(FOUNTAIN, Colo.) — Get ready for the evolution of the car culture experience as DOWN TO EARTH and Pikes Peak International Raceway (PPIR) come together for ASCEND. This all-new event brings together the best of the automotive scene and the thrill of motorsports.
Courtesy: PPIR
Courtesy: PPIR
Formerly DOWN TO EARTH DAYS, the event many have grown to love in Colorado over the last eight years, is now DOWN TO EARTH ASCEND. Event organizers say the lifeblood of DOWN TO EARTH DAYS is not changing, only the name. In the past, the event had one hour of drifting in a small course, but now it has every motorsport imaginable spanning over two days for non-stop action.
Organizers say DOWN TO EARTH X PPIR: ASCEND isn’t just an event; it’s a full-throttle experience built for the culture. From Friday, June 27, through Saturday, June 28, PPIR will feature more than 500 of Colorado’s most modified vehicles. From show cars to track-ready beasts, all makes and models are welcome so that you can enjoy the best vehicles from every class.
The event has it all, from drifting, drag racing, burnouts, and hot lapping, all on a state-of-the-art race track.
Event schedule from Friday, June 27, through Saturday, June 28, at PPIR in Fountain.
Some drivers FOX21 News spoke with said the event comes at a time when illegal sideshows and street takeovers are becoming a dangerous trend in Colorado Springs.
On Friday, June 6, multiple law enforcement agencies coordinated in a street racing enforcement operation that targeted dangerous and illegal driving behavior, according to the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD).
CSPD reported that 54 officers, deputies, and troopers from CSPD, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO), and the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) were involved, with patrol vehicles and motorcycles, as well as air support from CSP.
“Street racing and these car meet-ups have been an issue in our community for a number of years, and I think we’ve definitely seen more and more of them over the last few years,” said CSPD Public Communications Specialist Caitlin Ford.
The operation targeted street racing, reckless driving, and trespassing in large, privately owned parking lots after hours, where planned car meets often lead to reckless driving and exhibitions such as doing donuts or street racing. CSPD stated that the dangerous and illegal driving behavior has increasingly threatened public safety in the community.
“It [street racing] impacts other people, we saw that earlier this year,” said Ford. “We had a traffic fatality that unfortunately involved reckless driving and racing behavior up and down 25 that resulted in the death.”
“Street racing and reckless driving continue to pose serious risks to our community,” said Adrian Vasquez, Chief of Police for CSPD. “Our department, in partnership with EPSO and CSP, remains committed to proactive enforcement efforts aimed at reducing these dangerous behaviors and keeping our roads safe for all.”
According to CSPD, during the operation, 138 people were dealt with, including issuing 22 warnings and 33 tickets for speeding, six of which were for speed contests and exhibitions. Nine people were arrested, with six being for DUI, two for outstanding warrants, and one for felony eluding after a person on a motorcycle refused to pull over and sped away from officers before being caught.
“Roads in El Paso County must be safe for everyone,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “We remain firmly committed to our community, and coordinated operations like this one help hold accountable those who purposely engage in activities which are reckless and endanger others. I appreciate the strong partnerships with CSPD and CSP, and I commend my deputies who patrol in all conditions to ensure every driver, passenger, and pedestrian has the chance to return home safely to their loved ones.”
Law enforcement will be continuing efforts to address street racing in the region with additional upcoming enforcement actions.
“The Colorado State Patrol is proud to partner with EPSO and CSPD,” said Colonel Matthew C. Packard, Chief of CSP. “We all share the same goal: keeping Colorado’s roadways safe by taking a stand against dangerous driving behaviors associated with street racing. Together, we’re sending a clear message that this reckless activity has no place in our communities.”
CSPD urges the public to practice safe driving, not just for their own protection but for the safety of the entire community. It’s a message echoed by drivers at DOWN TO EARTH ASCEND, who say illegal sideshows and street takeovers are damaging the reputation of car culture and true enthusiasts.
FOX21News will update this article with more driver reactions following Friday’s DOWN TO EARTH ASCEND event.
