Southern Colorado law enforcement partnering with PPIR to get street racing off the roads

Many have heard the sound at night: engine’s roaring, tires squealing, as cars race down Southern Colorado streets. Now, local law enforcement is making a space for it, where it’s legal and the risks are significantly lowered.

It’s all thanks to a new partnership to stop street racing.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, the Colorado Springs Police Department and the Fountain Police Department have teamed up with Pikes Peak International Raceway to try and stop the illegal racing on roadways, by providing a track as an outlet for racers.

“Give them a chance to still compete, still have fun, still do the things they want to do without putting the public in danger,” Sheriff Bill Elder said.

“We’re trying to provide a safe place for the street racers to go and get off the street and race,” Bill Boileau, President of PPIR said.

If a driver is caught racing on the street it’s hundreds of dollars in fines and several points added to their license if it’s not suspended.

Commander Scott Whittington with CSPD said on summer nights, drag racing can tie up officers and often times when officers arrive the racers are gone.

“If we can move them someplace like this that’s legal, and have that opportunity that would free up tons of time for our officers to go to the sexual assaults, the robberies and those kinds of things that are higher priorities,” Whittington said.

The races will be starting here in August and it will cost $25 to race all day on Saturdays.