KCTV 5Faces of Kansas City: A place for those with a need for speed

"I raced back in the '70s," he explains. "It's a blast."

Hight is the driving force behind the VAMP racing series out at Kansas City International Raceway park. It's advertised as drag racing for the common man.

"You don't have to have a real fast car to run in this," said Hight.

When asked if anybody can participate in the race, he responds with "absolutely!" Those who come to race, though, should know that the drivers participating in the VAMP races come to win.

"They're all fierce competitors. Very fierce, but they'd do anything for their neighbor. I've seen cars break down and the competitor is down in the pits helping him repair his car so he can make the next round," said Hight.

Hight expects everyone to have fun at the raceway but there is also a sobering side to racing.

"You're invincible when you're young. They just don't think anything can hurt you," he explains.

The aftermath of street racing isn't just dangerous; it can be lethal. In 2007, two people died near 12th Street and Jackson Avenue in what police called a street racing wreck.

"Speed kills, and it can be very serious," said Hight.

About 15 years ago, Hight knew he had to do something when his son began street racing. Shortly thereafter, the VAMP racing series was born with the goal of getting drag racing off the streets and onto the track.

"They've come up to me and said ‘we're not street racing anymore, we're doing it here. We're having fun,'" said Hight.

He admits he can't convince everyone to come out to the drag strip.

"The speed is what worries me more than anything," said Hight. "The cars handle really well but what about an innocent person pulling out? You don't know what's going to happen on the street."

While he knows he can't get all drag racers to come out to the raceway, Hight is happy with event's speedy growth so far.

"Maybe we've saved a life, I don't know, but I sincerely hope that it's helped," he said.

The next VAMP race at Kansas City International Raceway is Oct. 8. For more information, click here.

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