[AndyJ]

Got this in email today regarding the Texas Mile which is a standing mile event. Your opinions?

"The role cage rule has been modified. Certain years
of a few makes and models of production vehicles will
be allowed to run with a 4 point roll hoop and other
safety gear. SPECIFICS to these rules can be found on
TexasMile.com by Thursday, March 8, 2007.

An additional acknowledgement/ responsibility/ waiver of
liability will be required for all participants to
sign. Furthermore, driver's must submit for approval
in advance of the event to compete under these new
rules.

SPECIFICS can be found under WILD WEST STREET CAR
SHOOT OUT on the TexasMile.com web site by Thursday,
March 8, 2007.

You have been asking for us to reconsider this rule
for the newer production cars that are built from
the factory and advertised by the manufacturers for
higher speeds. In addition, there have been magazines
that have done their own shoot-outs that are allowing
for the higher speeds. We have been listening.

NOTE: Anyone who exceeds 190 mph without meeting all
the requirements that will be posted on the web
site, will no longer be allowed to run that weekend.

CALL us for further information and for final
approval if you plan on exceeding speeds of 190 mph."

[AndyJ]

I was reluctant to speak out and influence the initial replies. The location for this race is 20 miles from Goliad,TX -- it is REMOTE. At least one hour from the closest Trauma Center. I was there for the fall event and the Tech Level was unsettling. The tech guy asked me if the car would do over 175 in the mile and when I said No-- tech was a joke. He couldn't find the date tag on the belts and after a full 3 seconds of looking he just gave up. When I asked if he wanted me to pop the hood, he said -- If you want to.

I was overdressed with a single layer fire suit, gloves, shoes and neckbrace. I watched a Corvette burn and even though the Safety crew responded ASAP, the driver was still in the car and had to be removed by the Safety crew. What happens if you flip at 170mph with no roll bar? Or 190mph? Christ, they didn't even look at my tires! I felt safe. I had gone faster than normal before and I trusted my equipment. Some of the street racer types I saw there were clueless.

To me, this is a clear indication marketing has overruled better reason and the Almighty Dollar is ruling-- not safety. Marketing--pure marketing. I will not be back.