We got cleaned out in Vegas 5 years ago when Joe Amato's and the Dream Weaver team was, too. They got in the Freightliner and took wallets, cell phones, cash and everything else that wasn't screwed to the countertop. We discovered it when we got back from making a qualifying run and the credit cards were already max'd.

Now no matter where we are the rig is locked up. From time to time we have a pit spy keeping a look out over several rigs parked in our area whenever we leave. He hopes someone shows up so he can try out his new Mac Tools torque wrench.

That is just rediculous. So sad that it comes down to that. I guess I need to start locking my stuff up too.

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Currently stuck in the garage with my Pro Mod, but still Chasing my NHRA dreams!

Unfortunately, if the thieves want it, a lock isn't going to stop them. Last week, my gym bag was taken from the front seat of my truck at the gym I frequent. They got my wallet, cell phone, college ring, etc. To make things worse, my social security # may have been compromised as well.

Guess you can't leave anything left unattended anywhere.

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Greg
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Say it ain't so Joe!

We've thought the same thing since Columbus!

Its a shame when that happens to any team. We usually try and park next to a friend who runs a different class so that we are never gone at the same times, but I do make sure the trailer is closed up if there is no one around to keep an eye on things

it's sad that these things happen in this day and age.

some potential solutions:
-convince nhra to hire a few extra security guards and have them make their presence known throughout the abandoned pits.

-at tracks with consistant problems, set up a sting operation and try to catch repeat offenders and prosecute them.

-get the local and state police involved whenever possible.

-get a webcam of some sort (most of the big guys have computers around) and record the time during the absence of guys at the trailer.

-obviously, if someone would make the sacrifice to stay behind, have them do so.

-get chris hansen from dateline's "to catch a predator" to start a new series "to catch a scumbag thief."

Dammit!! Not again!! This is sad!! Time to start having security guards with axe handles sit in the pits while the teams are doing their jobs. Time for "Beat Therapy" on these lowlife scumbags who rip off good people!!

T-Bone

Our company has been hit repeatedly by thieves stealing equipment from our oil & gas leases. So much so that we installed tracking devices and security cameras. We got hit back to back last week. The sheriff spent the night in the area. Typical good news bad news story. The bad news, we got hit again that night. The good news, with the tracking device they were able to locate the thieves with our (and a lot of other) equipment and with the security camera, it will be an open and shut case!

Evidently.........there was a "resisting arrest" situation as well.
I just love a happy ending

Boy I sure hope not. This was the first drag race for my brother (my first national race), and we really liked seeing the action in the pits and interacting with the drivers. My brother is a big NASCAR fan and he was impressed with the access. My only other race was a local race (Delmar, DE) and we (me and my 6 yo son) really enjoyed meeting the drivers. I think the fan interaction with the teams and the up close and personal experience in the pits is what really sets drag racing apart from NASCAR, IRL, etc., and it would be a shame to loose it.

Brett

Being in the business of Electronic Security, I would be interested in talking with those having problems to see if we can come up with a solution that would also fit the needs and budgets of the racers. There are solutions out there.

I just hate thieves. People work for what they get just to have some waste of sperm come along and take it......grrrrrrrr

The last national event I was at, I found a spot down on the line just up against the other side of the fence on the pit side. It was a great spot that I could see the crews work getting the cars launched. It was also a great spot to feel the full effect of the nitro launch. It was the pro finals and I really got a kick out of watching the intensity of the crews, jubilation when they won, ect, ect. Dale Creasy's pit was right there, I was kind of at the end of it by myself soaking it all in.

Creasy was in the final so his pit spot was empty except for one guy who kept coming back and giving me a bit of a look.

I didn't realise until this thread how it must have looked to them. Some guy standing around by himself, in a spot he probably shouldn't be at. Here I am having a great experience and they probably thought I was staking them out.

That in itself is a bit of a piss-off to me and an indirect result of thieving b****** stealing from the pits.

security at nhra events always seems to be like a bunch of bumps on a log. i have witnessed first hand people cutting down banners from the fences right in front of security on the FRIDAY of the event, and security doesn't have the balls to stop them. at least the scum could be told to wait until sunday when the race is over....

Who would buy such specialized components. Honestly, to say there is a market for such items is to say that some high level racers are crooks, too.

I do have to say that the Alacua County Sheriff's Dept does a good job in Gainesville but I'm sure that is exception, not the rule.

One solution to having a team member miss the run so he can baby sit the trailer is to have working agreement with other teams from different classes, to have someone watch your stuff when it's your turn to run.
Like a designated driver, thing.