TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) -- In an effort to curb street racing, the Tucson Dragway is opening it's drag strip to the community.
On Friday hundreds of people came out for the Friday Night Street Rally. After an officer-involved shooting involving street racers a few weeks ago, the dragway owner Jim Hughes says he was approached by some locals.
"We want to put together a program where the street racers can come out, have a good time and not get in trouble," Hughes said.
The event was family-friendly, and Hughes wants to create a safe environment for car enthusiasts and especially younger drivers. Among the crowd was Briana Rowley. Rowley has been racing for 8 years, and hopes her young son will do the same. She says she's happy there's now a place to legally race.
"I'm a huge fan of it [the event]," Rowley said. "I think it's safer and it sets a better example for the younger generation."
Dan Santamarie came to race his Corvette, inviting many of his friends. He says he has always been interested in cars, and it's fun tinkering around with a vehicle.
"It's just a hobby," Santamarie said. "And you know being able to see what it can do, I think that's what the most exciting part of it is."
It costs $20 to race, and $5 to watch from the stands.
There were other events throughout the evening including a burnout contest and a car show.
Safety is of the utmost importance, Hughes said. No alcohol was allowed on the property and multiple medics, fire crews and security were on scene. All vehicles are inspected and drivers have to have a valid drivers license, current registration, and other specific technical features.
"The biggest thing for safety out here with this event is you have to make sure you have your battery tied down," Hughes said. "Your battery can't flop out of the car."
The dragway hosted about 100 events in 2015, including some professional races. Hughes hopes to host more race nights for the community, maybe once a week or a few times a month depending on the demand.
Nine On Your Side spoke to a member of the street racing community who says many of them were happy about the event. While they don't think it will end street racing altogether, it's nice to have a place to go. Usually big groups of about 50 people or so meet up on Saturday nights and disperse to race on the outskirts of town.
