artx
New Member
Posts: 22
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Post by artx on Apr 3, 2009 7:01:25 GMT -5
How is it that a 3 month permit cost $240 and the annual is $4000? I would renew every 3 months then or is that not possible? If you get this type permit, are you now a commercial vehicle? I thought from previous posts that motorhomes COULD NOT get that permit?
I am in the DFW area, Burleson to be exact. I'll investigate our rep. here.
Thanks for your efforts. I think a petition or many calls may make a difference.
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Post by macdaddy on Apr 3, 2009 9:24:39 GMT -5
yes you can renew your permit every 90 days, no you will not be a comm vehicle, the dot were selling permits and the dps would not deem them valid, there is no law that specificly says a motorhome cannot get a permit so for now its legal. do you you think with the influx of racers getting permits dot is going to want to give up that revenue. not. but still we need to get the law changed so we do not have to spend $1100 per year to pull our trailers. so it is important that we push to our state reps to to put in legislation the same as house bill 69 in north carolina. so come on guys wear your state reps phone out. there is power in numbers and we all vote and pay taxes. also tell your reps in an economy such as we are in do they really want to shut down the people that are spending money. thanks roger
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artx
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Posts: 22
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Post by artx on Apr 3, 2009 23:17:04 GMT -5
Here is what I am sending my representative. Feel free to critique it and let me know what you think.
Dear Representative Turner,
As a constituent of your district, I wish to express a concern I have. My family and I are motorsports enthusiasts that regularly participate in the sport of drag racing. We regularly race at Texas Raceway in Kennedale, TX, which is in your district, and other tracks across Texas and the southern U.S. Recently there has been a growing concern among racers about the transportation of race cars and equipment across Texas…especially our area. The concern is the limit of 65 feet for the combined length of a tow vehicle and its trailer. Many racers have motorhomes and trucks that, when pulling a reasonably sized trailer to accommodate their car and equipment, may and often does exceed the Texas limit and are thus overlength. My request for you is to review the Texas Department of Public Safety regulation and request an amendment to the length limit for motorsports applications. The state of North Carolina is likely going to pass legislation on House Bill 69 in July of this year regarding the combined vehicle length by allowing those involved in motorsports to have an increase to 90 feet with no special permit required. Currently, Texas has an overlength permit available, but the permit fee, short period of time the permit is active (90 days maximum) and has limitations as to when and how a vehicle may travel. There are also appears to be disagreement between federal DOT and state DPS as to the validity of the permit when applied to motorhomes or vehicles used for these specific applications. Overall, this length limit affects all racers from Nascar, drag racing, circle track and dirt track racing. Most racers are racing as a hobby and not as a business so the costs of a traffic citation or multiple citations over time for being overlength can be a financial burdensome, especially in these economic times. The cost to sell a motorhome or trailer to become compliant with the regulation is high. Recently, there appears to be a significant increase in the enforcement of this regulation by the Texas DPS that has been rather lax in the past years. According to Rep. David Farabee’s office in the Wichita Falls area, many racers in that area are being targeted as they leave the racing facility and enter onto the highway. At that time they are being stopped, checked and issued citations if overlength. Racers that are only over by a small amount are also receiving citations. I understand that the law is the law and we are to take whatever measures to abide by it, but when there is clearly a safe alternative available to other states by increasing the limit, why can’t Texas. I for one would be more than happy to pay an annual fee for this overlength permit as it would help state funding. I believe other racers would be more than happy to pay a fee just to not to have to worry about being stopped and issued a citation. The amount of fees would surely generate more revenue than a few citations would in that regard. I want to thank you in advance for the efforts you exhaust on this request and hope you will understand our side and agree that a change is needed. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or wish to further discuss this matter.
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Post by macdaddy on Apr 4, 2009 0:34:13 GMT -5
That is perfect, it speaks as many of us feel. Now for the bad news. I got my permit today and it states that "loads not exceeding 10' wide or 100' long with legal front and rear overhang may travel at night on the interstate hwy system only" this was highlighted with geen marker by the dot officer after they issued my permit and of course there are no refunds.That means we cannot go to kennedale or denton or wrp without staying overnight and driving home the next day.We are allready spend countless hours racing without having to wait fo daylight to go home. I guess we are out of racing with our 3 cars until we can get the laws changed.That will be hit to the ecomony because I know what I spend racing. thanks Roger
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artx
New Member
Posts: 22
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Post by artx on Apr 4, 2009 7:29:16 GMT -5
That is perfect, it speaks as many of us feel. Now for the bad news. I got my permit today and it states that "loads not exceeding 10' wide or 100' long with legal front and rear overhang may travel at night on the interstate hwy system only" this was highlighted with geen marker by the dot officer after they issued my permit and of course there are no refunds.That means we cannot go to kennedale or denton or wrp without staying overnight and driving home the next day.We are allready spend countless hours racing without having to wait fo daylight to go home. I guess we are out of racing with our 3 cars until we can get the laws changed.That will be hit to the ecomony because I know what I spend racing. thanks Roger So how much is an overlength ticket? I have seen it vary from county to county, but looks like anywhere from $140 to 250. At that rate, it might be cheaper to take your chance and pay the fine. It isn't a moving violation from what I understand.
