Read this nonsense...someone wants to tax sanctioned racing

Neon18 wrote: My 1% tax "proposal" was an idea that came out of 3 tries to get this street- racing bill passed. The writer of this article thought that my idea had some merit, or he wouldn't have written it. The Louis Ortega street racing bill was a huge effort and since it was a bill of compromise, it is just a starting point. The street racing language was found to be unconstitutional in 2007 and it was rewritten, from 5 lines to one full page of legal language. The fines and penalties were just added AND since there is little support for the Policing of illegal street racing, the new track in Orlando is supposed to help keep the kids off the street. I am doubtful that kids who have the urge to race will wait until Friday night. Legalizing Street Racing is just a placator, since the economy is down, the street racing deaths are also down...less money for gas, insurance etc. Being Angry about the loss of my daughter's life is my burden and certainly I would never wish this on anyone. The professional racing undustry is very happy to include kids under 18 in their garages and in their circle. The "ladder systems " for professional racing need to reach out to the kids who are on the sidelines. looking in to what is not in reach for them. And ALSO teach the concept of Graduated Drivers Lisencing. The Pro RAcing promoters love to brag how their kids "Have permission to race, but not lisenced to drive." ..we have all heard this. All of these kids go to school and have friends ; Racecar drivers are not specialists in Child Psychology. Most of them barely have a high school education and should not be in charge of regulating anything but their cars. When you include kids in the program, MORE is expected not less. Race car professionals are not an excluded class for child protection. Considering that most 18 year olds are just beginning to maneuver around their world and they are just learning how to drive on the highways of life, the professionals should advocate Graduated Drivers Lisencing for kids and stop bragging about how their drivers have "permission" to race etc. Skill and Judgement are very different. Skill is learned and judgement is aquired by lifetime experience. When my daughter was killed by "Vehicular Homicide" the first (now annual) Honda Grand Prix race was happening that Saturday morning in St, Petersburgh. The racing promoters who are selling Honda Civics (transportation vehicle) to their friends and family at the racing venues are NOT driving Honda transportation vehicles themselves. They drive Lamborghinis, Ferrari, BMW's, and Mercedes, that can hold the road, pushing to pass at 95 mph. Selling Hondas to kids and racing Honda Motors on the race track should require some regulations- The person who wrote the article in the Sentinel obviously thought the idea of a 1% surcharge for professional racing tickets and SEMA after-market gear was a viable suggestion or the editor on chief would not have printed it. Why should education and the law regarding street racing be the burden for the victim's family when the professional racing community wants the market share of our kids 18-21? In our case, History repeated itself because the young man's Uncle did the same thing when he was 20. Some "accidents" can be prevented and history will continue to repeat itself if nothing changes. Considering the boy "grew up with them" and everyone in the family was aware of the dreams and aspirations of being a PRO Racing Business Manager, I would expect much more than "oh he has driven all kinds of vehicles" and excuses!The assumption that skill and judgement are the same is a problem for kids, obviously. When my daughter buckled her seatbelt, she wasn't signing up for an Indy 500 practice session AND the co-instigator of this 3 car head on collision drove away without a ticket or a warning. Just another Blow-bye in Orlando. The street racing incident that killed my daughter was MORE violent than any of the crashes that I have seen on the track at Indy.. Of course when Doug Herbet's kids went out were killed violently by reckless driving and he developed B.R.A.K.E.S a month later, the pro's are all so full of sorrow and sipport. "Sorry for your loss" is a very shallow expression in the world of American Professional Autosports for the civilian, Florida- taxpayer. One year later, a young man from BCC also was killed in the exact spot. A pro-golfer was another statistic, and so the dead victims of illegal street racing need a voice and an advocate. Neon18 was formed for that purpose. If children are going to be involved in professional autosports, please include the PSA regarding Graduated Drivers Licensing. Our children are our most valuable resource. Also, Neon18 is trademarked and officially registered in Florida so do not post false statements- SPEED KILLS.

You are seriously out of your mind. This is so far from reality, I don't honestly know how to begin to argue with it.

If Neon18 actually exists as an organization, I can only assume this "Neon18" is out to troll the internet and make them look stupid.

To Neon18, if you are who you say you are (I hope not) and want to help save teenagers, I suggest you form a group to to educate willfully ignorant and irresponsible mothers. Sanctioned racing had nothing to do with your daughter's death. The proximate cause was poor judgement on the part of some teenagers, as well as their parents. It would make much, much more sense to tax families with children, or teenage drivers as part of your misguided crusade.

