Drags are safe, promoter says

Mean machine: Drag racer Steve Baker, of Jimboomba, Queensland, lines up his Fiat Topolino at a Summerland Drags meet at Casino aerodrome in March.

Doug Eaton

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• Summerland Drags filling fast

DRAG races at the Casino aerodrome four times a year would not only boost tourism, but also encourage safer driving among younger drivers, Jukebox Lismore Inc president Roger Wood said yesterday.

Jukebox Lismore is the registered applicant of a second development application submitted to Richmond Valley Council for Summerland Drag Racing (SDR), to be held four times a year between March and October.

“It’s a wonderful tourism thing,” Mr Wood said.

“It also has a wonderful social benefit for kids and helps stop our kids killing themselves on our roads.

“It’s the science of drag racing.”

Mr Wood said evidence showed that young drivers did not jump in their cars and drive stupidly after drag racing events.

He said the event provided a safe avenue for younger licensed drivers to test their cars in a controlled environment. Other youngsters could learn how much effort went into building the cars to specifications and safety requirements, as well as the skill involved in driving them.

About 3000 spectators attended two trial drag racing events in March without incident, with drivers bringing cars from as far away as Brisbane, Tamworth and Glen Innes.

The DA, which covers the impact on the natural, human and built environment, also addresses concerns over possible damage to the airstrip and emergency services access.

It also points out that drag racing is held at the Mudgee, Newman and Gunnedah airports, as well as the Glenn Innes aerodrome.

The DA and can be viewed at Richmond Valley Council Chambers at Evans Head from Monday to Thursday, and at Casino from Monday to Friday.

The public is welcome to provide submissions for and against the event until the close of business on Friday, September 10.