How about a drag strip for Columbus?

Yea i think it would be a good idea, hell kearney has one and it brings in alot of money in the summer, especially when they have cruise night (almost the biggest car show in nebraska) in july, which i go to every year. I don't know if it would ease the street racing issue or not but there is a possibility, also it could benefit the economy for columbus. For where? i would say near T bone truck stop, or west of town by wishbones. Don't know how we are supposed to get the funding for something like this or if we can afford it, but obviously columbus can afford a water park..

Good idea? Yes! Where? Walmart parking lot! Costs? Federal bailout dollars! Easing street racing? How about law enforcement? Heavier penalties will do it! Even a stupid kid that thinks they have all the money in the world will tire of large fines and jail time. Crack down on these little ding a lings. Keep it legal, off the streets. Just kidding about Walmart parking lot, and about federal dollars, (our tax dollars!!) but it would be a good draw if done and promoted well.

Publicly built? No!!! Privately? Sure. Will it end street racing? Providing reponsible alternatives to irresponsible people never works. Going fast is only half of the thrill for these types. Doing it on our streets is the other.

YES! YES! YES!

Worst idea I've heard of in a long time. However , if private enterprise wants to take a risk without the use of ANY of my tax dollars , go for it..

we already have several.
1. 19th street between 3rd ave. and 10th ave.
2. new lost creek parkway.
3. 18th ave. near lake north.
4. various streaches on 8th street.
and many more. no need to spend money.

Yes its a great idea. Not sure about the timing with the all "go green" & poor economy. It would have been cool about 15 years ago not sure if it would last long this day in age ?

Can't spend tax dollars on this, need it for the golf course!

I would pay to watch drag races!! It would bring some more entertainment to c-bus.

we do need a dra strip mayb the kids wont lie to the cops and tell tem that u agreed to race then get slaped wit careless drivng and having to pay 700.00 fine

I can't help but comment on this topic. I think it is a horrible idea for Columbus. This isn't going to solve any problem with street racing. All the drag strip will do is get the adrenaline pumping after they are done drag racing for the night. Then they will hit the streets race anyway. It's the excitement of not being able to get caught that thrives in these racers minds. Also the excitement of doing it in such a public manner. These kids can drive to the drag strip in Hastings, Kearney, and Coucil Bluffs to do this legally. Unless it is done privately that may be the only possibility but then again probably not. The neighbors to who decides to do this will get a petition going to ban this and of course it will pass. The best thing to do is drop the topic and move on. The the authorities take care of these idiots and hopefully this will slow down the problem.

oh yeah I think its a great idea. How it would happen I have no idea. I thought quite a while back this was brought up but it was shot down??

I may be thinking of somewhere else.

They would never put anything GOOD in that would help the town. But they would draw in a LOT of revenue by having one. Ask any street racer, they will tell you they would stop racing on the street to go to an available track. Why do you think Drag strips got started in the first place!

Ever since the track in scribner NE closed and Building one in Lincoln has been up in the air. The closest one pacific junction Iowa or kearney.

They could even get it NHRA certified and there would be LOTS of money rolling in and entertainment then!!

What city would fund this project with all the liability involved. It was cost a fortune to have insurance on the place, even with some time of waiver we all know that anyone can go to court and sue someone. There are many things the city has had to tighten it's budget on lately....clearly they can't afford this project and I am sure the citizens would veto any drag strip on the tax dollars. Any private person or company can have a crack at it...that is what is great about America!

I believe it is a wonderful idea and I guarantee it would ease the street racing issues. I also think a good portion of the public would enjoy watching events at the track.

Catching Up:
Like I said before, providing responsible alternatives DOES work. Unless you can provide some statistics proving what you say, don’t go bashing a great idea.

Travis:
Why would they hit the streets afterwards if they are at a drag strip? People don’t street race for the sole purpose of breaking the law or outrunning cops. Yes, doing it in such a public manner is exciting, which is the purpose of the bleachers you see at dragstrips. The narrow minded logic that you project is exactly why Columbus has minimal entertainment venues. Clearly past arrests have led to the decrease of street racing activities…

YES:
I couldn’t agree with you more. Now that Scribner is closed, people have nowhere to go race. I also agree that it would draw in a good amount of revenue and people might actually travel “TO” Columbus for entertainment.

What JEFF SAID! No offense to CPD but they do a terrible job in catching speeders, I know a lot of people that speed in town and NEVER get caught; that doesnt meant that no one does though.

So you need the statistics again SVT Cobra? You could reference the final posts on "Street Racer Goes To The Pits", the article on Tony Ganskow. Oh well, one more time.

NHRA lists 13 official drag strips in California, yet the California DMV records 6,000+ drag racing guilty pleas a year. The NHSTA reported that 188 street racing fatalities occurred in California in 5 years.

The NHRA lists 26 official drag strips in Texas, yet one third of high school students surveyed admit to street racing. That is millions of teenagers. The NHSTA reported that 128 street racing fatalities occurred in Texas in 5 years.