There are professionals who could help the racing industry. Children's Hospital Of Pennsylvania- teendriversource.org

Since the racing Industry is actively evolving our kids, they could support safe driving initiatives. Lets hear about the broken backs, the broken bones, the premature death AND all of the heart-brake that comes with professional autoracing.

Since the legal age for gambeling is 21 in las Vegas and there is alot of gambeling in autoracing, maybe the legal age for professional auto racing should also be 21. The winner of the Sonoma Grand Prix should be old enough to drink the wine at the finish line..

Neon18 wrote: There are professionals who could help the racing industry. Children's Hospital Of Pennsylvania- teendriversource.org Since the racing Industry is actively evolving our kids, they could support safe driving initiatives. Lets hear about the broken backs, the broken bones, the premature death AND all of the heart-brake that comes with professional autoracing. Since the legal age for gambeling is 21 in las Vegas and there is alot of gambeling in autoracing, maybe the legal age for professional auto racing should also be 21. The winner of the Sonoma Grand Prix should be old enough to drink the wine at the finish line..

I honestly don't understand your fixation on profesional auto racing. It has nothing to do with your situation, and kills very few people annually. Quite frankly, not that many people even participate in motorsport. If your goal is simply to fund better drivers education for teens, it would make sense to look for funding elsewhere. Perhaps a drivers license for someone under 21 should cost a lot more to cover the desired programs. Why should the the funding for teen driving programs come from somewhere other thna driving teens? Frankly, your position makes no sense.

My "misguided" crusade is to translate road safety to the street AND to get some help from the people who are profiting from SPEED at the expence of our kids. The professional auto racing industry loves the kid's cash, so let them make a contribution when they are visiting, just like the tourist tax. which is 13%.

After all. "If you are in control, you are driving to slow."

Neon18 wrote: After all. "If you are in control, you are driving to slow."

Um, what? You are either mentally unsound, or a veteran troll.

Neon18 wrote: My "misguided" crusade is to translate road safety to the street AND to get some help from the people who are profiting from SPEED at the expence of our kids. The professional auto racing industry loves the kid's cash,

I think you are confusing "professional auto racing industry" with the makers of "Grand Theft Auto" and the "Fast and Furious" franchises.

Excuse me...misquoted "If everything's under control, you're going too slow."-

You know, if all stop replying, the troll might just go away.

If children are included, More regulation AND taxation is needed (Not less).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Racecar_drivers_killed_while_racin

Category:Racecar drivers killed while racing From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia This is a category for race car drivers who were killed while driving a race car, either in competition or during testing. List of racing drivers who died in racing crashes Category:Motorcycle racers killed while racing List of deaths by motorcycle accidents List of people who died in road accidents List of fatal accidents in motorboat racing List of Formula One fatal accidents List of NASCAR fatal accidents Category:Motorboat racers killed while racing Pages in category "Racecar drivers killed while racing" The following 197 pages are in this category, out of 329 total. ..Too long to list-

If kids are going to be encouraged by professional racing teams and they want to openly advertise for their buying power and market share, the "profesionals" are automatically included stakeholders in the safe driving message. Ray LaHood; Sec. of Transportation would agree!

In reply to tuna55:

Very typical and such a cowardly response to a very serious problem. Children and racing do not mix well and children should be excluded from the equation. The legacy of professional racing is not a road of glory. Don't include kids!

uhhhhh

Just FYI: Here is the new law: Very proud that it finally it passed.
3 tries but it funally passed last week!
April 30, 2010

Florida Senate - 2010 CS for SB 768

 By the Committee on Judiciary; and Senator Constantine




   590-03773-10                                           2010768c1
1                        A bill to be entitled                      
2         An act relating to street racing; creating the “Luis
3         Rivera Ortega Street Racing Act”; amending s. 316.191,
4         F.S.; revising penalties for violating provisions
5         prohibiting certain speed competitions and
6         exhibitions; providing an effective date.
7  
8  Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
9

