Forum: HoseHeads Sprint Car General Forum (go)
Moderators: dirtonly  /  dmantx  /  hosehead

Well last night we were informed that We can no longer use our Mules ,4 wheelers ,scooters, or golf carts after dark  even if we had a orange flag and a SMV symbol. Or we would be ticketed. I been coming to Knoxville for close to 40 years and never had One problem before. The new young police chief must not understand how much the fans and race teams bring to this town. Or he isnt  a race fan to begin with. I always say there is 2 sides to a coin if he can be Barne Fife and make most of the people un happy with his stiff colar laws o he could  think outside the box and help the fans and teams just get back to there place. There is other ways   he can do to make things safe If that is his agenda.  

It doesnt bother us.  We are at the track when it's dark, so the rule is really irrelevant.   The golf cart sits til morning anyways.   many towns don't allow these vehicles on the streets at all.  And if they do, they have an ordiance banning them on the streets from dusk to dawn.  I don't know why this is a big deal?  

Been coming for 25 years. Been bringing a RTV for the last 8. Never since I registered it with the city has it been legal after dark even though it has lights front and rear.

The Knoxville police have never gave a shit about the fans... just the opposite, all they see is $$$ in fines and arrest capitalizing on out of state people.

I talked to a cop at the Nats a couple years ago.  I asked him about trouble with all the out of towners.  He told me that there was more trouble from locals than there was from visitors.  If that is to believed

I talked to a cop at the Nats a couple years ago.  I asked him about trouble with all the out of towners.  He told me that there was more trouble from locals than there was from visitors.  If that is to believed

I heard the same from someone who has lived in Knoxville for many years and is close to the fair board and city government officials.

I doubt that the mayor and city officials will support a police force that will jeopardize the events that offers the Golden Egg to the city.  Yes, at times, you will have officers that forget they are there to serve and protect, however if claims of misstreatment are brought to the attention of the Chief or Mayors office or the Chamber of Commerce, I'm sure they will be addressed.  I was at the Nationals 4 years ago and was totally impressed with the police and behavior of the fans.  Now, the State Police are a different issue, most are interested in revenue and nothing else.

I don't get any of the negative attitudes towards the police in Knoxville.  (ironic thing is many of you bashing the Knoxville police are probably the same ones complaining about those that want to defund them)  About 15 years ago, my buddy and I were walking right down the sidewalk on the highway towards the track with beers and no coozie.  Cop turns around, pulls up and motions us to his car.  He said something to the affect of "gentlemen, so you know, carrying an open alcoholic beverage in town is illegal.  You'd make my job a lot easier if you would just drop them in that trash can over there"  We said no problem and did as he said.  He said "have a great Nationals and stay safe" and drove away.       What an asshole, right?   

Most of the police I have talked to at Knoxville are very friendly, understand how big the event is for the town and the state, and want everyone there to have the best time they can possibly have.  However, many of us are parents and we know what it's like when you give an inch-----next thing you know your kid expects you to give a little more.  Before you know it, you have no control.  They can only bend so far before they need to reign it back in.   

My son just got his license.  I told him if you ever get pulled over, show the utmost respect to the officer who pulled you over.  If he starts to talk down to you, answer with "yes sir" "my apologies sir" and "I won't let it happen again sir."  Don't lie, don't smart off, and don't argue with what he/or she is saying.  Sticking up for yourself may feel awesome-----but it's going to cost you money.  You don't want a ticket?-----be nice!!  It's not going to work 100% of the time, but being an asshole will get you a ticket 100% of the time. 

So, in the words of Jim Carey in Liar Liar:  "STOP BREAKING THE LAW!!!!!!"

I agree, I've never had an issue in Knoxville. Not a big drinker so that helps but all in all i think people want an Eldora type experience in Knoxville which will never happen because Knoxville is a town and not a big cornfield.  

I've had a ton of fun in Knoxville multiple times. The only time I ever saw the cops was when they were helping people cross the street after the races. It allowed us to get to Dingus in an expeditious manner, so they are fine by me.

I wonder if he's the guy I saw on a UTV loaded with about 12 people, no lights driving down the crowded sidewalk along highway 14 after the races Thursday night.  I watched a cop on foot stop them shortly after the thought "what a dumbass" ran through my mind. 

That being said, I do hope cops are graceous enough to help racers get cars pushed back to trailers along the frontage road rather than jack them up.