Key PointsSacramento opens a skid pad for car enthusiasts to drift legally and safely.Flora Harding created the facility to reduce dangerous street sideshows and help local police.Price of admission is $100 and a helmet is required.Skids, All Day Long
This new business venture in Sacramento is looking real good for California residents, specifically enthusiasts. We’re talking skid pads here, ladies and gentlemen, a dedicated facility located on Jackson Highway for legally burning rubber.
Source: CBS News
Let’s get some things straight—we do enjoy slides, but not on public roads. However, not everyone shares the same sentiment. Thanks to a few bad actors, the local police and even the governor are cracking down on sideshows together by increasing penalties, impounding cars, and putting the miscreants in jail.
Truth be told, the activity puts a lot of lives at risk, and it’s better that we do it responsibly, somewhere safe. Come to think of it, it’s really a win-win for everyone. Petrolheads get to appreciate the craft and hone their skills, while the locals can enjoy some well-earned peace and quiet. No resident wants to wake up to smoke and hear screeching tires first thing in the morning.
The skid pad owner gets to profit from the exercise as well, which brings us to Flora Harding—an enterprising individual who understands racing and the business behind it. She created this acre of asphalt to legally entertain what is essentially an illegal activity—when you perform on public roads, that is.
$100 and a Helmet Required
Harding told CBS News, “Lately, there’s been a lot of sideshows, and it’s affecting businesses and our streets… It’s affecting a lot of stuff.” She adds, “So we decided… to give these people a safe place to do this so they don’t get into trouble or hurt themselves or other people.” Harding charges $100 as the entry fee, giving enthusiasts full-day access to the track along with an EMT on standby.
Source: CBS News
Flora Harding summarises the business as, “It’s kind of… like let’s get these kids off the street and let’s help our local police officers that have to deal with this every day.” Matthew Gershey, one of the drivers who paid the ticket price, said, “It’s a legal spot to do it, and you don’t have to worry about risking your driver’s license on the streets or anything like that.” So if you live in the area and enjoy drifting, make sure to check the place out.
About the author
Kiran Menon is a motoring journalist with over four years covering the global automotive industry through reviews, news, and features. He’s authored hundreds of articles for various publications. He holds a Bachelor’s in Automobile Engineering from Karpagam College of Engineering and has passed CFA Level 1.