10 Section 1. This act may be cited as the “Luis Rivera Ortega 11 Street Racing Act.” 12 Section 2. Section 316.191, Florida Statutes, is amended to 13 read: 14 316.191 Racing on highways.— 15 (1) As used in this section, the term: 16 (a) “Conviction” means a determination of guilt that is the 17 result of a plea or trial, regardless of whether adjudication is 18 withheld. 19 (b) “Drag race” means the operation of two or more motor 20 vehicles from a point side by side at accelerating speeds in a 21 competitive attempt to outdistance each other, or the operation 22 of one or more motor vehicles over a common selected course, 23 from the same point to the same point, for the purpose of 24 comparing the relative speeds or power of acceleration of such 25 motor vehicle or motor vehicles within a certain distance or 26 time limit. 27 (c) “Race” means the use of one or more motor vehicles in 28 competition, arising from a challenge to demonstrate superiority 29 of a motor vehicle or driver and the acceptance or competitive 30 response to that challenge, either through a prior arrangement 31 or in immediate response, in which the competitor attempts to 32 outgain or outdistance another motor vehicle, to prevent another 33 motor vehicle from passing, to arrive at a given destination 34 ahead of another motor vehicle or motor vehicles, or to test the 35 physical stamina or endurance of drivers over long-distance 36 driving routes. A race may be prearranged or may occur through a 37 competitive response to conduct on the part of one or more 38 drivers which, under the totality of the circumstances, can 39 reasonably be interpreted as a challenge to race. 40 (d) “Spectator” means any person who is knowingly present 41 at and views a drag race, when such presence is the result of an 42 affirmative choice to attend or participate in the race. For 43 purposes of determining whether or not an individual is a 44 spectator, finders of fact shall consider the relationship 45 between the racer and the individual, evidence of gambling or 46 betting on the outcome of the race, and any other factor that 47 would tend to show knowing attendance or participation. 48 (2)(a) A person may not: 49 (a)1. Drive any motor vehicle, including any motorcycle, in 50 any race, speed competition or contest, drag race or 51 acceleration contest, test of physical endurance, or exhibition 52 of speed or acceleration or for the purpose of making a speed 53 record on any highway, roadway, or parking lot; 54 (b)2. In any manner participate in, coordinate, facilitate, 55 or collect moneys at any location for any such race, 56 competition, contest, test, or exhibition; 57 (c)3. Knowingly ride as a passenger in any such race, 58 competition, contest, test, or exhibition; or 59 (d)4. Purposefully cause the movement of traffic to slow or 60 stop for any such race, competition, contest, test, or 61 exhibition. 62 (3)(a) Any person who violates subsection (2) any provision 63 of this paragraph commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, 64 punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. Any person 65 who violates subsection (2) any provision of this paragraph 66 shall pay a fine of not less than $500 and not more than $1,000, 67 and the department shall revoke the driver license of a person 68 so convicted for 1 year. A hearing may be requested pursuant to 69 s. 322.271. 70 (b) Any person who commits a second violation of subsection 71 (2) violates paragraph (a) within 5 years after the date of a 72 prior violation that resulted in a conviction for a violation of 73 subsection (2) this subsection commits a misdemeanor of the 74 first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 75 775.083, and shall pay a fine of not less than $1,000 $500 and 76 not more than $3,000 $1,000. The department shall also revoke 77 the driver license of that person for 2 years. A hearing may be 78 requested pursuant to s. 322.271. 79 (c) Any person who commits a third or subsequent violation 80 of subsection (2) within 5 years after the date of a prior 81 violation that resulted in a conviction for a violation of 82 subsection (2) commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, 83 punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083, and shall 84 pay a fine of not less than $2,000 and not more than $5,000. The 85 department shall also revoke the driver license of that person 86 for 4 years. A hearing may be requested pursuant to s. 322.271. 87 (d)(c) In any case charging a violation of subsection (2) 88 paragraph (a), the court shall be provided a copy of the driving 89 record of the person charged and may obtain any records from any 90 other source to determine if one or more prior convictions of 91 the person for a violation of subsection (2) paragraph (a) have 92 occurred within 5 years prior to the charged offense. 93 (4)(3)(a) A person may not be a spectator at any drag race 94 prohibited under subsection (2). 95 (b) A person who violates the provisions of paragraph (a) 96 commits a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a moving 97 violation as provided in chapter 318. 98 (5)(4) Whenever a law enforcement officer determines that a 99 person was engaged in a drag race or race, as described in 100 subsection (1), the officer may immediately arrest and take such 101 person into custody. The court may enter an order of impoundment 102 or immobilization as a condition of incarceration or probation. 103 Within 7 business days after the date the court issues the order 104 of impoundment or immobilization, the clerk of the court must 105 send notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the 106 registered owner of the motor vehicle, if the registered owner 107 is a person other than the defendant, and to each person of 108 record claiming a lien against the motor vehicle. 109 (a) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, 110 the impounding agency shall release a motor vehicle under the 111 conditions provided in s. 316.193(6)(e), (f), (g), and (h), if 112 the owner or agent presents a valid driver license at the time 113 of pickup of the motor vehicle. 114 (b) All costs and fees for the impoundment or 115 immobilization, including the cost of notification, must be paid 116 by the owner of the motor vehicle or, if the motor vehicle is 117 leased or rented, by the person leasing or renting the motor 118 vehicle, unless the impoundment or immobilization order is 119 dismissed. All provisions of s. 713.78 shall apply. 120 (c) Any motor vehicle used in violation of subsection (2) 121 may be impounded for a period of 30 business days if a law 122 enforcement officer has arrested and taken a person into custody 123 pursuant to this subsection and the person being arrested is the 124 registered owner or coowner of the motor vehicle. If the 125 arresting officer finds that the criteria of this paragraph are 126 met, the officer may immediately impound the motor vehicle. The 127 law enforcement officer shall notify the Department of Highway 128 Safety and Motor Vehicles of any impoundment for violation of 129 this subsection in accordance with procedures established by the 130 department. The provisions of Paragraphs (a) and (b) shall be 131 applicable to such impoundment. 132 (6)(5) Any motor vehicle used in violation of subsection 133 (2) by any person within 5 years after the date of a prior 134 conviction of that person for a violation under subsection (2) 135 may be seized and forfeited as provided by the Florida 136 Contraband Forfeiture Act. This subsection shall only be 137 applicable if the owner of the motor vehicle is the person 138 charged with violating violation of subsection (2). 139 (7)(6) This section does not apply to licensed or duly 140 authorized racetracks, drag strips, or other designated areas 141 set aside by proper authorities for such purposes. 142 Section 3. This act shall take effect October 1, 2010

