Speedworld offers ticket-free races with police

Anthony Soto of Peoria tried to outrun a police officer recently. But he was surprised when he ended up seeing the police car’s taillights in front of him, instead of seeing flashing red and blue lights in his rear-view mirror.

Soto, 21, and his 2006 Scion were left in the dust on the race track at Speedworld in Wittmann, when he went head-to-head against Lt. Randy Rody of the Surprise Police Department as part of "Beat the Heat."

"Beat the Heat" is a monthly event that pits police officers in the department’s stock 2002 Mustang GT against challengers in the quarter-mile drag strip for fun.

"I’m sick, I don’t like it too much," Soto said about losing the race to the police officer with a time of 15.18 seconds to Rody’s 15.12.

"I want a rematch," he added, laughing.

VIDEO: Click here to see video from the races at Speedworld.

Rody said the events are a way to bring officers and racers together in a positive environment.

It’s to encourage racers to "race on the strip, not on the street," Rody said. "And to make sound decisions."

Rody said Surprise Mayor Lyn Truitt and council member John Williams helped bring the national program to Surprise by dedicating council contingency funds, and the officers who participate do so on a voluntary basis.

Though Surprise police are targeting teen participants with the Beat the Heat races, racers of all ages participate in races against each other or police officers.

Stock cars and souped-up dragsters and motorcycles take the track, and a disk jockey is on hand to keep the music and mood upbeat.

Rody said the department’s car is "really slow" compared to some of the other racers.

Those who win their race against the Surprise police are awarded a T-shirt.

"We give away a lot," Rody said.

Soto and his friend Alex Chavez, 20, of Waddell, said they have received speeding tickets.

Chavez who drives a 2007 Cobalt SS, said he was busted for street racing in Surprise near Bell Road and Parkview Lane.

Soto had so many tickets his licensed had been suspended.

Racing on the legal track provided the same thrill, they said.

"It’s an adrenaline rush," Chavez said.

Rody said the best part of the evening is the interaction between racers and officers.

"It’s easy to get together and talk about cars and drag racing when you are dressed like this," Rody said, of his casual attire.

The next race will be Oct. 21. Speedworld is at 19421 W. Jomax Road in Wittmann.

Entry for racers and spectators is $10.

For information, visit http://www.surpriseaz.com/files/pd/beattheheat/index.html.

Joy Slagowski may be reached at 623-876-2514, or jslagowski@yourwestvalley.com.