Now Cobra, I could continue to Google more statistics, from more states, but I am tired of doing your work. It appears that building drag strips is not the answer. However, this is the opportunity to prove the statistics wrong. So if you can do what Scribner couldn't, somebody build that drag strip!

What ... just to get more people in the need to speed more often then they already do.... why would you waist the money on this just because 1 kid gets caught for doing 100mph in town. So the idiot gets caught gets thrown in jail, and now hey lets help him out and build a drag strip.... as always thinkin with the wrong head!!

Oh, by the way, the people involved with the Motorplex estimate the cost of building a track at $2.5 million, not including the cost of land. How is that for a statistic? Go ahead SVT Cobra, stand in front of the Columbus taxpayers and propose this idea to stop street racing!

Want a Drag Strip for the city of Columbus? Why not build one out at the airport, they have plenty of land out their. But not with tax dollars, anything the city runs loses money.

look.if you want street racing to stop around here build a drag strip.i agree it is dangerous to race in town but we have no where to go.you guyz keep complaining about us but your not doing anything about it.yeah theres gona be the people that B%tch about a drag strip in town but you know what..you cant please everyone!! its ether racing a strip or town.YOU DECIDE!

I bet it would make alot more money then the pawnee plunge.

PINKS All Out! Columbus could get Rich Christensen and his TV Show out to do his arm drop. Try it at the airport first :-)
...everybody loves a winner...

To MONSTER ENERGY:

I take it you're a street racer. You have nowhere to go? How 'bout to jail? Did you not learn from last week's example? IT'S ILLEGAL! Stop doing it.

HOW ABOUT EVERYONE HERE THAT HAS SAID YES QUIT WATCHING THAT FAST AND FURIOUS MOVIE IN THE THEATHER....NOTICE HOW THESE PROBLEMS STARTED SHORTLY AFTER THE MOVIE WAS AIRED? LOL YOU ARE NOT VIN DIESEL OR MATT WALKER....GROW UP, APPARENTLY PEOPLE CANT TELL FROM "MAKE-BELIEVE" AND REALITY!!

Drag Strip? Take it to council? $2.5 million not counting the land?... Hmm, that's like $125 from each person in town. Yeah, good luck trying to get the older population to agree with that. Ain't gonna happen. It's a nice idea though. My thought would be hit up Anderson, Svoboda, and Behlen for the cash. They're pretty enthusiastic about such things. In today's economy, good luck getting a stimulus check to build a drag strip... even though it technically WOULD create jobs and boost economy. Not exactly a GREEN sport.

P.S. As for where to put one.... out by Shell Valley, just off the hiway.

Who's Matt Walker?

It would be a good idea to build a drag strip! I have considerable in public relations and media relations at a strip in south central Kansas for several seasons. I am also a Sportsman and Super Comp class racer The airport location would never work by the way with FCC clearance and all that jazz. It could be done well for about 2 million if anybody is ready to invest. Good luck in these economic times!

I MEANT PAUL WALKER....

As long as it's FAR FAR AWAY from where I live because that's the last thing I want to hear within 10 miles of my house. I've been to them many times and I enjoyed them alot when I was younger but I would never want want even close to where I or anyone else lives because it's definately noise polution at it's worse. It would also have to be privately owned.

Ya, it's all good. Right!? I would love to see a track around here and would go and support it. But - first off - NOT IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD!? Hear that alot. Second - Noise pollution, something like the 100 trains a day through Columbus? People out in the country complain about the train noise!!???
Real racers go to the Dragstrip or US30, the want-a-be's couldn't pass tech with their cars and wouldn't try. Maybe their car is to fast for the track(I heard that alot). Maybe a good place is right next to US30 Speedway because the people around there already know what the cars sound like.
It would be funny to watch cows the first time a Nitro Funny Car runs!!
To get any money from Columbus the city would need to get the track in city limits to help and you know that wouldn't happen so you need to ask for things that would help in other ways. Like we would need to get more Motels. It would need to be owned by an Individual or Company to be run right and make a profit. The noise issue is the big thing but if you built the spectater seating right it would be funneled. There is one like this just south of Chicago and works pretty good.
So, WHO is going to win the lottery!!!

Lincoln would be a better location. You would get people from Omaha for sure. Also from York, Columbus, Grand Island, Hastings, Beatrice, and obviously Lincoln. Just way more people would show up to watch and to race.

I would go. The problem is that it would never be a government venture (and rightly so). To build a quality track, would cost big $$$'s. In these economic times coupled with the price and supply of oil, who would want to risk the investment? If general admission were more than $15/ea, I would only be there a few times a summer. So if you look at an average crowd of 250 people, @ $15/ea, you are only looking at $3,750 per show. We don't have the population to attract a bigger crowd more than 1 night per week. Then you have the dirt track circuit to compete for a crowd, so you would have to pick a differnt night. So, even if you had 21 nights of racing throughout the summer for a normal venue, you are only looking at a gross income of about $78,000/yr. Now, factor in the operating costs including insurance, and it would take the life of the track to pay for itself, leaving the investor with $0 profit. Good luck with this one. Even if you had a few special events each year, your only talking $20,000 yr profit. Hardly worth the time.

