Any High School student with a need for speed is urged to participate in the 2nd Annual High School Drags slated for May 18th at Wichita International Raceway. Wichita Police Lt. Sara Morris wants to get High School racers off the streets and onto the racetrack, and to do that she uses a 1984 Ford Mustang with a 460 cubic inch 550 horsepower engine that is decked out like a Wichita Police Department car.

"Bring out your hot rod, beater, or whatever and let’s drag race," said Lt. Morris. Gates to the High School drags will open at 6 p.m. and it costs $5 per carload to get in and $10 to race. Wichita International Raceway is located ½ mile west of 61st St. North and Ridge Road.

Last year, Lt. Morris said they expected about 15 cars to participate in the High School Drags, and they ended up with 52 in the high school bracket and 17 in the regular bracket. She hopes they will top that number this year.

The Wichita Police Department, River City Heat Racing, and Beat the Heat, Inc. have teamed up to offer the Wichita community this new and exciting educational and prevention program. Beat the Heat, Inc. is a national organization of Law Enforcement Officers across the country who have developed educational programs combining youth, drag racing and law enforcement.

"We want to incorporate a new relationship between the police and the young people in our community in a safe, fun and exciting way. We thought, instead of chasing the street racers from one area to another, let’s get them off the streets and to the racetrack for some safe racing," said Lt. Morris.

Lt. Morris explained that her race car and program is designed to target a variety of issues facing young people, such as: educating them on illegal drug and alcohol use, urging youth to stay in school, promoting a better understanding between the police and the community, and encouraging everyone not to race in the street.

She also trailers her racecar to numerous events such as school assemblies, Healthy Kid Day, Greater Andover Days, just to name a few. During these events, Lt. Morris and WPD officers interact with young people, pass out literature and offer educational and prevention information.

Lt. Morris and her husband John incur most of the costs in operating this program; part of the program is supported by donations. For more information on the High School Drags or other events that River City Heat will be participating in, please contact Lt. Sara Morris at Patrol East, 688-9331 or any of the WPD substations.