Editorial: Get ready for a safe American Graffiti

Friday, March 29, 2002 | 5:12 a.m.

No matter what generation you belong to, you will no doubt remember the peer pressure to have a hot car and lay some rubber.

But the public streets are not the place for shows of engine muscle. When it comes to safety versus peer pressure, it should be no contest. Often, however, the urge is too great and the race is on -- at great peril to the public. That's why we like what the Las Vegas Motor Speedway is doing with its experimental "Midnight Mayhem" events. They're an open invitation to those with heavy feet and hot cars to race under controlled circumstances at a place that's out of the way and safe. Drivers must be at least 18 or have a consent form that's signed by their parents. Motorcycle and car races will be staged, with participants paying a $10 fee and spectators paying $5. The first event was Friday night and several more are planned.

Midnight Mayhem could grow to become a weekly event, and while it wouldn't stop all racing on public streets, it could reduce it dramatically. Metro Police and Nevada Highway Patrol officers are aware of illegal street races that endanger the public. Lt. Wayne Peterson of Metro's traffic division endorses the speedway's event and so do we. With proper supervision, this could be the beginning of a very successful and fun tradition.