Although, I would be willing to support fines of $1,000 for the first offense for street racing along with confiscation of the vehicles. Maybe we could use the proceeds to subsidize the track (at least until the dumb ones didn't have cars). Come to think of it, I would like to see those fines imposed even without a track. You might be able to outrun the car, but you'll never outrun motorola and the camera.

YES~~i definatly think columbus shud consider doing this...i am friends with the saposed "street racer" as u all call him and i realize that he could have hurt someone by doing what he did but its not like they have somewhere to go legally do it so they do it on the street without any intentions of hurting anyone or damaging anything-except the other persons pride haha...but yea i think that we shud have a drag strip cuz it wud b a lot less tickets and a lot less worry-hell ill go race my friends!

i am one of the ones that said about the drag strip to the paper. the money could be done like a fundraiser. the land we can find a place. the people how are b%tching a about the drag strip look at the paintball field now that will money too. the drag strip would bring more money to columbus like money to finish the by pass around columbus to 81 north plus it could bring back some of the busniess in columbus the food places and things like that. yes i am a 29 and i do have a fast car the strip is what the kids need this day they have seen the movie fast and furious but did people thing there was not streeting racing before the movies it was a underground thing u ask any old people that race in the passed ever the pro drag races did it when they was teens . that is what a sleeper is is a car hot roded up like a vega or a nova ,apollo some of the kids now a days could be the nexted john force do not rip the kids dreams apart people the adults have forgot what is was like with the cars. if this does not help the people out it could be one of your family member dieing to a racer because u through it was a bad idea do u want that on your head i do not i know it would make the cpd happy so that do not have to clean up body parts and blood and inside parts yea the kid was wrong but if the strip was there maybe it would have not happen and plus the mother that lose her family they may have still been around if the strip was here. i am all for the strip. i maybe in a wheelchair and no is was not do to racing columbus is one of the first places the was less a guy in a wheelchair race stock cars they told me i could but i had to sale my car. so i through columbus would have loved the idea plus i do the lincoln marthon and i would love to run the strip too

Oh sure, liabilities and lawsuits be damned!! In this day and age private enterprise has better alternatives for their investment dollar. Look boneheads this is not a "lets find something else for these bored kids to do" program for tax payer money. If these kids are old enough to drive they are close to being old enough to drive off in to the wild blue yonder of a new town to live in. When are they going to learn "the city" does not owe them a fun time while growing up. Growing up means preparing yourself for the next chapter in your life and the smart ones are staying in school, studying and saving their money so they can break out of the perpetual merry go round that defines the Circle City that it is.

motorola:
you also have to put in to equation that the pple racing at the track also have to pay. Scribner did this where it cost $15 to spectate and $25 to race. Also if the track was sponsored by some of the local bussineses (ie: the parts stores and repair shops and or car dealers) it could help as well since it would help other businesses and the track with advertising. Its worth a shot whats the worse that could happen.. it gets shot down by the city and the street racing continues and someone gets hurt or loses a LIFE!


Travis:
Since you are looking at stats and saying that the places still have a high percentage of street racing even with a drag strip. Try to look at what the percentage was before the drag stip did the street racing decrease or increase? Also since we live in a smaller town street racing has actually somewhat decreased since ive lived here and i tend to know most of the ppl that do it. I bet street racing would decrease substantialy since this will give the racers an opportunity to show what there cars are made of whether its a focus or a 440 cuda on a TRACK instead of on the STREETS.

Also there is proven evidence that some of the pple that street race are from the east and west coasts and are moving towards the center of the united states where the laws are not as strict and making it easier for them to race and not have to worry about their car being towed and impounded. instead they can just pay a fine and keep their car and move on. So i think if the laws were stricter and we had a track it would force all the smart street racers to take it to the track and keep their cars and keep other ppls live out of danger.

I hear the ups and downs of building a drag strip and think that it has it goods and bads but what about also building a dirt track in the middle of the failing ag park for the dirt bikes and four wheelers. (Need to think bigger to bring money into Columbus)

Do we want to attract that kind of people to Columbus?
How about a really fast cheap commuter rail to Indy?
And to think when these guys grow up they might be satisfied to hit a ball around.

I see nothing wrong with a drag strip in the area. But don't expect the city of Columbus to help out in any way. Nor the Chamber except for collecting membership dues.
Talk to some of the area dirt tracks and you will hear that they are not as profitable as you might think. US 30 is during the week because by Sunday night all the money the racers had was gone.
I have been to Thunder Valley in SD, Kearney raceway and Scribner. They are all far away from populated areas for the noise factor. Where could we build one here?
Good idea but it is a pipedream. The area is too tight pocketed to put out for such things.

