Make better choices

Maybe it was the inevitable and quickly approaching end of summer break that spurred five teenagers to (according to police reports and statements by track officials; see story by Cynthia Hochswender, Aug. 27 issue) break into Lime Rock Park on Aug. 19 and allegedly steal two go-karts and drive them around the main track after-hours, ultimately crashing and wrecking them while sustaining head, torso and arm injuries themselves. The public schools started Aug. 31, and the private schools either did much the same or are just ready to begin, so no matter where the teens are being educated, the waning days of summer were likely on their minds.

But of all the ways to celebrate the independence that summer brings to young people, this had to have been one of the worst. It included, if reports are accurate: illegal actions, destruction of property and great danger to the teens’ own health and well-being. These teens could have been even more severely injured than reported, or even killed, especially if they did not wear all the protective gear that is required when these go-karts are being driven under normal circumstances. 

Lime Rock Park is a major business and employer in the Tri-state region, and this is just the sort of activity that can put any business at risk. The go-karts that were destroyed were there as part of a weekend six-hour go-kart race sponsored by Endurance Karting out of Georgia. What a way to welcome an out-of-state sponsor, who hosts go-kart competitions in the Midwest as well as all along the East Coast, to the Northwest Corner. Might they think twice before returning here to sponsor another event? One couldn’t blame them if so. 

There were local participants in the go-kart race, from age 8 up to adults, as Hochswender described, fathers and sons and friends who were just looking forward to a day of what should be safe but fun racing together. Such a competition, run by professionals who are well-versed in safety procedures and the best ways to enjoy the sport of racing, should be a good way for Lime Rock Park to provide recreation to area enthusiasts, without fear of such destructive activity as happened on Aug. 19.

There are some activities at Lime Rock Park that can draw criticism or opposition from area residents, but go-karting is not one of them. It’s relatively quiet, with the speed of the vehicles not exceeding about 45 mph, and it is decidedly family- and kid-friendly. It is a great use of this local, yet world-class, racing facility that too many take for granted.

Let’s hope the injured teens involved with this incident recover quickly, and that all have learned a valuable lesson about the dangers and repercussions of taking part in such an end-of-summer stunt as was described by police. It has to have made for a very complicated and painful start to the new school year for them. 

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