Cracking down on unlawful avenue racing has been a precedence in Atlanta over the previous yr. Gov. Brian Kemp created a multi-agency crime suppression and avenue racing enforcement element by the Division of Public Security in April. Because the element’s first report in April, it has issued greater than 13,000 citations or arrests.
“In an effort to decrease the temperature within the automotive scene … me and my membership we began this observe occasion sequence the place we’re making an attempt to provide everybody who loves vehicles a spot that’s off the road,” Consaul mentioned. “What we discovered is that we hit an unbelievable want. … That is nothing greater than a rise up towards the COVID lockdowns.”
The occasion will happen all day Sunday, Feb. 20, at Lanier Raceplex and will get a crowd as massive as 8,000 individuals, Consaul mentioned. This might be their smallest occasion to this point, he mentioned.
“We take into account ourselves a half-way home,” Consaul mentioned. “Adrenaline is a really highly effective drug. … It is a protected authorized place. Are available in right here. We’ll handle you. We’ll offer you a spot to do your factor.”
One of many foremost occasions is a gradual drifting competitors inside a fenced pit, the place contributors are judged on how tight they flip round a middle cone or how near exterior limitations they keep. Two to 3 vehicles can take part at a time, and drivers will also be judged on how carefully they mimic one other automotive.
The occasion will even function conventional drifting round a observe and an unique automotive present with a winner decided by judges.
The automotive present will begin the day-long occasion, exhibiting off Lamborghinis, Ferraris, McLarens and others, Consaul mentioned. Members should signal waivers to take part in occasions, in accordance with occasion particulars, plus vehicles are given a technical inspection and drivers are given helmets earlier than racing. Tickets begin at $20.
Bruce Piefke of Caffeine and Octane, which took over possession of the raceplex at the beginning of the yr, mentioned he’s excited for the occasion, and ensured they may have ample safety.
“In the event you give them the chance to do properly, then they may,” Piefke mentioned of potential attendees.
Piefke prompt they might placed on extra occasions like this if all goes properly, however native officers mentioned they’re involved concerning the pressure previous Take It to the Monitor occasions placed on native legislation enforcement. Corridor County Commissioner Kathy Cooper mentioned she and the Corridor County Sheriff’s Workplace weren’t given enough discover of the occasion. The occasion is permitted for 3,000 vehicles, however Cooper would have fairly began with an occasion with lower than 100 individuals.
“I’m very skeptical about it,” she mentioned. “It’s a brand new occasion. It’s one thing that I don’t assume needs to be their first occasion (in Corridor County) and be that massive of an occasion. … if every part goes unsuitable, it’s simply going to be one thing that causes issues sooner or later.”
The Sheriff’s Workplace was informed concerning the occasion in late January, in accordance with an announcement from Sheriff Gerald Sofa.
“With the protection of residents and guests in thoughts, the Corridor County Sheriff’s Workplace may have an elevated patrol presence alongside the Winder Freeway hall,” Sofa mentioned in an announcement. “Our legislation enforcement personnel have dealt with massive occasions of this magnitude prior to now, however we do need our Corridor County residents to make use of additional warning within the space due to the extra site visitors that can be on the roadway Sunday.
“My best concern is the post-event conduct by these leaving the venue. Any reckless driving habits won’t be tolerated and can be handled harshly.”
Different Take It to the Monitor occasions have resulted in site visitors citations and arrests following the occasion, in accordance with the Sheriff’s Workplace.
Within the final six months, Corridor County has made 9 arrests for avenue racing, eight for “laying drags” and 56 for reckless driving.
“Some individuals will want the strain of the courts to persuade them to cease,” Consaul mentioned. “Some individuals simply need a substitute for the place they’re doing it. In the event that they’re given the selection between authorized and unlawful, they’d select authorized each time. … We’re simply making an attempt to provide them a protected place.”