|
Six questions with a former street racer
By: Michelle Wingard
For many people, trying to understand the street racing fanatic is not an easy endeavor. Trying to determine the true facts of street racing is a project all of us here at Your Clubs are working to address. We believe that if we can understand why this is a problem, and what can be done to solve it, we can provide a positive impact. Yesterday, I started down a new road for myself and for all here at Y/C, I interviewed a former street racer. My goal was to gain some first hand insight of what it is to be a street racer by peeking into the mind of Nick a former street racer, who learned one of life’s lessons the hard way.
While browsing on one of my favorite website forums, I found a discussion entitled “My anti-street racing thread, READ IT”. Prior to clicking the underlined topic, I was assuming I’d find a street racer rant, containing various justifications we’ve all heard before. Much to my surprise, I found a courageous plea from the author, begging people to stop racing on the street. Filled with the stats provided by the NHRA website, the article looked like many other fact-based postings I’ve seen elsewhere. But this one had an unexpected twist.
Nick had evidence to substantiate his claim that street racing is a danger. He was involved in an accident while street racing a little over two years ago. I took a long look at the chilling photograph of his vehicle, and was amazed that he was using his horrific experience as a deterrent to others. At that moment, I sent him a message, and hoped that he would agree to speak with me.
Within hours, I had my answer. Nick was eager to share his story with the rest of the world, in hopes that he may reach people before they duplicate his mistakes.
What factor(s) influenced you to participate in street racing?
Nick: At the time, it was what I thought of as fun. I didn't feel the need to settle grudge matches with people at the track. Plus, the fact that I had a Camaro didn't help much.
Was the street racing you participated in organized, or was it a light-to-light random event?
Nick: I'd say 98% of my street races were random, light to light races. I stayed away from the organized races because there was more of a risk of getting caught there. But I think both are just as dangerous and you can get caught doing either one.
Can you explain to me the date and the events leading up to the crash?
Nick: It was June 6, 2005. I met up with some friends who knew someone with a Mustang. We all know the rivalry between the Camaro and the Mustang. We set up a race down an industrial road. We started racing and as I took my foot off the gas, the car started a skid to the left. I'm not entirely sure how it happened. I skid right in front of the Mustang, went across 3 lanes to my left, and impacted the curb at 98mph. During that skid, time almost stopped. Everything got really slow, and I literally saw my life flash before my eyes. Every big memory from when I was 4/5 years old till that moment. I also hit 3 trees and one light pole. I didn't know I had hit them, until after we stopped. I blacked out after I impacted the curb. I also had my friend with me, and he was knocked out and cut along the top of his head. When I came to, I saw my friend leaning over me bleeding from his head. I thought he was dead at that point because he was lifeless. A minute later he woke up. It seemed like forever for him to wake up. Since the impact was so violent, I couldn't find my phone. It took me a few minutes to find it, and I finally called 911. The police and fire department were there within minutes. My friend was taken to the hospital and I was detained until we knew for certain he was ok. He ended up being fine, and only needing staples for the wound. I was released that night (and never arrested).
Why did you choose street racing? Were tracks/events not accessible in your town?
Nick: I chose street racing because I couldn't wait for the track every time I wanted to race. There are couple tracks in the area. One of them is open every Thursday night. I could've gone there.
Based on what you've seen, in your own area, how bad is the street racing problem?
Nick: It’s not too bad with light to light racing, but there are still a lot of people out there who drive like idiots.
How would you recommend deterring others from street racing? Do you have a message for the readers?
Nick: Just look at my pictures, and know that it can happen to you. No one is invincible.
The pictures of the Camaro:
Special thanks to Nick, without whom this article would not have been possible.
Comment (1) |