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Post by gregdowns on Apr 5, 2009 11:50:00 GMT -5
Just some more info for all local racers, I was having a conversation with a DOT officer last week and we were talking about these laws they are enforcing now, and I was told they will be targetting PU's pulling cars on open trailers and enclosed trailers leaving the track where they are racing for money and that makes the racers a commercial vehicle, subjecting them to commercial vehicle laws. Not very many people in this country thought much about the DOT cops ging after big trucks in the interest of safety. But maybe people will realize, cops dont have any laws for safety, just revenue production. Seat belts, speed, all laws are made to produce revenue for the government. In a since, you are paying an over lenght tax, not a fine for being over lebght, etc. As state revenues decrease, they will target a bigger group of people for the increases, these DOT cops have show just cause so they can keep their jobs. In these tough economic times, money to racing is hard to come by, now with the DOT wanting to get their hands in our pockets also, it takes alot of the fun out of racing.
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Post by jeffster on Apr 5, 2009 17:36:39 GMT -5
Greg if you get a chance ask him if a guy runs for trophys and not money is it considered commercial? If not commercial then that is what everyone should tell them.
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Post by macdaddy on Apr 5, 2009 19:11:32 GMT -5
was told by lt.wilson if you do not file on your taxes the cost incurred w/racing and just pay taxes on your winnings and no advertising on truck and trailer you are not considered commercial. I will be carrying my last years tax return with me as others do to prove that I do not claim racing that might keep them from writing that ticket.
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Herodcrew
Full Member
Herod Racing
Posts: 200
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Post by Herodcrew on Apr 5, 2009 19:17:37 GMT -5
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artx
New Member
Posts: 22
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Post by artx on Apr 5, 2009 20:17:57 GMT -5
So how can you identify the DOT guys...vehicle, etc? So are they more worried about tax ivasion or safety...don't answer that, they just want the $$$ no matter what means they can get.
BTW Herodcrew, are you all going to the ProAm race in Tulsa? We're hoping to go up there with the Bradleys to race our jrs. Not sure what to expect as this is our first year to run the ProAm series. Any info?
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Post by wfowler on Apr 5, 2009 22:15:34 GMT -5
So how can you identify the DOT guys...vehicle, etc? Most DOT'S are in either SUV's or pickups. The guy that stopped Alan was in a plain black car.
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Herodcrew
Full Member
Herod Racing
Posts: 200
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Post by Herodcrew on Apr 7, 2009 18:25:41 GMT -5
artx... pm sent.
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Post by macdaddy on Apr 12, 2009 11:41:03 GMT -5
Karen Ray DRR Trophy Posted April 06, 2009 07:36 AM Hide Post The North Carolina law is now 90 feet. The Governor signed the bill on March 19 changing the length we've all been talking about for so long. So come on down!! If anyone wants a copy of the new law, e-mail me and I'll send it to you. And while you're thinking about, join the North Carolina Motorsports Association. I can get you the information. It works for the racers! Posts: 4 | Location: Mooresville, NC | Registered: September 04, 2008
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Post by macdaddy on Apr 12, 2009 11:53:22 GMT -5
HOUSE BILL 69 ADDRESSES VEHICLE LENGTH FOR RACERS ON NC HIGHWAYS CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Racers residing in North Carolina or traveling to North Carolina to race, whether they compete on bull-ring oval tracks, superspeedways or drag strips, can breathe a little easier if House Bill 69 passes the Legislature this session. The bill, sponsored by NC State Representative Nelson Cole, working with former State Representative Karen Ray, addresses and defines the length for “vehicle combinations used in connection with motorsports competition events” that travel on North Carolina highways. HB 69 provides that certain vehicle combinations that do not exceed 90 feet may be legally operated on all state highways provided they are traveling “(1) to or from a motorsports competition event; (2) for trips conducted for the purpose of purchasing fuel or conducting repairs....on the competition vehicle; (3) for other activities related to motorsports purposes.” “Due to the tireless efforts of former State Representative Karen Ray, who now serves as Business Affairs Director for the North Carolina Motorsports Association (NCMA), working with the State Highway Patrol, the Department of Transportation, the Division of Motor Vehicles and legislators, House Bill 69 has been filed to address the length issues and concerns that surround racing in North Carolina,” said Steve Earwood, owner of Rockingham Dragway and Chairman of the NCMA’s Board of Directors. “The NCMA works to grow and maintain the motorsports industry in North Carolina and those efforts may include working with our Legislature from time to time. We appreciate the attention the General Assembly has given the industry in the past and look forward to working with them in the future on matters that affect the best interests of racing and related businesses in our State,” Earwood said. “Motorsports has made its mark in North Carolina and our goal is to continue to be the “hub” of the industry.” “Thank you to Representative Cole for his initiative in filing House Bill 69 and to the entire legislature for the support they have given us.” www.MotorsportsNC.org For further information contact: Karen Ray Business Affairs Director North Carolina Motorsports Association 704-756-9136 kray@motorsportsnc.org Copyright © 2009 North Carolina Motorsports Association. All Rights Reserved. Design & Hosting by Zorigo, LLC ok guys email karen and send this to you state reps. thanks roger