As long as its kept affordable for these kids that have the speed addiction or it will just continue on our streets!But i think its a great idea lots of people would come to watch.This could be good revenue for columbus even if its just a little.Everyone is always complaining that there is nothing for kids and i agree so it should have age groups too.We have to create somthing that interests the kids not what us parents want.

To: It could happen;

Don't misunderstand me, I am not against a track, but I am about 99.9% certain the liability alone would prevent a municipality from venturing into something of this nature. That leaves an individual, or individuals to invest. I am not saying it is impossible, just not likely. It would be nice, and I would go, but it is unlikely I would invest large scale. Keep doing the math, make a business model, do your homework, show some comparative data with other 1/4 mile and dirt tracks, and you might see it someday "if" the numbers work out.

You might want to be careful with your "proven evidence" regarding street racing if you don't get a track. If it becomes too much of a problem you can be as sure as the sunrise that an investment will be made to end the illegal activity. You will find many investors in Columbus and Platte County for that. You will never scare or blackmail anyone into conceding to build a track to avoid "trouble" from a bunch little kids who demand to play full-size hot wheels. However, if the illegal activity doesn't stop, you can do a little homework to see how that process works. It's pretty tough to hide a street race. And, you're more likely to find more people that agree with "Oh Sure" than not. No one is going to do it for you. If you want a track build it. But don't make stupid threats about losing a life. If you know you could cause that much damage and still race on the streets, you are not worth the investment. And, you are making a great case for much, much, much more stringent laws and associated fines.

MOTOROLA
i was just adding to what you said earlier not trying to bash what you said. I feel that if there was a track that it would bring down the percentage of someone getting hurt or dieing on the streets. I am looking at it from both sides because there are some people that race on the streets that dont see what the possible dangers are and there are some that do it out on low traffic roads that feel safer that being on a highway or busy street but still have the risk of hurting themselves or the other racer and they are ok with that. I would rather see them on a track just so we all know that if some one gets hurt at least help can be there sooner rather than later.

Also what the "proven evidence" was just an FYI since street racers are starting to show up more and more in the midwest whether we may see it or not. I was just stating if a track was built and laws were stricter then it may keep out of state racers from comming to the places where they think its ok to show up and race.
Sorry if i seemed offensive im not trying to be.

Even as good as a drag strip in Columbus would be (or wouldn't be) I dont think it would be used by those who should really use it. A lot of these racers get an "adrenaline rush" by the thrill of not getting caught. Why should they go to this track and pay to use it, and have mommy and daddy there to "keeo an eye on them" when they can do it for free out on the highway. I live in Southwest Columbus and I can hear the sounds coming from US30. How bad would it be with a drag strip? Why reward bad behavior?

terrible idea

I promise to stop street racing if there is a dragstrip built. Now if everyone who has ever drag raced will say the same thing we might have something here.

To: Catching Up: Shut Up. I bet you are wearing a fanny pack right now Aren't you? Whats wrong with you?

To: Travis: If I just raced everybody at the race track with a pro tree then why would I wanna go out on the streets and do it again? Seriously. Why? I'm not gonna be any faster on the street. And I will already know who can beat me.

Columbus, if we had a race track I wouldn't have to race on the streets. Nobody would. By the way, population is way up so is the number of people on the streets. Has nobody noticed that everyone and their mom has a fast car and wants to race? Lets build this thing NOW!!!! I'm grabbing my shovel. I'll meet ya there!

I have never seen a "smart" street racer. Dahhh!!

Who cares what you promise. Go ahead and keep "street racing" as you call it. Just be prepared to give up your license, big $$ for fines, maybe a few days in the grey bar motel and more big $$ for your insurance when you are finally given the privilage to drive again.

Most of these __________ (fill in the blank) have forgotten that driving is a privalage!!! It is not an assumed activity as many on this board think it is. So all you people that think you can not control yourselves on the streets you need to grow up and get educated!!! Geeeeeeeezzzzz!!! You all think someone else owes you because you can't find anything to do with your spare time. You people live in a strange self centered world because you really think someone would risk their hard earned money up so some of you can spend your measely 2 cents to get a thrill. Dream on!!

The posts on this board are hillarious!!

First I read FREE MY FRIENDS' post, and thought it can't get much worse than that. Then Cue comes along! Seriously guys, if you want to influence opinion, you need to make your posts intelligible.

No Cory, I will not shut up, because I enjoy shoving facts in front of you. It forces you to write about fanny packs! Just to remind you, "if we had a race track I wouldn't have to race on the streets." Guess what Cory? It is called the U.S. 30 Speedway. Now, drop your shovel and head out there!

Why are you guys so mad? If we had a drag strip, we could put a building next to it with counselors in it to help you mad people. Then only happy racing occurs.I myself am a happy racer and it really makes ME mad to know that people are so mad that it makes me mad again. I cant live this way. And then I get mad again.

