Feb. 22, 2005
Fourth season of Midnight
Mayhem at The Strip at LVMS begins Feb. 25;
Drag strip timing system features new street-style traffic signal
Christmas tree
LAS VEGAS - The fourth season of Midnight Mayhem will begin Friday,
Feb.
25, at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Racing will take place
from 8 p.m.-1 a.m.
This year, the street-legal racing program will feature a new twist:
the
traditional drag racing system of starting lights, known as the
Christmas tree, has been replaced by a traffic signal-style starter.
The concept was created by Chris Blair, LVMS' sr. director of drag
racing operations, and constructed by Jeff Foster of Compulink, the
sport's leading manufacturer of timing equipment systems.
"This is something new, but familiar," Blair explained.
"When illegal
street racers compete on the street, they are used to the conventional
traffic signal. When the light turns green, they go. By giving them
a
familiar starting system like these traffic lights, we hope it will
attract even more illegal street racers to the much safer environment
of
The Strip."
The Midnight Mayhem Story
On Friday, March 29, 2002, The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
presented a new program. Dubbed Midnight Mayhem by its creators, the
program's purpose was to attract illegal street racers to a
safer environment without removing too much of the thrill. Despite
unseasonably chilly weather, the debut exceeded all expectations.
More
than 1,000 spectators paid $5 each to watch 212 street-legal cars
and
bikes make high-speed runs down The Strip's quarter mile until 2 a.m.
From those seeds blossomed a program which has received national
recognition and praise, while
helping to make the streets of Las Vegas and Clark County safer.
"The first Midnight Mayhem event exceeded our expectations and
it proved
it was a viable alternative to illegal street racing," said Chris
Blair,
LVMS' senior director of drag racing operations. "It's a happening,
a
social event.
"Illegal street racing is a problem not only in Las Vegas, but
across
the country," Blair continued. "This program is designed
to allow the
street racers to compete in their own style, without the dangers of
pedestrians, oncoming traffic and intersections. They're not being
chased by police here, which is especially important due to Las Vegas'
illegal street race spectator laws. Midnight Mayhem is fun, affordable
and safe."
Now in its fourth consecutive year, the affordable attraction has
grown
to an average of 500 cars and bikes each time Midnight Mayhem is held.
Spectator attendance has grown too, to an average of 2,500 fans.
Midnight Mayhem has been covered by Sports Illustrated Magazine, all
local television station news departments, as well as daily and weekly
newspapers.
Midnight Mayhem is open to any licensed driver with a currently
registered car or motorcycle with proof of insurance. Cars and bikes
must be driven (not towed) to the track. All cars and motorcycles
are
inspected for safety before they are allowed to compete. Drivers under
the age of 18 are required to present a completed parental consent
form.
A certified fire and safety is on hand in case of emergencies.
Each Midnight Mayhem event includes car shows hosted by Euro
Entertainment, hip-hop DJs and midway attractions.
2005 Midnight Mayhem schedule for The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
FEBRUARY
25 -- Midnight Mayhem No. 1 - Fourth annual season kick-off and cruise
night -- 8 p.m.-1 a.m.
MARCH
25 -- Midnight Mayhem No. 2 -- 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
APRIL
8 -- Midnight Mayhem No. 3 -- 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
22 -- Midnight Mayhem No. 4 -- 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
MAY
6 -- Midnight Mayhem No. 5 -- 10 p.m. -- 2 a.m.
20 -- Midnight Mayhem No. 6 -- 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
JUNE
3 -- Midnight Mayhem No. 7 -- 10 p.m-2 a.m.
17 -- Midnight Mayhem No. 8 -- 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
JULY
8 -- Midnight Mayhem No. 9 -- 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
22 -- Midnight Mayhem No. 10 -- 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
AUGUST
5 -- Midnight Mayhem No. 11 -- 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
19 -- Midnight Mayhem No. 12 -- Back-to-School Special and cruise
night
-- 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
SEPTEMBER
30 -- Midnight Mayhem No. 13 -- 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
OCTOBER
14 -- Midnight Mayhem No. 14 -- 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
NOVEMBER
4 -- Midnight Mayhem Season Finale -- Post-SEMA Cruise Night -- 8
p.m. -
1 a.m.
