This past weekend, I got paid to go to the street races. It's my job, like sucking up to my boss. I'm not kidding. Attending the races was an essential part of my research for this month's cover story, and I attended street races all over the Los Angeles area.
But let's get something straight right now. Yes, I went to the street races, but no, I did not go street racing. Sure, I had opportunity. I was challenged several times during the course of the weekend. It was like our Project WRX had "RUN ME" painted on its flanks. Was I tempted? Yes. Did I participate in any illegal act, behind the wheel of a car or otherwise? Hell, no, and nobody can prove I did beyond reasonable doubt.
There, now my bosses, the Primedia lawyers and my wife are happy. About now, many of you are getting your panties in a bunch because you think this magazine is being irresponsible by promoting an illegal act. Don't. We're not promoting street racing by covering it. We're journalists, reporting on what's happening in the hobby we cover. Our report on street racing, which begins on page 64, is no different than similar reports we've seen recently in "The Los Angeles Times," "The New York Times" and many other newspapers across the country, not to mention stories on such respected television news shows like "Dateline NBC" and "20/20 Downtown."
In fact, mainstream media has acknowledged street racing for decades. Check out this issue of "Life" magazine dated April 29, 1957, which is when "Life" was one of the largest and most respected magazines in the world.
In the issue, just a few pages from the full-page ad touting the Golden Rocket 88 from Oldsmobile, are these words, "Drag racing, the teen-age sport of stripped-down cars and souped-up engines, shifts into high gear and sets off a national controversy." Words that still ring true today.
As do these, "...even in the Los Angeles area, which has six strips, sometimes hot-rodders race illegally at night."
OK, so L.A. is down to four strips, but this is hard proof that street racing, and responsible reporting on street racing, is nothing new.
Just remember: Street racing is dangerous. Enjoy the issue.