You might be familiar with speed limits, the maximum speeds that you can drive legally on the roads. But did you know that there is a similar number for motorsport events? It’s called the “speedway number” and it refers to the maximum speed that you can drive on certain types of race tracks. Let’s take a quick look at what this number is and the different situations in which you might need to use it.
At Grand Prix Events
As mentioned, the speedway number comes into play at motorsport events, such as the Indianapolis 500 or the Daytona 500. When a driver reaches the end of the race track, the checkered flag drops and the official timing and scoring systems keep track of how fast each car was going when they crossed the finish line. The leader of each race group is then determined by the number of points he accumulated throughout the event.
For example, at the Indy 500, the starting field is determined by the first positions in each of the four qualifying races. So, the top four drivers from each qualifying group race go into Saturday’s big race. As you might imagine, given the stakes and the size of the field, the Indy 500 requires a lot of organization and preparation. Before you start driving, you have to line up in your starting grid and wait your turn to go racing. Once the green flag drops, it’s every man for himself and you have to manage your fuel economy and avoid accidents to achieve the best possible result. You can learn a lot about car control and driving techniques from the pros at the Indy 500. The sheer amount of knowledge and experience gained from one event like this is invaluable!
At Other Types Of Events
The speedway number also applies to other types of events, such as the Toronto International Speedway (TOS) three-day weekend or the Grand Prix of America. These events might not have the same prestige and popularity as the Indy 500, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t important. In fact, the International Olympic Committee lists the TOS weekend as one of the five preliminary events for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
So, if you’re going to be in Toronto for the TOS three-day weekend, you’ll need to find the speedway number for the track. When the checkered flag drops at the end of the event, you’ll have to find a place to park your car and take a walk (unless you want to risk getting lost in the huge city)!
On Residential Streets
Speaking of risks, the speedway number also applies to residential streets. Did you know that it’s illegal to drive faster than 30 miles per hour (48.24 km/h) on most residential streets? It’s not just about the 30 mile per hour (48.24 km/h) limit, either; it’s about what street you’re driving on and where you’re parking, as well. For instance, the speedway number on Front Street is 35 miles per hour (56.76 km/h) and on Jarvis Street it’s 25 miles per hour (41.46 km/h). If you get a ticket for going 11 miles (18.528 km) per hour over the speedway number, you’ll have to pay a $500 fine.
So, if you live in a neighborhood that has a speedway number and you want to drive somewhere, you have to find a way to work around the residential streets’ speed limits. One option is to find a spot on a road that doesn’t have a speed limit and park there. This is referred to as “street racing” and, in many cases, it’s perfectly legal. Just remember: if police catch you, it’s not going to be funny!
In Labor Days
Another situation where you might have to resort to street racing is during the summer vacation season. Did you know that public schools in Canada are usually closed on summer break? That means that you have to find another way to get your education, which makes it harder for you to get employment after you graduate. During the school year, you might have to find a tutor or take online classes to make sure that you keep up with your studies. But in the summertime, there aren’t any classes and you have more free time, which can cause you to want to get out and about.
So, if you happen to be caught in the Summertime without a license or insurance card, you’ll have to spend some time at a community service center. However, if you’re going to be driving on public roads in the summertime, it’s important to remember that it’s usually illegal to drive with some exceptions, such as getting your license or insurance card, going to work or school, or going on an emergency errand. Most importantly, if you’re going to be driving on residential streets, it’s important to remember that it’s illegal to drive faster than 30 miles per hour (48.24 km/h). This is a good rule of thumb no matter what time of year it is!
On High-Speed Roads
Let’s talk toll roads for a minute. Did you know that there are some roads that are known as “toll roads” and others that are not? The term “toll road” can be applied to any road that has a toll or has a special access fee. The difference is that a toll road is a road that you have to pay for using a particular credit card or debit card. The toll road operator collects the money from the motorist and then transfers it to the government.
So, let’s say that you live in an area that has a lot of heavy traffic and you want to get to the airport or a major shopping mall quickly. If you have an E-Z pass, you can use that to pay for a portion of the road. Did you know that most toll roads have a speed limit? It’s usually 50 miles per hour (80.48 km/h) and it depends on the type of toll road; some have a 55 mile per hour (89.78 km/h) speed limit while others don’t limit speed at all. Just make sure that you’re aware of the speed limit before you drive on a designated toll road. Otherwise, you could get a citation or a warning from a police officer.
When All Else Fails
What happens when all else fails? That’s when you need a way to race, right? Well, with the legal system being what it is in the U.S., you might find that you’re unable to get the car you want, which is totally understandable. When that happens, it might be best to go underground and find a way to race, or at least park in the middle of a block and walk to your destination. Did you know that it’s also against the law to be in a car that isn’t registered? That makes it easier for the cops if they ever catch you. Besides, what’s the point in having a luxury car or a nice motorcycle if you can’t enjoy it on the roads?
The bottom line is this: when you find yourself in a situation where it’s not safe to drive or you want to get somewhere quickly, it might be best to find a way to race. However, if you do decide to take the road less traveled, make sure that you obey all the traffic regulations and don’t do anything that might get you in trouble. Remember: you’re playing with fire and it’s not worth it. You can also check out this blog post for more information on street racing in Canada. It’s a great primer for anyone considering the practice.