Frank Bucholtz
As a reporter who spent six years working with the Mission City Record, I should be expected to know the difference between �drag� racing and �street� racing.
The Mission connection is important, because the Mission Raceway is the only large car racing facility left in the Lower Mainland, and is a popular location for drag races on many weekends during the spring and summer. In recent years, the track has been working with police and other agencies to try and encourage those who wish to race their cars to come and use its facilities, instead of the streets.
Having been at the track on numerous occasions, I know what it�s like, and I�m sure that those who wish to race their �hot cars� would enjoy using the facilities there.
The Times received a number of e-mails from readers Thursday. They were upset that a story on cars racing on deserted streets at Gloucester Estates industrial park used the term �drag racing� instead of �street racing�.
The term came straight from a Langley Township report on the issue, but their point is a good one.
Drag racing is a legal activity, and there is a good facility available at Mission for those who wish to engage in it.
Street racing is a dangerous and illegal practice. Last year, one person suffered serious injuries in a street race at Gloucester, and the potential for other injuries is high.
Police have tried to curb the activity there, but it�s not easy, because they can�t shut the area down and they have other issues to deal with on weekend evenings, when the activity usually takes place.
I would encourage those who are interested in racing, and that includes motorcyclists, the owners of older cars and those with the latest in �hot cars�, to look into racing at Mission.
They would find a facility that would welcome them, and one where their racing can take place in safety. They will also attract larger and more knowledgeable audiences.
I suspect many of them would get very interested in the sport of car racing, and would find an interest that could last a lifetime.