A common phrase, “Take it to the track”, is often followed by screams commonly thrown at aggressive drivers and street racers alike. But why do street racers take their beloved hot rods to the street instead of a track where there is no danger of killing someone else or themselves? Why are so many beloved racetracks closing? How can we keep America’s favorite pastime and keep our roads safer in the process?

“With the closing of RMR (rocky mountain raceway), the hot rodders take to the street,” Tom, the Kearns High auto shop teacher, quoted in an interview, closing being a common theme with America’s beloved tracks with poor ticket sales due to a decline in interest for Nascar and racing in general. Auto racing in the state of Utah is particularly difficult as the mountainous terrain as well as high elevation hamper the cars’ performance as well as Utah’s harsh weather conditions. “The track would be covered in snow 8 months of the year,” Mr.Glassmann says. Rocky Mountain Raceway housed many different events such as a short oval track, a NHRA drag strip, as well as a motocross park where many fans experienced the symphony of engines and the smell of gasoline.

After Rocky Mountain Raceway closed to make way for commercial developments, the fans and drivers had no other choice than to take to the streets. “Without a governing body, the cars are more dangerous and the drivers less skilled”, said Glasmann. This leads to many deaths and thousands in property damage. The solution to all these problems is not clear, nor is it to build more tracks. Having more racetracks that allow people onto the tarmac would allow many to legally drive their vehicles without risking other people’s lives and could increase tourism in the area by renting out supercars for the day. It could provide a once in a lifetime experience and help offset the large costs of running a track.