Landracing Forum

East Coast Timing Association => ECTA General Chat => Topic started by: Cajun Kid on April 05, 2009, 09:45:26 PM

Title: Future Security at Maxton - Possibilities ?
Post by: Cajun Kid on April 05, 2009, 09:45:26 PM
Hearing about two racers having there bikes stolen should make us all mad.  Maxton has a very long record and history of things staying safe and secure. But folks these are very differant times we find ourselves in now and we all must adapt to the current situation.  I am not sure what the answer is , but I know we are all going to have to take additional security steps both for the items we leave at the track overnight and things we leave in our rigs at the motels in town.

One thing I would like to suggest is just "looking into the possibility" of hiring private security or off duty police to stay on site from dark till daylight on Friday and Saturday nights.

I know that will cost "something" but in the small towns here in NC  the going rate for off duty security from either the local police or private firms ranges from $12 to $20 per hour (so 9pm to 7am is 10 hours each night) even at $20 per hour for 20 total hours that is $400... I know we don't take in much $ and spending $400 more is alot.

So if we just raise the gate fee from $5 for a weekend admittance to just $6 would that cover it ?
(where else can fans/spectators etc. have so much fun for 2 days for only $6 ? heck that includes parking good food at reasonable prices and access to the pits,,, a great bargin in  my humble opinion)

I have no idea if between the excess crew and friends that come with us , and general public spectators ,,if we get 400 paying folks through the gate over an average event ??  if we do the math would at least seem to work ?  if all other assumptions are correct?

Just a thought..

Charles
Title: Re: Future Security at Maxton - Possibilities ?
Post by: t russell on April 05, 2009, 10:03:56 PM
I think that is being looked at.
terry
Title: Re: Future Security at Maxton - Possibilities ?
Post by: Jerry O on April 05, 2009, 10:20:41 PM
I agree with you Cajun. I can't think of one event you can go to and only pay 5 bucks for admission. I would be more than happy to pay more if it helps this from happening again. For us that don't know the guys that lost bikes, if you could post photos and info on them, we can keep a eye out. 
Title: Re: Future Security at Maxton - Possibilities ?
Post by: MiltonP on April 05, 2009, 11:07:25 PM
What approximate time and where were the bikes stolen from?  I didn't hear about it and I was camped in the main pit area close to the food tent from Thursday night on.  There were also campers down at the next block south Thursday night on.  The Bluebirds were in before us up North.
Title: Re: Future Security at Maxton - Possibilities ?
Post by: Johntsi on April 06, 2009, 10:11:07 AM
WOW, that is really disturbing.  What bikes where stolen?  We left a lot of stuff unlocked hell with laptops out because its always been safe we thought.  Hard part even with security is like at a car show you see someone pulling off in a car you have no idea that its not thiers.
Title: Re: Future Security at Maxton - Possibilities ?
Post by: RansomT on April 06, 2009, 10:20:59 AM
WOW, that is really disturbing.  What bikes where stolen?  We left a lot of stuff unlocked hell with laptops out because its always been safe we thought.  Hard part even with security is like at a car show you see someone pulling off in a car you have no idea that its not thiers.

This just blows my mind.  Over the past 7-8 years, on average I have attended 3 meets per season.  Of those 3 meets, I normally "camp" with my bike trailer 2 of those meets.  I have yet to experience anything would suggest "thieving".  As a matter of fact, camping at Maxton is normally one of the quietest times of my life.  I have left everything just out in the open with not a worry, until now.
Title: Re: Future Security at Maxton - Possibilities ?
Post by: sockjohn on April 06, 2009, 11:38:03 AM
I've never been to Maxton, so if there is a defined "entry" it would be relatively easy to setup a camera watching who comes and goes.  If the camera (or recording device) records the time it's a pretty easy thing to narrow down "who did" or who could have done it.

There are plenty of good and cheap cameras on the market, and many will run on 12V.

Hate to think it comes to something like this, but anything that announces to the general public that expensive things will be at a certain location and time attracts thieves.

Are people insuring their race bikes?  Even if they are not street legal?  I assume a stated value insurance policy would work.
Title: Re: Future Security at Maxton - Possibilities ?
Post by: McRat on April 06, 2009, 11:53:04 AM
Problem with insurance is that it covers money.  Sometimes money just comes up short. 

