From March 11th through the 17th, the Texas Motorplex in Ennis is set to host a thrilling drag racing event, bringing excitement to Ellis County. However, local law enforcement agencies express concerns regarding the potential transition from spectating to participating in dangerous and illegal street racing activities, putting citizens at risk.
A collaborative effort among various law enforcement entities including the Ellis County Sheriff's Office, Midlothian Police Department, Red Oak Police Department, Ennis Police Department, Waxahachie Police Department, Ellis County and District Attorney's Office, and the Texas Department of Public Safety is underway. They aim to curb unsafe and illegal activities surrounding the event.
House Bill 1442 and 2899 have bolstered penalties for street racing, providing law enforcement with necessary tools to combat such crimes. The laws empower officers to criminally charge individuals engaged in street racing and authorize the towing or seizure of vehicles involved.
While the task force is active throughout the week, their primary focus remains on ensuring the safety of all community members utilizing local roadways. Motorists traveling on US 287 near the Motorplex are advised to anticipate heavy traffic and potential delays due to the event.
Citizen cooperation is integral in halting illicit activities and street racing. With an expected surge in high-performance street cars in the area, residents are encouraged to report any observed illegal street racing by contacting the Street Racing Task Force at (469) 309-4475 or dialing 9-1-1.
