[diverdan]

Serious street race in Chatsworth gone bad. Big bucks cars race for substantial bets. These guys are serious and run a quick efficient program. I love the noise, the enthusiasm, the cars, and technology. It's run on wide no traffic streets, but it is totally illegal with inadequate safety. Just this week two have died. Another is in the hospital and the young driver's life is ruined. Police have his reportedly $100,000 Mustang impounded and he will certainly do time in prison if he is caught. His other option is a life on the run. Culpability runs beyond him and would extend to all actively involved.

We've lost a valued Porsche friend in a nearby canyon. Both accidents involved loss of control by the driver. How the 993 slid off the cliff, I don't know. The Mustang's brute power totally overcame big drag slicks resulting in a spin out shortly after launch, almost taking the Nissan GTR out. The driver of the 'stang was able to run away, but the pedestrians weren't so lucky and paid the ultimate price.

Were the vehicles unsafe? Obviously the Ford's power overwhelmed the tires and chassis when engaged in the race. The 993 was overdriven either by its adhesion or the driver's ability. I don't know.

What is our responsibility as drivers of high performance vehicles in regard to our equipment, ability, and venue? As a fan of spirited driving, compared to these two events, I am way far away from challenging the ultimate limits. But certainly spirited driving could be beyond legal and yet less dangerous than the average driver who is under the legal guidelines.

I feel the gravity of the incidents. Races and ego will happen............We can't stop it, but how do we moderate?