Cory, the reason people are so mad is because of fools who decide to risk the lives of innocent people by racing on public streets.

Just a question for "drag racer", why would the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) care about the Columbus Airport?

I see that there are alot of pros and cons here. OK where is the nearest drag strip? Looks to me that it would be a good draw. I used to participate at Omaha and the surrounding area back in the day. Most strips fail for other reasons than attendence. There are residual dollars that could be had, concessions, restaurants, motel, and the parts stores would bring in city income. Managed well and it would benefit the community and hold it's own. There could be grants, investments etc. to be had to develop. I would volunteer to work on a committee to raise funds and investments to develop. Don't lay this off on street racing and the kids, that brings up a whole different problem to debate that goes nowhere, just talk. Let the gearheads loose and do something about it instead of running it into the ground. What's that saying? Build it and they will come!!!!

I love how the title is "How about a drag stip in Columbus" and its an all out argument about who's stupid and smart and wht we shouldnt do anything to make Columbus better. This town has'nt Changed for over 15years it still the same except for hyvee moving down the street and menards moving to the other side along with Wal-Mart which runs the town of columbus.

I dont see why everyone that has a negative remark even has a reason to post something just because they dont like the idea. so instead they rather build a BINGO house instead of a race track because its cheaper and less effort to fight for. If you are a person that is all about making your town better as far as being fun and entertainment is something you like than this should be a good idea.

If you are a couch potato and dont go out of the house much how is this going to affect you? Obviously you are still on the couch and your life isnt going to get any better so you might as well keep your comments to your self and stop complaining.

I would rather see Columbus move forward and not just be in the same shape we have been in for the last 10 or more years. Look what we have compared to other cities are size. We have a Water park that overcharges to keep in competition with Grand Island but still ppl will rather spend there money in G.I. I would rather have new attractions wether i like them or not because there are other people besides me that like different things.

Are Firework shows and are county fairs have gone south in the last few years and i always hear peopl from out of the Columbus area say just how boirng and poor looking columbus looks. I think that some of us can only say columbus is a good place to get a job and play golf and watch horse races. Gee thats a lot of fun for all 20,000+ people in this town to have a blast dont you think. OOOhhh wait lets get drunk instead!

Thank You Move Forward!! Nuff talk, who's on board? I will throw in my anty and get the ball rolling. Anyone out there that want to help?

SWEEEEEEEET lets get drunk then....

To
Just do it, and
Move Forward,
I would love to pitch in but as of right now I hardly have a pot to piss in. My job is at 32 hours. A couple hundred bucks is no problem. But the dragstrip costs millions, that kind of money is out of my league. However I'm healthy and dont mind some volunteer work. So when it comes time to do it I'm here to help.

The only thing I'll say on this subject is that if it is such a GREAT IDEA and will BRING IN A LOT OF MONEY then all those in favor of doing this should have an easy time finding investors to put up the money!! But I think we all know that won't have becuase the idea wouldn't even make it out of the pits! Pun intended!!

u gotta be kidding...just what this town needs to go with all the fast food taco joints and check cashing places...Columbus would offically become a red-neck town...

Catching up, Your stats only prove that The tracks actually have to BE OPEN to keep street racing down.

How many street racing deaths are there to date in Kearney NE?

Getting enough finanical backing to fund the building of the strip is only half the problem. The hard part comes in after it is built and requires upkeep. Taxes, insurance, maintenance, and liabilties are just as expensive and need to continue to be paid.

YES!!!!!!!! I would be at the drag strip every weekend!! Then I could keep all the money I spend in Columbus instead of Kearney and Pacific Junction!!!

When I was growing up in the 60's in Columbus, drag racing was almost an every weekend event with a bunch of kids lined up on each side of some dark paved road. Wouldn't it be great if there was a place where the kids could go and actually compete against one another that was safe and most of all legal. I think if there was a track in Columbus, it would ease the street racing issues to a degree but there will always be that desire to "get your foot into it" on the street.

Let's cater to the street racers...they are doing something illegal- so they are saying "if we had a drag strip, we wouldn't have to use the streets" Why dont we provide someplace for all the minors to drink "legally" while we are at it? Afterall what they are doing is illegal as well so maybe they need a place to drink- so they wouldn't have to be "illegal". All we ever do is cater to all the illegal activities. We kiss the illegal foreigners with free health care and food stamps- so yeah- let's get a drag strip...so we can all hang out and smoke our dope.... What a bunch of crap....