Long time ago, I had a bunch of tools and gadgets that I had made over a couple decades.  When they stole my rollaway out of my garage, they did cut me a check, but it was like someone took a part of my life.

One thing about thieves, they are usually stupid, so don't be too surprised if they show up at next event.
Title: Re: Future Security at Maxton - Possibilities ?
Post by: MiltonP on April 06, 2009, 02:49:32 PM
I plan on camping in the same spot each event and have a line of site on the entrance.  My generator was on the blink this event but I shouldn't have any issue with battery power to cover recording the entrance.  I have a sony handicam and remote camera that works off the av inputs that I used for in-car video on the miata but am not sure about the setting options for overnight coverage.  I don't like to think of the impact of the other obvious choice which is chaining the inside entrance off from 11pm to 6am or whatever.  And there has already been one comment that it can be hard to tell who is legitimate even in daylight.
Title: Re: Future Security at Maxton - Possibilities ?
Post by: DahMurf on April 07, 2009, 09:02:32 AM
From the conversations I've had, it appears the board is already looking into hiring security. A few of us familiar with this practice have suggested hiring the off duty local PD and I know the staff spoke with the PD that responded to the track about it as well. So for now, consider it being handled from that perspective.

The bike that was stolen from the track I believe to be an R1. The "kid" that runs it has been racing with us for the last few years and is affectionately known as "Hollywood" by some of the staff. For those of you on the start line after Bill's oil down he was 3rd in line to run after a car & vintage bike. IE he was the first metric bike to run & was held in front of the staging lanes. (hoping this will help some with a visual) I haven't come up with a picture yet but if I find one I'll post it. I believe he had it as a street/track bike so I'm hoping there is at least some insurance. The bike only had 3100 miles. He was pitted about 4 pits up from us. So basically he was in the section of pits between the tech/impound lane & the gas vendor facing the track. We had the corner opposite of the tech/impound so go 4 pits towards short shut down & that's where they were. There were other race bikes, pit bikes & tools left out that were untouched so that one must have had appeal. They do run an open trailer so I'm not sure if or how well the bike was locked down. I was also told that another trailer had its lock cut but the bike its self was also locked and that's what prevented it from being stolen. I was told that it was down in the section near the food vendor.

There is more then one way to get into the track so a lock down I don't believe would be practical. It's time for us all to start locking down our stuff to the best of our abilities. The venue has grown & become public so we now need to step it up. It's devastatingly unfortunate that we had to learn this lesson as the result of a theft.

We've been racing here 9 years and we have heard of thefts occurring off track at the hotels & such but to my knowledge this is the first theft from our track.

I am deeply disappointed.
Debbie
Title: Pic of stolen bike...
Post by: DahMurf on April 07, 2009, 09:37:31 AM
Here ya go. I didn't realize that RChop captured a pic of the stolen bike. I'm used to looking at it from the top side. you can't really see but he cut the tank/tank cover down for this meet. It really has me wondering if it was grabbed with stunting in mind.  :x  It's bike number 9443.

(http://www.frsengineering.com/m17.JPG)
Title: Re: Future Security at Maxton - Possibilities ?
Post by: Seldom Seen Slim on April 07, 2009, 09:37:57 AM
I think this is the bike.  Correct me if I'm wrong.  Okay, Deb, you and Randy beat me to it, but here's a pair of photos:


Title: Re: Future Security at Maxton - Possibilities ?
Post by: Rchop on April 07, 2009, 09:42:18 AM
I'll join in here...here's a link to a larger/clearer pic http://www.frsengineering.com/m17.JPG
Title: Re: Future Security at Maxton - Possibilities ?
Post by: White Monster on April 07, 2009, 10:00:45 AM
I heard one bike was taken from a locked trailer at the Hamilton.
We can't afford security for all the hotels !!
 :-P
Title: Re: Future Security at Maxton - Possibilities ?
Post by: sabat on April 07, 2009, 10:15:39 AM
That really sucks. Rick has been coming to Maxton for at least 2 years, and is always working hard on his bike and technique to squeak out more speed. I feel terrible for him, he must be out of his mind.