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Curt
Full Member
Posts: 125
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Post by Curt on Apr 12, 2009 19:45:19 GMT -5
Here is a copy of the letter written to my Rep, Rick Hardcastle. I also sent a similar letter to Farabee, Merrit ( Texas chair of Public Safety), Straus ( Texas Speaker of the House). Please do not wait on others to get something done. Politicians understand voters in numbers, not a couple of complainers. Mr. Hardcastle, Thank you for your service to our area. We appreciate the work you do for us. Lately, the local Weights and Measures officers have been targeting racers leaving our local facility for DOT violations. Obviously, we do not consider ourselves “truck drivers” or “commercial vehicles”. In fact I am not able to declare my motor home as a commercial vehicle. The laws are written so that we are not able to either buy to proper permits, or travel to local venues without entering a grey area. North Carolina has realized that local motorsports racers were a large part of the states economy and with the help of Karen Ray of the NCMA, legislation is being passed as this message is being typed to allow amateur motorsports enthusiast to travel to and from racing, repair, fueling facilities. With today’s economy and scrutiny of our political leaders, it would make sense to me, to encourage the spending of any type, to stimulate not only local business, but also the taxes that go with it. I know of no current drag racers in the Wichita Falls area, that can declare their racing as a business, whether it be a profit or loss, as the Internal Revenue Service declares our hobby, a hobby. The DPS officers state that since prize money is being paid, it makes our endeavor “for profit”. I can assure you that > 90% of sportsman racers never sees a “profit”, in fact, most will never make it to the payout window. If this is the case, do the golfers hauling their golf carts from a scramble, cowboys hauling their horses from roping, motocross racers hauling their dirt bikes, landscapers hauling their mowers all become targets of commercial transportation laws? The NHRA has the largest motorsports membership in the USA. Combine it with the IHRA in Texas and I can assure you there are a large number of registered voters in these two associations, not to mention the other citizens that will be effected if legislation is not acted on. I feel that until a decision can be made either for or against us, someone in power should call off the dogs. Thanking you in advance for your help with this matter Curt Rickerson The following is a explanation of North Carolina HB69 HOUSE BILL 69 ADDRESSES VEHICLE LENGTH FOR RACERS ON NC HIGHWAYS CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Racers residing in North Carolina or traveling to North Carolina to race, whether they compete on bull-ring oval tracks, superspeedways or drag strips, can breathe a little easier if House Bill 69 passes the Legislature this session. The bill, sponsored by NC State Representative Nelson Cole, working with former State Representative Karen Ray, addresses and defines the length for “vehicle combinations used in connection with motorsports competition events” that travel on North Carolina highways. HB 69 provides that certain vehicle combinations that do not exceed 90 feet may be legally operated on all state highways provided they are traveling “(1) to or from a motorsports competition event; (2) for trips conducted for the purpose of purchasing fuel or conducting repairs....on the competition vehicle; (3) for other activities related to motorsports purposes.” “Due to the tireless efforts of former State Representative Karen Ray, who now serves as Business Affairs Director for the North Carolina Motorsports Association (NCMA), working with the State Highway Patrol, the Department of Transportation, the Division of Motor Vehicles and legislators, House Bill 69 has been filed to address the length issues and concerns that surround racing in North Carolina,” said Steve Earwood, owner of Rockingham Dragway and Chairman of the NCMA’s Board of Directors. “The NCMA works to grow and maintain the motorsports industry in North Carolina and those efforts may include working with our Legislature from time to time. We appreciate the attention the General Assembly has given the industry in the past and look forward to working with them in the future on matters that affect the best interests of racing and related businesses in our State,” Earwood said. “Motorsports has made its mark in North Carolina and our goal is to continue to be the “hub” of the industry.” “Thank you to Representative Cole for his initiative in filing House Bill 69 and to the entire legislature for the support they have given us.” www.MotorsportsNC.org For further information contact: Karen Ray Business Affairs Director North Carolina Motorsports Association 704-756-9136 kray@motorsportsnc.org Copyright © 2009 North Carolina Motorsports Association. All Rights Reserved. Design & Hosting by Zorigo, LLC
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