Las Vegas police, fire chiefs turn fast laps at CART Driving 101

Friday, Nov. 26, 1999 | 9:47 a.m.

With sirens wailing and lights flashing, they're used to maneuvering the streets of Las Vegas at high speeds.

This time, the only "emergency" was to uphold the honor of their department by turning in the fastest speed -- no intersections or traffic jams, thank you -- at CART Driving 101 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway last Saturday.

Trading in their lumbering cruisers and pumpers for sleek Champ cars, Las Vegas' finest made a good showing.

Mario Trevino, Las Vegas Fire Department Chief, left them all in his smoke on the way to the "fire" by posting a blazing lap of 151.40 miles per hour.

"It felt fantastic, unbelievable," Trevino said. "That's what it should feel like. The car sticks like glue."

Bill Young, Las Vegas Metro Police Chief, turned a fast lap of 148.94 mph while Jeff Morgan, Las Vegas Fire Department Chief, Administration, was clocked at 147.59 mph.

CART Driving 101 -- the Official Driving Experience of CART -- is headquartered at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and affords both racers and fans the opportunity to drive authentic, purpose-built Champ Cars at either LVMS or the California Speedway in Fontana.