Just remember "The hand that rocks the Cradle Rules the World"

Many thanks to MARSCFL (Mothers Against Racing on the Street,). Do not underestimate the power of one-

RIP All Children who have died on the street from SPEED and Reckless Driving. No Excuses!

 This section does not apply to licensed or duly 140 authorized racetracks, drag strips, or other designated areas 141 set aside by proper authorities for such purposes. 142 Section 3. This act shall take effect October 1, 2010

So this bill punishes street racers, and does NOT tax legitimate racing facilties?

FTW !!

Just another case of blaming as many other people as possible. You know, if we make everything illegal, we can't POSSIBLY get hurt.

I know I, for one, cherish the notion that the best possible thing, the most laudable gaol that I could achieve as a human being would be to arrive at the grave without ever having hurt myself in any way whatsoever. I'm sure my disintegrating bones and rotting flesh would be comforted by the fact that they had never once been broken or scarred.

tuna55 wrote: You know, if all stop replying, the troll might just go away.

It sounds like Neon18's mind is decided at the moment. I doubt any more online debate is going to do anything other than make people angry. That is not going to heal the pain of the losing a child or lead to productive discussions of things that can make the future better for teenage drivers. Much of the passion is being directed at us is driven by grief and trying to make sense of a child's death. This is not a state in which logic and calm will necessarily persuade. Some of what is being stated may be factually false, misdirected or unfair. If you feel compelled to respond, please continue to show compassion. Nothing we say here is can undue a death. Patience and kindness can go a long way toward to helping the healing process. If not for her, for other parents in similar situations that may be listening.

Wally wrote: I think everyone should be trained like we do it at my job. You get 10 days of driving school, 8hr a day and three road tests. Every two years another road and written test. Not the Mickey Mouse DMV test either, the road tests go about an hour each of city and highway driving with plenty of chances at failure.

hey Wally isn't there some sort if national driving challenge for bus-drivers? I believe one of D.C.'s finest operators has won it a few times, and this despite a spate of fatal bus accidents just a couple of years ago. It would be great if you could enter the contest I'm too lazy to google the details.

As to this topic, E36 M3, shut it down already. I've thought about pointing out one high-profile posters flip-flopping, and the hatred towards NASCAR is pathetic. Peace out!

