Illegal motor racing disturbs the citizens of Sofia and other cities in Bulgaria

published on 3/22/10 1:37 PM

Photo: Архив

High speed, well-tuned automobiles and young boys and sometimes even girls who say that it is simply in their blood to do this. They are ready to show their skills behind the steering wheel at any time and are not afraid to compete in unsanctioned and illegal car races organized at various places in Bulgaria. The higher the speed, the better, as the victory brings to the winner not only a sense of exhilaration and triumph, but also a share of the wagers. Wagers made by observers of the car races vary, and sometimes the risk taken is not really worth it, but in certain cases the winner goes away with a prize of some 2 or 3 thousand euro.

Illegal car racing is organized regularly on highways and roads in Bulgaria, and also in and around the capital Sofia. Sofia’s ring road is a traditional speed track for Schumacher fans. The improvised “Formula 1” race continues also in downtown Sofia in the early morning hours. Racers rely on their lucky chance that no innocent people such as pedestrians and other cars on the road will get hurt at that hour… In many cases, illegal racers remain unpunished by the law because road traffic cameras or speed radars have not detected them. No police officers are invited to watch the races of course, and racing venues are often changed.

Arrangements are made mostly online, but also in many other places such as car repair shops, car washes, petrol stations, etc. Men and women of all ages, education backgrounds and professions take part in the wagers. The stakes are high so the vehicles get transformed. Racers remove important parts to increase speed. Sports cars are usually preferred, but very often owners of cars with smaller engines have their go, too. Here is how one of the race fans, who preferred to remain anonymous, explains whether he will take part in such races in spring:

“I guess I will take part. I want my car to be ready for the coming races. I have been seriously working on the gearbox, I have used my own ideas and have made it lighter. I also worked on the suspension, I made the engine more powerful, and I am tuning the suspension system. I intend to get in touch with my fellow racers and enter the game. This is actually my hobby…”, this anonymous racer says.

The improvised races are not only for cars but also for powerful motorcycles. They make an impressive sight and the thunder of the roaring engines is mind-blowing. The organization of such competitions is illegal both because of breaking road traffic rules and also because of illegal wagers being made Sanctioned car races, however, are still quite insufficient in number. In many cases, illegal racers have drunk alcohol or taken drugs before they get on their cars… Traffic police officers now work not only with a device for breath alcohol testing, but also specialized equipment for proving drugs testing.

“These devices detect amphetamines, metaamphetamines, opiates, cocaine, анд ecstasy”, colonel Dimitar Michev from Traffic Police explains. Those who refuse to be tested with the equipment for testing for drugs, risk to get fined. The fine is between 500 and 1000 leva (250-500 euro). In case the presence of alcohol or drugs is confirmed, the driver has his licence taken away for up to one year and a half. The results of the testing equipment are 100% reliable”, police officer Dimitar Michev says

A large part of illegal racers are well known to the police department. They usually have been already fined for overspeeding; their licenses have been temporarily taken away for violations of road traffic rules… Nevertheless, illegal car races are still organized and the people taking part in them are literally driving on the verge of law.

There are, of course, people who get hurt in these races. About two years ago, the son of an already former police officer took part in such a race and crashed his father’s car beyond recognition. There have been cases when policemen were sent on false alarms only not to be able to prevent such races, police officers explain and add that a large number of road accidents in Bulgaria involve automobiles used in such races. Illegal racers usually have an aggressive style of driving even when they are not competing in a race. They often startle other drivers and pedestrians with their high speeds and sharp turns and thus cause accidents. Eli Kyulyumova and her friends, waiting at a bus stop in Sofia, say:

“We witness such things all the time. A few minutes ago, while we were waiting for the bus, we were startled by a car that flashed by. This is very dangerous. There are children playing and stepping onto the road all of a sudden. This is not normal. We are scared. Very often such drivers are very arrogant and do not stop at pedestrian crossings. There is rising indignation among people…”

The Road Traffic Police in Bulgaria intends to tighten measures against such illegal car races. One such measure will be the introduction of a 24-hour video monitoring of roads. 24-hour cameras have already been installed at certain spots known to be venues for illegal midnight races. Risky sections of the roads will be also watched by patrolling police cars. Another possible measure is placing speed limit road signs and road bumps on speed segments that would at least temporarily prevent the organization of illegal car races.

Translated by: Rossitsa Petcova

По публикацията работи: Diana Hristakieva

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