so i know that this is the SUBY forum n all.....and were all about rally fun....but Altamont is the only place we have to drift in the bay area...now they are trying to take it away. Please help us!

KEEP MOTORSPORTS ALIVE. KEEP DRIFTING ALIVE.

There is a direct threat to motorsports here in Northern California. The Board of Supervisors of Alameda County is considering a ban the sport of Drifting at Altamont Motorsports Park. Their rationale for this is the perception that drifting is about street racing, drugs, side-shows and gangs… a perception we have always had to fight. Well, here’s our chance to show Alameda County (and the national media) that we are NOT associated with any of these items. Here is our chance to announce that drifting is a legitimate sport that is enjoyed by lawyers, students, engineers, truck drivers, store owners – every possible segment of the community, as well as by women and men.

In the 30+ drifting events previously held in the Bay Area over the last three years, not once have the Police been involved; not once has any driver been seriously injured on the track; and, not once has any controlled/uncontrolled substance been used at any event. It is apparent that Alameda County is unfairly profiling the drifting community. We are being discriminated due to race, age, and gender. Simply because over 80% of our enthusiasts are minorities, young and male, we are classified as "a threat" to the community. In some ways, this is exactly the same “profile” that was applied to drag racers in the 1960’s… which is now an internationally recognized, multi-billion dollar segment of the motorsports community.

Any of us can attest that if Alameda County is successful in banning drifting at Altamont Motorsports Park, it will provide conditions that could do tremendous damage throughout Northern California. Parents, police officers, drift drivers, educators, and business owners agree that if drifting is ban from Altamont Motorsports Park, it will create a condition in the Bay Area that will actually promote illegal street racing and promote other unsafe activities by young people. If drifting is not allowed, where will young drivers practice drifting, road racing, or other forms of motorsports around the Bay Area? And then, what’s next to go? Road racing? Skateboarding? Street rods?

Drifting is yet another form of motorsport in which anyone with an interest can enjoy their love of cars, speed, competition, etc. Altamont Motorsports Park and its new owners have, over the course of the last year, provided us a safe and controlled means to practice and compete. THEY NEED YOUR SUPPORT! OUR SPORT NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT! We need your support to show Alameda County that this is important to us, to the business community, and to our local communities.

How to help:

Send a letter, or fax or e-mail to:
Alameda County Planning Department
224 W. Winton, Room 111
Hayward, CA 94544

e-Mail: chris.bazar@acgov.org
Fax: 510-785-8793

Mr. Chris Bazar, Planning Director, is a GOOD GUY and a friend to drifters and Altamont Motorsports Park… so don’t take your frustration out on him! Instead, be supportive and positive. In your letter or e-mail, tell Alameda County about your professional background. Tell them how drifting keeps you off the streets. Tell them how safe and controlled the sport is. Tell them how much money you spend (especially in Alameda County) supporting businesses that support drifting and Altamont Motorsports Park. Tell them how you obey traffic rules when traveling to or from Altamont Motorsports Park.

All letters, e-mails and faxes MUST be received by Alameda County by 5:00pm Monday, April 23.

 

I'll be more than happy to write a letter. I don't really have an experience with drifting, but I think that different views and opinions will help.

 

how can alameda county band this event when its being held on privet property? if it was on city streets or property i'd understand... but common! its a raceway

 

because there is no such thing as "private property" in cali. plus ppl can complain about the noise and that will shut it down.

I have been to an altamont event. It was well organized and fun. (and cheap) I will also write a letter.

Thanks for posting

 

oh? no private property in cali. thats news to me

 

Just read the fine print on the back of any title or deed... they are all issued by the state
plus if you are doing "business" on property somehow the county thinks its their business too.

i think its all whack of you ask me/.

 

noo.... D1GP is supposed to be at altamont.... well so says their website. but i checked altamonts calender and D1 isnt there?

 

i REALLLLLY want to thank everyone thats sent in letters...the emails are pouring in and will hopefully be a HUGE help. This is sadly just the first step that needs to be taken to keep drifting at Altamont .

as for the d1GP....right now Altamont technically doesnt have a permit for "drifting" but they do for autoX....so its probably under that, same as DB.

 

all they have to do is call it time trials or time attack. I drift all the time at autoX in my miata and the FBI doesnt come flying in to arrest me.

seriously all they have to do is call it an autoX.end of story.

WTF? Altamonts infield roadcourse was BUILT JUST FOR DRIFTING! the reason why their "esses" are offset boxes so noobs dont go off roading.

not a big deal to me but id like to help.

 

i hope that they dont close it down. these are the things that keep street racing down. I am more than happy to hold off the urge to let loose as long as I can get a good auto-x in every once in a while

 

Just sent my letter in.

 

I'm sorry, but I hate these drift fan boys. These kids are seriously annoying and dangerous.

 

Unlike these rally fan bois right.

My letters in.

 

Would rather have them eating a wall at the track, then eating me or my car on the public streets...

 

Those kids are stupid as well, but don't really exsist in this part of the country.