What has caused that. Has the popularity of the sport faded?
The main problem has been injuries, and of course opposition to the sport from spouses has taken a heavy toll. Few of the drivers these days are over the age of 16, and most cannot obtain medical coverage for such a hazardous activity.
I am amazed to hear that there are some many injuries. What is the cause?
There are many. First you have to realise that the shopping centre management make little effort to maintain the car park surfaces in anything resembling good condition. Potholes have taken a huge toll on both drivers and equipment. Blow a wheel at 15 miles an hour in a shopping cart on a curve and you are in big trouble!
Then there are collisions; hard to avoid in the racing profession. In the heat of competition these can occasionally be intentional. I myself have been taken out of a major championship race on the last corner. Put me in an ankle brace for months. But that’s all part and parcel of professional sport. If you can’t handle that then you don’t belong!
Just how bad can these accidents get?
One of the worst pile ups that I have ever witnessed took place when the automatic timer for the parking lot lights put us into total darkness at the same time the lawn sprinklers came on. Drenched the front runners as they came through a long sweeping curve with a bit of outside camber in the road. Required an ambulance that time.
Are there any special hazards that are a particular worry?
The learner drivers whose parents bring them to the car park to practise.
And finally, tell our listeners when and where are you are racing next so that they can personally witness this obscure but fascinating sport.
Sorry, for security reasons that must remain secret.
© FC Mickey Benefiel
Highly Unlikely Children's Stories For Adults 