While we are at it..Lets build a building for all the drug dealers to sell drugs cause thats there addiction and lets build a building for everyone to go smoke pot cause thats there addiction and lets build a road just for all the drunks to drive on when they get behind the wheel cause thats there addiction. AND HEY while we are doing all of this-LETS set up a building that has computers so perverts can go look at little children on the computer cause thats there addction!!! I say you all get some help and obey the laws and then there isnt a problem at all!!! Seriously this is stupid!!

ok i have seen lots of arguments about this drag strip everyone has good points about the situation and you can call me a street racer because ive raced down the city streets before i know if there was a drag strip id go race on that and i know several people that would go race and watch the races too but enough of that its not all about the street racing its also would be a family activity and a learning experience for young and old it would keep alot of the street racers out there off the streets and with the falling economy it would help us out it would add to jobs out there by having concession stands live bands security and an auto body mechanic and a good place to put it would be the columbus airport scribner was put on an old airstrip and it helped scribners economy they had record turnouts every year various tv and sports networks it would definetly help the city by power and progress

Look at this in real terms. It won't stop street racing, It won't cure drug traffic, it won't stop gangs from gaurding their trailer court mailbox turf,it's not going to stop the pervs, and it won't cure cancer, but it will bring a good portion of the community together for fun and recreation, heck, in a perfect world it may even bring a family together for a pleasant outing. There is alot of preliminary work to be done before an argument can be made if it is viable. Statistics to be gathered, phne calls, letters, and a plan, before looking into the monetary issues. There are grants, matching funds, investors, all available for this sort of thing. We would be looking at 2 to 3 years down the road before this could be a realism. So, instead of talking the opportunity into the toilet, let's see if this is a possibility, what could it hurt? I have started inquiries and will gather as much info as I can. The mentality of the naysayers will be difficult to overcome. I'm not going to say this is the answer to all of Columbus problems. Without information to back up an argument, the argument is pure ignorance. Involve the youth of our community in the process of improving the community. Who are we to say what our youth will involve themselves in? I have kids. One of my many concerns are that once they are on their own they have nothing to hold them here. Make all our youth proud to be from this area. DO SOMETHING!!! Just don't sit back and complain about what others who's interest may not be the same as yours dictate how you live your life. I read these blogs quite a bit and am amused at the the passion that some posts have on issues and then they just die off and you never hear anything about it again. Let's not just let this die without info to justify one way or the other. I am passionate about cars, I will do as much as possible to find out as much info as I can, call if you want to be involved. You can reach me at 270-0782.

Absolutely you should, then you should make a movie, because it's the only theme of movies that I can get work in. You could pitch Lakeview v. Scotus v. CHS in a cross town, gang-related drag race showdown. One hangs out at Burger King, one at Wendy's, the other's at Runza (we'll call them the OUTSIDERS, let Lakeview do it.)

Then I can be the wise OG who tries to impart knowledge on everyone before having a change of heart and then, just as the top two cars are about to race, I stop the race and give everyone a speech for the moral of the story and.....scene.

If we get a track that is NHRA certified do you realize how many hundreds of thousands of dollars a weekend event will bring to town? All the people who laugh at Columbus being the city of power and progress are the same people holding the city back! Just immagine wacthing drag races on espn from Columbus Nebraska!!!

IF YOU BUILD IT THEY WILL COME!!!

You go get the loan, we'll help you build it. Should be pretty easy right?

NO EXCUSES, JUST DO IT!

Who are we kidding & For Real...:
You are comparing apples to Oranges! if you supply a place for minors,drug dealers,and drunk drivers a place to do things its still ILLEGAL ACTIVITY they are still minors,drug dealers, and drunk drivers you are not making it leagal by any means. so how does that make any sense?

If you supply street racers with a track so they are off the streets than its perfectly legal since they are not on the streets doing ILLEGAL ACTIVITY.

Yes this will cost a ton of money but if theres enough support it could be done. since most of Columbus is against bettering their community and being the way it has been for many years of course this will never work out!

Would be Cool to have a drag strip. But it would not stop the Street racing. The only thing that kept me from street racing was fear that my Dad would beat me to death. 1/2 of the problem is their parents have no control of their kids. Also most kids would not drag race because they have no money. Its free to street race and they will stay there.

Wow, there are some real geniuses here arguing both sides. I'm definitely no Einstein but at least I can speak coherently. Columbus would absolutely gain revenue from a local drag strip, whether the municipality was invested in it or not. The restaurants, hotels, gas stations, etc, would all gain additional business. For all of you arguing that this is the solution to street racing, I don't know if that is accurate. Personally, I would love to have a drag strip to race at, whether there is a street racing problem or not. In my OPINION, most of the people street racing would not do it on the street, but go to the strip instead. I know for a fact I would go to the track instead of the surrounding highways. But that's my statement, I can't speak for others who race illegally. I've been to Scribner, I've been to Kearney, I've been to Gleenwood (which is only 1/8 mile), and had an awesome time. I would definitely support a local track and I know dozens of people who would do the same throughout the season, not just once or twice a summer.
Is there open land next to hiway 30 to build something like this? I think west on 81 would be decent too. We would have to consider the noise factor.

One more thing, to your fast and furious comment, "Are you really that naive to believe street racing didn't exist anyplace until that movie came out?" There is no way you could be that dense. Have you seen American Graffiti? Nobody street raced before that movie either.