In reply to Neon18:

Wow, 1% is "only" $1/$100? Thanks, I didn't realize that.

You know, that's also $100/$10000. Wow, $100 that could be spent on something else, more worthwhile, like perhaps additional safety gear or training for responsible racers.

I've been following this thread for awhile, and I have to wholeheartedly agree with Evan B.

I'm not going to get on her too much other than to say she is soooo off base as to not know anything she is talking about. I'll reiterate that she needs to actually spend time around both professional and amature racers and go to a few races. She'll get a very different view than I think she has. As to her list of cars that she THINKS professionals drive, she is very mistaken. I know very few professional drivers that cruise around in anything she has listed. One of my best friends and a professional drivers has a Nissan Titan, another has an Accord. Even Michael Schumacher says his everyday car is a Fiat 500.

Another topic of interest. I have a friend, and a multi-national champion, that started a driving school for teenagers (a real driving school that taught real survival tactics and not just parking skills) and was surprised at how few parents really cared. Once again, most of this obligation centers on parental involvement. Also, what kind of car did you buy your kids?

My daughter and som both have an older Volvo. Neon 18 has a SAAB aero. My personal family auto is a Nisaan Quest. Our cousin owns a trucking company and raced in Daytona, my husband (MIT grad M.E.) wrote the first SEMA software for the SEMA show in Long Beach, amd Lewis Hamilton, Formula-one champion agreed with me that pro-racers need to step up for the kids watching! Also, "Race to the Rarty" has been modified. Thanks to Randy Bernard-
"Rock the Party" is probably a better slogan. No H8 at Neon18. Accountability! High heels and hot wheels are not for children. Just like MOST parents don't want "Go-Daddy" in their living rooms on Sunday afternoon. There is no accounting for taste, but we can regulate and tax any industry that is after the attention of our kids-

My daughter had 1 date with this young man who by all accounts was a gentleman...he drove Honda, his family drove Honda, and they were both killed in a brand new Honda Civic-"Pushing to pass" at 95-100 mph. A family of 4 were almost demolished, and 2 others seriously injurred.

My daughter was a straihjt "A" Honor IB student, NASA intern, and when she buckled her seatbelt, she was at the mercy of the driver-who grew up with SPEED and according to the famous grandfather :they needed emergency rooms close by becasue they were all gasoline and no breaks."

Maybe the 1% surcharge could be used to buy a new Emergency Room Addition in Orlando or a helicopter or some new patrol cars for SPEEED if drivers ed is too offensive-

...

associating racing with safe on-the-road driving is really spurious. They are not mutually inclusive; someone who is a safe driver isn't necessarily a skilled racer, and one who races may not have safe driving skills.

...I don't see how taxing an off-the-road entertainment event is supposed to be associated with the funding of on-the-road safety.

Neon, Is it being asserted that the racing industry, aside from advertising, just because of its existence, causes an increase in on-the-road street racing?

Drivers ed isn't offensive. More taxes are and pointing fingers at unrelated sports are very offensive. One of this country's biggest problems is that every person who starts screaming "think of the children" and launches their own personal crusade makes the place a little bit worse for everyone. I'm sorry people die, but that is reality. Loss and grief are integral parts of life. No amount of tax increases are going to change that.

Its a shame when a young person dies, no doubt about that. In that regard you have my condolences, but you are without a doubt the most whacked out of your mind sociopath I have ever heard ramble on the intraw3b. I have yet to see one valid argument come out of the troll...I mean Neon18. If I were a betting man, Id say Tommy never got that PM. Some people's ignorance is epic, and in others, it borders on Lethal. Id say Neons is the latter, and its just a shame her ignorance is now everyones fault and now its everyones responsibility - and its lethality affected her offspring. I hope youre too old to reproduce anymore and cant screw up future generations any more than you already have. Please do not post on this message board any more. Racers didnt kill your daughter, movies didnt kill your daughter, race teams didnt kill your daughter, race promoters didnt kill your daughter... the jackass operating the car you let her climb into did. Plain and simple, YOU bear a large share of the responsibility for your daughters death. YOU let her go out with that boy, and YOU didnt teach her to say no when it needed to be said. The other share of that blame lays on that boys parents for not teaching him to be a decent person when hes responsible for another life. Start laying the blame where it belongs, and start taking responsibilities for your own ineffective parenting, and stop making your faults a problem for everyone else.