Young drivers love to race their vehicles, but often get caught and prosecuted whilst doing so illegally. This can have major ramifications for the cost of their young driver car insurance, but it seems that some young motorists will risk everything to race.
The problem appears to be that the costs of breaking into organised motor racing are so high they are prohibitive for most young drivers, and so they take to the streets in an attempt to satiate their need for speed.
Some car owners, who spend time and money modifying their street vehicles, also wish simply to display their efforts to other car 'modders' and this can lead to challenges regarding speed and driving ability, but when young drivers take to the streets to race, they put themselves and other road users at risk.
Five years ago in Colorado, USA, a racing initiative was initiated that saw police and road safety workers combining forces to offer the state's young drivers an alternative to illegal street racing, but without the constraints and costs of organised motor sport.
Now in its sixth year Colorado's teen drivers can "Take it to the Track" at Bandimere Speedway track where Colorado State Patrol (CSP) officers and members of the Alive at 25 Defensive Driving Programme are on hand to offer 23 mid week evenings of race action in a safe, legal, and fun environment.
The CSP was the first US state law enforcement agency to run an organised drag racing series for young drivers and their street vehicles and during the first five years of the series more than 25,000 young drivers have raced safely over the speedway track.
According to state officers, young driver crashes result because there is a lack of awareness of the consequences associated with risk-taking behaviour. It is the combination of speed, inexperience, distractions and, in some cases, impaired driving that cause the catastrophic circumstances linked to teen-driving car accidents. There is also a great deal of peer pressure which in turn tempts young drivers to take part in illegal activity to prove the reputation of themselves and their car.
The "Take it to the Track" programme is open to anyone with a valid Colorado driver's licence. Racers pay a nominal entry fee at the gates and this covers as many runs as the driver wishes to make for the duration of the event. Any type of car can be raced, but all vehicles must be verified as safe by a track official. The inspection checks ensure that the cars are safe for racing, and perhaps more importantly, safe for the road. Teens under the age able to qualify for a licence can race, but have to have a Minor Release form signed by a parent or guardian.
It sounds like a great idea; a place to show off your car, your driving skills, and to do it safely and legally. Perhaps if there were more initiatives like this in the UK the roads would be safer, young motorists would be better protected, and their young driver car insurance might get cheaper as well.