The bike is a Yamaha R1 in case that wasn't mentioned before.
Title: Re: Future Security at Maxton - Possibilities ?
Post by: DahMurf on April 07, 2009, 10:23:20 AM
Thanks Jon! Yes, that's "Hollywood" & his bike.

The seat/tail/tank are all altered but beyond the stickers on the fairings I'm not sure that there's much else "uniquely" altered. Best we can do at this point is to keep our eyes/ears open and report to the authorities if anyone now recalls seeing anything suspicious or of course if you see any of these parts up for sale. Oh & if you see them up for sale online PLEASE report it to the authorities & don't go blabbing it all over the internet!! We want to catch these jerks & we don't want to give them a heads up online that we're on to them! ;)

Yes a Hayabusa, I believe a nitrous one, was stolen from the Hampton Inn as well. Of course we can only provide for security at our track. All your normal security precautions should be taken elsewhere. I've never felt very secure about our cargo at any hotels but we do the best we can to be safe when traveling.

As for Rick, he's been racing with us since Oct 2006. He's always been a pleasant & enjoyable competitor. I spoke with him briefly before he spoke with the PD and I have to say his demeanor was MUCH better then mine would have been at the time!  :-o

You have to wonder why it happens to the nice folk and not the kind of people that are a pain in the tush that you wish would just go away anyway!  :-D (not naming names! LOL )

Debbie

Title: Re: Future Security at Maxton - Possibilities ?
Post by: Joe Timney on April 07, 2009, 12:05:48 PM
The ECTA has never had any problems at the airport with theft while we have been racing until now. We have always had security through Charlotte Air Security team. This obviously was not enough. In addition we have learned that there has been a rash of theft in the area in the last few months, attributed to the state of the economy. The ECTA is in the process of hiring a officer to patrol all night for the rest of the season.

We are all very sorry and upset about these thefts and urge all competitors to protect themselves by safe guarding their property.


Joe Timney
President ECTA
Title: Re: Future Security at Maxton - Possibilities ?
Post by: Cajun Kid on April 07, 2009, 12:10:27 PM
Way to go Joe and the entire ECTA Board.

Thanks for your prompt attention and for this notice.

Charles
Title: Re: Future Security at Maxton - Possibilities ?
Post by: 55chevr on April 07, 2009, 08:58:57 PM
Wow ... they were parked right where I usually pit ... I have always left my bike right on the concrete with a cover on it overnight ... makes me glad I missed this meet ... mine could have been just rolled away ... but then again, who would steal a Harley?

Joe
Title: Re: Future Security at Maxton - Possibilities ?
Post by: narider on April 07, 2009, 10:01:11 PM
... but then again, who would steal a Harley?

Someone with tools?

See ya next month Joe,
Todd
Title: Re: Future Security at Maxton - Possibilities ?
Post by: Stainless1 on April 08, 2009, 08:53:08 AM
... but then again, who would steal a Harley?

Someone with tools?

See ya next month Joe,
Todd

Who says Todd can't be funny....  :-D  That was funny, glad I wasn't drinking coffee when I read that  :cheers:

It is unfortunate that LSR was attacked at Maxton, we rarely think about the possibility but it is apparent that all the venues need to.  The salt has been safe, but it always has had security at night.  Sorry to hear about the theft.
Title: Re: Future Security at Maxton - Possibilities ?
Post by: saltwheels262 on April 08, 2009, 10:39:45 AM
 make anything as hard 'to get' as possible and the wrongdoers
 should move on without it. how many times has that been written?

 on the other hand,  'if they want it bad enough , they'll get it'

 hope they are found.

