I have a deep passion for autocrossing. Watching cars zip through a vacant parking lot, with drivers expertly maneuvering close to the cones marking the course, is exhilarating. And when it’s your turn to drive, knowing you only have a few attempts to achieve a great time without errors really gets the adrenaline flowing.
This past weekend at Rockingham Speedway in North Carolina, an unexpected twist occurred during an autocross event. A video shared on social media showcased a Ford Taurus speeding through sections of the coned-off course while being pursued by police.
Although the course was not actively in use at the time of the police chase, event organizers confirmed that the driver of the fleeing vehicle was penalized for hitting several cones, which added time to their overall score.
Rockingham: More Than Just an Oval
If you’re a NASCAR fan, you likely recognize Rockingham Speedway as a D-shaped oval where powerful V8 cars race. While that might be its hallmark, there’s also an infield with varied turns, creating a well-rounded road course.
Additionally, there’s a smaller track on the property aptly named “Little Rock.” This venue features its own connecting pavement, allowing for diverse racing activities beyond just oval racing.
The Tar Heel Sports Car Club (THSCC) was hosting its second novice school and autocross event of the year at this smaller track. This novice school provides a relaxed introduction to autocross, teaching newcomers the essentials of the sport and how to maximize their vehicle’s performance.
The Incident
During the novice session, the THSCC encountered an unexpected scenario. A video taken by an attendee showed a white Ford Taurus exiting a nearby field onto the track, hitting at least one cone before skidding into the staging area where autocross vehicles were parked.
There was visible chaos as people fled on foot to avoid the Taurus and the responding police vehicles, including a Tahoe and a Silverado from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Department. After the Taurus sped through the parking area and struck another cone, it left dust in its wake.
Aftermath and Responses
To clarify what transpired, I reached out to THSCC’s president, Mark Beech, who provided a thorough explanation. He reassured that no one from the club was injured during the incident. He detailed how the police chase unexpectedly entered the secured facility:
Local law enforcement inadvertently intersected with our autocross event last Saturday at Rockingham Speedway. The individuals involved were not connected to our event. We’re grateful that no one from the club was hurt, as safety is paramount at our events.
The chase began when it seems a suspect detoured off a public road, continuing through a field and breaching the track’s fence. Fortunately, this incident occurred between sessions, limiting the number of individuals present.
As for the suspect, they were eventually apprehended, although further details remain undisclosed. The THSCC calculated that the driver hit three cones, incurring a six-second penalty, and they were ultimately disqualified for going beyond track limits.
The situation led to a humorous reaction online, with many commenting on the absurdity of a police chase during an active autocross event. The overall sentiment was a reminder of the importance of being alert in any racing environment, as unexpected events can quickly unfold.
