural, but in general most town's don't want a race tracks in their backyard. My friend was looking at buying a home in NH where the local track is, he talk to a few home owners and they said everyone in the town can hear the race events on the weekends. The home in that town were cheaper, than the surround towns. He is a car fanatic and appreciates the sound of a race car, but decide to move a few towns overs, because of his plans for small children. The fact is if the track closed everyone property value would probably increase in that town. The financial incentives (or lack of it opening a track) for the home owners also put pressure on the towns officials to keep drag tracks out.
 

Daron

Active member
Re: the life of street racers part 2

The police generally respond to elected leadership and overwhelming public outcry (which is usually followed by elected leadership). Make it clear to your public representatives that you want your police out catching the robbers, rapist and murderers or that you will vote someone in next cycle that will.

Street racing crackdowns generally originate from some public hype, and is directed to the Chief of police to "do something" about. Street Racing is dangerous but I bet the toll it takes both in damage and loss of life for any given area pales in comparison to that same areas losses to thieves and drugs. Most Police officers would much rather be wrapping up real criminals but are often told to go and get the streetracers because someone bitched at the last city council meeting...
 
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SeattleSy#1255

Category 5 Conservative
Re: the life of street racers part 2

Daron said:
The police generally respond to elected leadership and overwhelming public outcry (which is usually followed by elected leadership). Make it clear to your public represenatatives that you want your police out catching the robbers, rapist and murderers or that you will vote someone in next cycle who will.

Street racing crackdowns generally originate from some public hype, and is directed to the Chief of police to "do something" about. Street Racing is dangerous but I bet the toll it takes both in damage and loss of life for any given area pales in comparison to that same areas losses to theives and drugs. Most Police officers would much rather be wrapping up real criminals but are often told to go and get the streetracers because someone bitched at the last city councel meeting...

Hmm...everything seems fair in that video. Seems like the people are being held accountable for their own actions. Me likey that!

Whoever bitched had that right. Most these guys (in general) aren't over the age of 20. Not that it makes it more right being older, but the experience as a driver makes a huge difference. Again, it is illegal either way.

Speeding is the same way...I use to think speed traps are were stupid. Untill one mature day I decided to slow down and drive the speed limit or close to it and 90% of the cars fly by you in the rat race of life. I personally think we need more speed traps.
 

TYTILIDIE

METH HEAD
Re: the life of street racers part 2

I think speeding should only be illegal if its not me doing it. :rotf: No but seriously, wouldnt it be kinda cool if you could acquire a special license that permits you to drive as you please? Ofcourse that would only happen in fantasy land.


SYO237 My reply is I agree fully 100% of what you wrote. I just believe in the dont play if you cant pay mantra. Dont whine about getting busted when ya knew that was the risk I dont find it a touchy subject IMHO, I just see it as the risks involved are plain and clear. I wasnt meaning to ruffle feathers.

No feathers ruffled here, just trying to show that it really can get touchy. Guess you ahve to live here to see it. I could link the local forum thread about it but its a lot of reading and kinda boring. But very good points get made from all sides.
 

tinkerjeep

New member
Re: the life of street racers part 2

I think Seatle Sy put it very well. He's not a category 5 conservatve for nothing.
 

DynaGlide

Ton-Eighty
Re: the life of street racers part 2

I honestly don't remember when I stopped speeding. Perhaps it was the thought of running my child or animal over because I couldn't stop. I don't want to take anything away from anyone.
 

SeattleSy#1255

Category 5 Conservative
Re: the life of street racers part 2

tinkerjeep said:
I think Seatle Sy put it very well. He's not a category 5 conservatve for nothing.

Logic and reason over emotion and impulse every time! ;)
 

James Thomas

"NO CLASS"
Re: the life of street racers part 2

I agree that if you get caught in the act then don't complain, take your tickets like a man and go on, if they impound your car then so be it. If you are caught in the act they also have "Probable Cause" to search you vehicle (including under the hood). On the other hand sitting or gathering in a public parking lot that is not posted does not give a police officer the authority to much of anything except sit there also and watch.

Point in case - 1978 Fort Worth Texas, I'm in college and we (the older hot rod guys) hang out at Gibson's parking lot after business hours on the west side of HWY 80 or Crystal's Pizza on Camp Bowie, don't let the younger high school kids come around and do burn outs, throw trash or break bottles. Just sitting, talking and bench racing. Been doing this for two years, one Friday about 11:15 Ft. Worth PD pulls in and several of the younger kids that were actually pretty good leave because they feel the cops are taking plate number. Us older guys (from about 20 - 63!) just ignor them and keep on takling. About 5 minutes goes by and they pull over to our group of about 20 cars and ask us if we are going to be leaving and Pop's the 63 yr. old with an 11 sec. VW bug says "Uh.... why?) The officer replies that it's private property and loitering is prohibited. Pop's just tells him flat out that we are doing nothing wrong, it is a public parking lot and there are no "Posted" sighn's around. Police officer responds that if he wants to be a smart ass he and all the rest of us can spend the night in jail! Now all the guys are looking at me because here's the kicker, at that time I was on the Tarrant County Sherrif's Department working my way through school. I walked over to the officer and without identifing my self explained to the officer that we did infact have premission to park there from the Gibsons' Manager because we keep the lot clean and really were not doning anything wrong. To make it short Pop's, 2 other guys and I got arrested and our cars towed. When we got to Ft. Worth PD lock up, they searched us (of course) and found my badge in my wallet. The arresting officer about turned green when when he saw my county I.D. And then the shit hit the fan when I told the the booking Sarge. I want to see the Watch Commander and file five false arrest counts.

Moral of the story? As a former Law Enforcement officer, I know WITHOUT A DOUBT that at least 60 percent of police officer's are "Badge flashers with a power complex" and many of the officers should not hold the position at all, I know some will not agree but I was one so that's MO. Bad attitudes get return bad attitudes not respect. Some of you may know good officers and bad ones. I know many of both, then and now. The law enforcement officers have a legal code to go by just like any one else and they are not above the law, codes or regs. Do it right and have a clean bust but at the same time earn and gain the local respect by being fair, honest legal!

We had a Texas State Trooper that would come to Mark IV Parkway and Miller Brewing to watch us race, he had a 69' BB Mach 1. He wouldn't run on the street but he did go to the track with us many times and run there. He told us that even though he was off duty, if any one got stupid or the crowd got to big he would call it in and that included me because he new I was a Deputy Sherrif. He had respect from the whole crowd because on several occasions the crowd was getting to big (70 plus cars) and he just told every to pack it up and take off. Several younger kids that didn't know him started mouthing off and 25 guys are now telling them to shut their hole, and leave like every one else or the might get their smart ass like butt kicked. That's earned respect.

I want to see a police officer stop me and give me a ration of crap when I am doing nothing wrong because my cars "look fast", hell that describes every car I own and I don't street race the wife mobil (but it looks fast :tup: ). As far as trying to do an under hood inspection with out a proper search warrent. Man will he be into it when I file the formal complaints and request that he be suspended until he knows the laws he is trying to enforce. But I did take my "rapid acceleration" ticket down and pay it last week, $45. The price to pay to show a ricer what a real Ty can do $45, the look on his face? PRICLESS! Thank you Visa for the FF miles :lol: !
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James Thomas
 
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