TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Tucson police are searching for a second driver after a deadly street racing crash on East Valencia Road Sunday night killed three people, left one person with life-threatening injuries and another with minor injuries.
MORE COVERAGE: Crash that left three dead on Southside was result of street race
Investigators say a BMW racing another car crashed into a different car turning onto Country Club Road.
At Tucson Dragway, drivers can race legally on a closed track with safety rules, inspections and emergency crews on standby. It's a controlled environment designed to prevent tragedies.
According to Tucson police, street racing enforcement is an ongoing challenge. In 2025 alone, the Tucson Police Department conducted at least four citywide street racing deployments. TPD also says excessive speed was mentioned in the majority of last year's deadly car crashes.
Jerry Garrison, media manager for Tucson Dragway, says the track is built to keep drivers and the public safe.
"If your car does get out of control, you break apart, lose a wheel, you'll bounce off the K-rail and stay on the track. If you're out on the street, you're dealing with pedestrians, people on bicycles, cars pulling out, and you can't manage that," Garrison said.
Garrison says drivers who want the thrill of racing have a safer option.
"You can get a rush at the track. Bring all your friends out. Make it a hangout. Come on in the pits," Garrison said.
Garrison admits he was once a street racer himself when he was younger, but he now uses his experience to warn others about the risks.
"I matured more and realized that I didn't want my car confiscated, taken away. I didn't want to end up running into somebody or having somebody run into me, and I couldn't afford to lose everything that I've worked for throughout my entire life," Garrison said.
Garrison says Sunday night's crash is a tragic example of what can happen when street racing moves from a controlled track to city streets.
"It was a senseless act. It probably happened in a split second. The repercussions now are going to be affected for the families for the rest of their lives," Garrison said.
Again, Tucson police say they are still searching for the other driver involved in Sunday night's deadly street racing crash. Anyone with information is asked to contact Tucson police or call 88-CRIME.
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Jacqueline Aguilar is a multimedia journalist at KGUN 9. Born and raised in Yuma, AZ., she is no stranger to the unforgiving Arizona heat. Now this U of A wildcat is excited to be back in Tucson and is looking forward to involving herself in the community. Share your story ideas with Jacqueline by emailing jacqueline.aguilar@kgun9.com or connecting on Facebook, Instagram or X.