So many people wanting a drag strip to miraculously appear, and only Just Do It comes forward to try to organize it. You street racers who are just dying to be responsible citizens, need to get on it. Maybe you should get with U.S. 30 Speedway about this. You know, that nearby racetrack that you so conveniently don't bring up. Quit trying to get the government to do it for you. It will be a very long wait.

YES, to answer your question, I have no idea what is going on in Kearney. Most states have not given street racing its own statistics, and I believe Nebraska is one of them. Street races are just speeding and careless driving, and fatalities are just motor vehicle fatalities. Evo Street Racers is a group that is trying to change that, so the activity can be more easily tracked.

As for your point about the tracks needing to be open, I have no idea what you are saying. The stats are clear; there is an enormous amount of street racing going on, with or without drag strips.

I race in mostly in Kearney and would like it if there was a track closer. Kearney has pretty strict rules about street racing and cars are impounded when the racers are caught. Last summer at Cruise Night they had a open street type racing at the track with anyone welcome. There were probably about two hundred cars that participated, not counting the cars that were there for the points racng that weekend. I believe they had a per car charge of 15 or 20 dollars to enter. When Scribner was open they had Friday night racing that was open to everyone and they always had a good turnout. Norfolk has supervised open racing a few times a summer and block off a street and people race there for a minimal fee. I don't know if that is run by the city or since it is on a private area if it is privately run.
If the Columbus area could build a track those who race on the street would have somewhere to go and if fines/punishments were steep enough for racing on the streets it might get people to do it on the track instead.
Kearney's track has shareowners for part of the money it takes to run it and sponsors from the area that provide funding for the track.
Let's have those kids that think they have a fast car take it to a track and find out how fast it really is!!

Just do it seems like one of the only people here thats ready to take this past the point of argueing, too many people sit on these blogs and just argue and argue and nothing gets done. Come on people, band together, if you are for this, call just do it, i know i am, they put their number on here. Im more than happy to try to get this ball rolling and volunteer my time for this effort. To the person named: to JUST DO IT, you are one of the people holding this town back from being a entertaining town with shooting down every opportunity that shows up to give Columbus a chance. Its more than obvious that having JUST DO IT take out a loan isn't going to work, its going to take investors, and I believe there are more than enough people that would love to invest in such a thing for columbus. Not to mention the revenue it will bring in for so many businesses in columbus. LETS DO THIS AND GIVE COLUMBUS SOMETHING TO BE PROUD OF!

As I said, back in the day I raced Omaha, Souix Falls, KC, Denver and had the unique pleasure to race Pamona. I am waiting for literature from NHRA and IHRA. Both have plans and are a wealth of info on what needs to be done as far as startup and financing and maintenence over the life of a track. Getting involvement with U.S 30 is premature at this point but needs to be included. As far as government - no, there probably isn't much help but that is still to be looked into. There are corporate matching funds for sponsorships in the auto parts industry to be looked at. Securing funding for long term is an uphill battle. The way I look at it, nothing ventured, nothing gained. I myself am a newbie to the community, approx. 4 yrs. I have lived alot of places and all have the same problems, some better, some worse. I hope to have rooted here so I am going to move with gathering info on this issue. Who knows I may learn something! The residual income from ANY type of venture such as this can reach out to not only Columbus but surrounding communities. I will just be quiet here on out, until I have something concrete, because I could argue subjects like this forever, I have so many opinions, LOL!

TO 66 NOVA....NO I KNOW THAT STREET RACIN HAS BEEN GOIN ON FOR QUITE SOME TIME NOW ALL I SAID IS THAT SINCE THE NEW MOVIE AIRED THERE HAS BEEN ALOT OF DISCUSSION ON THE SUBJECT LIKE IF THE NEW MOVIE GOT THEM IN THE MOOD TO WANT TO GET A DRAG STRIP IN TOWN....THATS DUMB TO ME WHY WOULD YOU WANNA HAVE A DEATH TRAP SET FOR THESE RACERS....THATS IS WAY TOO BIG OF A LIABILITY TO THIS TOWN....DOUBT IT WE WILL GET IT IF ANYTHING I BET WE WILL GET ANOTHER BAR BEFORE WE GET A DRAG STRIP. HAHA BUT GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU THAT WANT THE DRAG STRIP

I must have misunderstood. So, this has nothing to do with the city council being in drag?

oh my!!! This drag strip idea is something that would draw people to Columbus. I have went to Denver the last 4 years to drag races there. It would be nice to have something closer to home. Everything takes time (along with this) we can not expect it to happen overnight. With all of the people complaining it might. I think we all have said.."There is nothing to do in this town. We are so bored." WELL HERE WE GO...HERE IS AN OPTION FOR SOMETHING TO DO!! Putting in a drag strip is not going to solve the street racing problem....those are 2 completely different cases. Street racing needs to be addressed. People of Columbus and surrounding communitities should get together and get information on this. I would be one that would VOLUNTEEER some time to help get things going. I think we need something like this here in town.

