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Street Outlaws participants face NHRA License ban…
February 18, 2015
…it seems the NHRA isn’t a fan of the hugely popular Street Outlawas on Discovery Channel.
Apparently several participants that either currently have NHRA licenses, or those that have applied for a license, will be denied, or have their license indefinitely suspended for either participating in the show, or inquiring about being on the show. The NHRA says such street racing puts “participants, spectators, the unknowing public, and first responders – at great risk,” according to a document from the NHRA.
The NHRA writes, “The NHRA was founded in 1951 by Wally Parks in an effort to provide an alternative for drag racing enthusiasts who were, at that time, racing illegally on public streets.” That original thought remains one of NHRA’s primary missions, to provide a safe place for people to drag race. The NHRA adds that the show Street Outlaws goes against that premise.
In short, the NHRA stands strongly against any kind of illegal street racing, whether staged, or if two cars happen to be at the same stop light. Not only that; but also the promotion of street racing like what takes place on the show.
The NHRA cites illegal street racing goes against its Section 1.3.1, Participant Conduct within the 2015 NHRA Rulebook. And as mentioned above, one’s NHRA license may be indefinitely suspended if a member is found to be participating in illegal street racing. This is no doubt, a strong stance by the NHRA, but it feels the safest place to drag race is at an NHRA-sanctioned track with the proper safety gear and personnel on hand to handle incidents they’re trained to address.
Show stars Mike Murillo and Jon Andrade Jr. have already confirmed their letters via Facebook.
Another common theme is that “everyone knows” that the show has streets closed, police involved, lighting, safety, and other measures in place to protect the participants and crew but we’re not sure that it is ever directly stated on the show where a viewer could see it. If that is the case this may be a statement by the NHRA along the lines of, “If you tell me it is real, I am going to believe you.”
With regard to the NHRA, the organization was founded on the tenant of recognizing hot rodders and taking their activities off the public roads and onto closed courses. On the side of the show there can be a very valid argument made that the popularity of what they are doing has inspired tracks across the country to adopt programs to get these style cars to events and participating where they may not have previously.
The one thing that will be interesting is that last line because the season has been shot, the episodes are in the can, and what happens when those shows air, even after these letters have been received? Do the licenses get pulled? Do people get a pass until next season? Time will certainly tell but this one is by no means over right now. There are familiar racers who fall into this as well. Tina Jones Pierce, Jeff Lutz, and other drag week competitors have been sent the letters … should be interesting as this develops…
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And people saying I just bought this big buck motor hope I can pay my bills makes me laugh. While I have no luv for the money grubbing NHRA, current and recent past decision makers, where were they when local sanctioned track were being shut down due to housing booms? I just think its funny now they are worried when someone else seems to be making money from drag racing. And yes I know its not safe and illegal. Ok I’ll get off my soapbox now 