franey
Title: Re: Future Security at Maxton - Possibilities ?
Post by: roadracer on April 08, 2009, 10:44:17 AM
They went after my bike also.  I found the cable that locked the 600 and 250 together missing Sunday morning.  The 600 had been pushed forward about a foot.  I guess the wheel locks stopped them.  Either not enough of them to pick the bike up, or just becoming to complicated.  They had turned the steering damper down to zero to help it turn easier.  It happened between midnight (the wheels in time guys were across from me and up until then) and 4:45 when I came in Sunday morning.  The crazy thing is there was a guy under a canopy sleeping 20 feet away and a motorhome on each side of me.  The wife is a Detective in Granville County NC and the going rate for off duty security is usually $20 an hour.  We went through this same type of thing at the roadracing facilities and it took security to stop it.  I guess I was very lucky.
Title: Re: Future Security at Maxton - Possibilities ?
Post by: MiltonP on April 09, 2009, 12:23:21 AM
The problem I have with this is that they adjusted the steering dampner to make a bike easier to turn.  Between that and targeting specific bikes it suggests more than common thieves triggered by the state of the economy.  There were probably over a dozen bikes out there without any locks on them at all, unless I was the only idiot to do so  :roll:, yet they chose to work on one with a security cable.  Maybe my lowly Ninja being right next to the rv was a deterrent but I am guessing there was was some fine machinery not locked down out there.  Also strange that they didn't load up on tools etc... as amateurs usually would. 

I didn't hear a bike pull out which suggests they had a trailer.  'Smart' enough to target bikes and adjust a dampner probably means smart enough to have a non-descript enclosed trailer to get away with.  Hopefully, not so smart that they would have brought it in early and spent the day with us targeting a bike.  I didn't note any post with the timeframe of the theft.  Darkness in the pits was nice for sleeping but maybe we need to lite it up a bit with whatever power we have available.

Hopefully, the new security includes some signage stating it is there will deter any future attempts.  That should at least make them have a doubt before going in.
Title: Re: Future Security at Maxton - Possibilities ?
Post by: roadracer on April 09, 2009, 07:24:28 AM
Milton I think I was right next to you.  It was between midnight and 4:45 am as I had people up across from me until midnight and I arrived at 4:45 am.  You are right.  A friend had a GSXR 750 on a stand and only covered up that was an easy take, but was never touched.  Again, there was a guy under an open canopy sleeping right across from my pit.  They could have easily picked up the 250, but left it sitting there.  Go figure.
Title: Re: Future Security at Maxton - Possibilities ?
Post by: 1mile14 on April 09, 2009, 10:34:39 PM
Heck I was just across from you roadracer, I had my 14 on the rear stand covered up. no lock. It was locked the night before. But having the wheels in time Harley guys right there I felt pretty safe. I wouldnt want to mess with them. Maybe thats why we got lucky. Too much of a chance at that part of the pits?? Either way it sucks that some suckers would defile our sport like that and take someones machine.

Security would be a big plus. I would pay a little extra for registration to ensure we all had the night time security to keep people honest. What would 5 extra bucks do per entrant to cover security for each event?
Title: Re: Future Security at Maxton - Possibilities ?
Post by: racer x on April 18, 2009, 03:57:31 PM
  I leave my bike in the pits at night under a cover on a stand. I have always bin afraid to leave it down on the start line over night.
My plan is to lock it to my folding aluminum loading ramp. That way if it moves at night it will make enough noise to attract attention .

And if the bike gets stolen I wont need the ramp any how  :-D
Title: Re: Future Security at Maxton - Possibilities ?
Post by: roadracer on April 20, 2009, 08:57:18 AM
Security, not locks is the answer.  You can lock it to a trailer, but if they want it they will get it.  Remember the 1/2 inch cable lock I was using was cut and gone.  I've seen log chains cut before.  It's sad, but if someone wants a bike that is outside, they can get it.  The reason I feel like it was only 2 people is my bike would have been picked up and gone if it had been more that 2.  I know that years ago at the drag strip at Rockingham they had entire trailers disappear overnight.  It is good that more security is being looked into.  Unfortunately thats what it takes these days.  I for one, am willing to pay a little more for that protection.  The bikes are not safe at the hotels.  Security at the track will bring some peace of mind to you when you leave for the night.  Once word gets out that there is security there, they will move on to easier targets (the bikes in the apartmant complexes). 
Title: Re: Future Security at Maxton - Possibilities ?
Post by: White Monster on April 30, 2009, 04:39:04 PM
... but then again, who would steal a Harley?

Someone with tools?

Todd, you are soooo bad.  Funny, but bad.