I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway in Pevely resembled a movie scene July 19 with officers from Pevely Police Department racing to catch speeding drivers.
Lights and sirens cut through the smoke as drivers took turns trying to outrun the police in simulated high-speed pursuits, each ending with an arrest and a mugshot.
The chases were part of an event called Speeding for a Reason, which was a collaboration between Drift STL and Pevely Police to benefit Jefferson County Shop with a Cop, a yearly charity benefit first responders put on for underprivileged youth during the holiday season.
“Kids from all over the county come down to go to Festus Walmart and Arnold Walmart and all these kids get to shop with a police officer, firefighter, 911 dispatcher, first responders,” said Officer Joseph Beil. “It’s great because you’re helping these kids have a good Christmas that they might otherwise not have.”
This was the first time Drift STL has hosted a meet in collaboration with the police and Scotch McDonald, executive director, said it was a success, drawing out more than 50 drivers.
“This is the most people we’ve ever had at any of our events so that kind of speaks for itself,” he said. “Everybody’s had so much fun. As soon as all of the officers went out there with all their lights on, everyone just got really lively.”
Drifters and officers alike played into their roles at the end of the chase. Some drivers even left their cars and took off running for a short foot pursuit. Officers would tell drivers their speed, recorded by an officer with a radar gun stationed along the straightaway, before ordering them out of their vehicle to be placed in handcuffs.
McDonald credits raceway owner Josh Carroll with the idea for such an event, inspired by the raceway’s BackStoppers Night, benefiting the families of local first responders. He said Drift STL and the raceway spent time with Pevely Police to plan the first-of-its-kind event and ensure safety for drifters and the officers.
Zach Wilde, a driver from Festus who has been drifting for three years, said having the police made the meet extra fun and unique but that knowing he was benefiting a good cause meant the most.
“We’re not just out here burning tires up for no reason,” he said. “It’s fun to be out here doing this for sure, it’s always a good time, but to have a reason to be doing it as well, that feels good.”
Speeding for a Reason also underscored a common misconception that drifters and law enforcement can’t get along. McDonald said that, given the opportunity, the vast majority of drivers prefer to have fun legally at sanctioned events like his.
“I’ve talked to a bunch of the officers around here, they had zero problems with any of our guys locally after they leave the facility doing anything that they shouldn’t be doing,” McDonald said. “That’s why we provide it, as an outlet to make sure everyone’s obeying the law outside of here.”
“Scotch does a pretty good job with these guys,” said Officer Beil. “He has rules for these guys, and if they get caught doing this on the street or if he finds it on Facebook, they’re done.”
Speeding for a Reason managed to raise more than $3,000 for Shop with a Cop and McDonald said they hope to host similar events with local law enforcement in the future.
Those interested in joining or watching future Drift STL meets can find details on their Facebook page.