As for costs, they have money that is available for things like this. it just takes a little research and time to get it completed.

I bet you that most of you commenting have went through town at a speed over the speed limit. We all drive fast and "race" at different times. If you think this is a problem become a cop and see what you can do to change it.
We can all sit here and complain and point fingers at different people or things happening but that is not going to change anything. Actually getting out there and doing something for once

Well said Just Do It. I doubt you will get much help from the irresponsible street racers, but the area is filled with good citizens involved in racing. And hopefully some of your common sense will rub off on people like Ganskow. Best of luck!

I look for this blog to end real soon. For you that want to be involved or want to follow the progress, I have created an e-mail and will follow up with a web site to keep you informed. Send me your e-mail address and I will forward the web site to you when I get it up and running within the next week or so. I will not spam or send any unnecessary mailings. I don't have the time or ambition to do that. Send your email to movingforward68601@hotmail.com

It would be an awesome idea because anymore there is nothing for kids to do and thats why the kids come home with huge speeding tickets. Why not give them the competetive sport to have fun with, and stay out of trouble. At least with that, parents would know where their children were at and wouldn't have to worry about them as much.

To all you people that are complaining about this..most of the time..the racing isn't even in city limits..they go out of town. Maybe this way we wouldn't have to waste so much gas money tryin to find somewhere to race and without trying it how would any of you know it is a bad idea.

Catching Up...

If you like to google statistics and perhaps these may have been important to review.

California - 13 strips is 1 per 2.8 million people. 188 deaths in 5 years due to street racing seems pretty bad until you consider that that is roughly 36 out of 36.5 million people a year. In that same 5 years there were over 21,500 total traffic related deaths so that 188 deats is only .87% of those. Less than 1% doesn't sound too bad. 6000 guilty pleas equates to roughly .016% of the total population if none were repeat offenders.

Texas - 26 strips is 1 per 900,00 people. One third of high school students admit to drag racing huh? I wonder how much that statistic has changed in the last 50 years? The only difference is in the past they were smart enough to go to a secluded spot outside of town. 128 fatalities in 5 years out of 17,950 total traffic fatalities is about .71%.

All in all I would say you endanger people more by talking on your cell phone or changing your CD than drag racing between the stop lights.

To Move Forward: Yes I know that it is illegal for a minor to drink anywhere and a drink driver is a drunk driver no matter where they drive. The point I was trying to make is that street racing is illegal and these "racers" said they would quit street racing if we build them a drag strip. Not in those exact words- but you get the point. Why oh why would we want to cave in to those "ultimatives" Street racing is illegal- so quit doing it. Why would anyone want to pay to see a couple of crappy foreign cars race at a drag strip or anywhere?? The only form of entertainment that would provide be comic! Come on people!! Really?

I think its a great idea and racers will go there as long as it dont get to expensive to race. I seen people do it on the streets and may have done it a time or two. sence scribner shut down there ant anywhere to relly do it around here. The people that dont feel safe doing it just dont go if u get on the track u know what the risks are and if u put ur foot to the floor on the track you no what could happen. I went to denver once every minute of it was an experience that everyone should try been to one in kansas another good time. Look at it this way its beter to have people racing on the track cause theres first aid there quick and on the streets it takes a cupple minutes for help. So people can have there statistics of recks cause yea it gonna happen but it happens everywhere. IM ALL IN FOR A TRACK HERE!!!!!

first its a drag strip then when the fun wears off what will be next if you lived in columbus for the last 25 years we have had many "pool" halls look around they are not here, why? because its all just afaze in a few years it will something else im not for or against this racing strip if it would ease the minds of all the parents and racers

Oh God, I was commenting on some of the questions at the top of this page: How about a drag strip for Columbus? Good idea? Where? Costs? Would it ease the street racing issues?

The question you address, was never asked; is street racing a serious threat? However, you have proved that building a drag strip is even more wasted effort than I stated. God, thank you for your concern on this matter.

If it turns out anything like the "skate park" it will be a shotty road w/ potholes galore....That was a great idea, but kept getting shut down! Now all are youth are left with is a ramp and a rail. Why not finish a project B4 starting a new one? If the skate park is considered finished, thats sad and unfair to open a drag strip that will cost much more than a half pipe......

wow! you sit there and bash on that poor kid that got arrested not that long ago and now you have to ignore the idea of getting a drag strip? it would help. would you rather have these kids running around and street racing in town or would you rather have them in a controlled environment? its up to you, but i would rather have it done in a controlled environment. its safe which is what you all wanted. i think it would be a good thing to bring to columbus!!

street racing has been around before most of us were born, id say a strip would be nice, illegal street racing is here to stay and is growing by the day, to prevent future accidents such as death, you can do one of two things, stop illegal street racing or build a strip, which will be easier,if a strip was built id say you would prevent atleast 50% of illegal street racing, and i wouldnt see why nobody wouldnt take those odds