Is Racing a Problem in South County?

Back in May, a concerned resident contacted Patch about dangerous drag racing that was taking place on Route 214—specifically involving cars from the Back to the Beach show at Mayo Beach Park.

Kate Treatman-Clark said she and her family were “horrified” two years ago when racers gathered near their home, close to Bert’s Garage on Route 214, and halted traffic to conduct drag races.

The local woman spoke with police following the 2011 event and learned the show was scheduled to be at the county fairgrounds the next year. But in May 2012, Back to the Beach again occurred at Mayo Beach Park.

Following the 2012 event in May, Treatman-Clark alerted Patch to additional drag racing. The next day, Patch headed over to the alleged racing area near Bert’s Garage and found dozens of tire marks throughout Route 214, including in the roads adjacent to Mayo Elementary.

Treatman-Clark said the drivers had “no concern for others” and “swerved over double yellow lines.”

The car show was scheduled to take place at the county fairgrounds until a scheduling conflict forced it back to Mayo Beach Park, said County Fair President John Kozenski Jr.

County Police spokesman Justin Mulcahy could not be reached for comment about the reported drag racing.

However, Patch recently received additional emails and Facebook messages from south county residents concerned about racing, loud tire screeches and other racing-related issues.  

Is drag racing or racing in general a problem throughout south county? Tell me in the comments.