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Letters to the editor — Thursday, September 10

Drifting drives innovation

The Gridlife event at Lime Rock Park which features drifting during some of the weekend is rather unique because the participants and fan base are so different from the usual auto racing crowd.

These are much younger people who have developed a passion for cars.

Unlike car racing that demands deep pockets, the cars that are popular are often inexpensive ones that are then modified into sporting machines. Why is this important? It’s not just that a younger audience can take part, it’s that the modifications and pursuit of mechanical problem solving is what develops a person's ability to diagnose, repair, invent, and improve the machines that we all rely on.

We need young people who can fix our cars when the standard mechanic has come to an impasse. The yellow crash barriers you see on the highway were invented by Lime Rock local and famous race car driver John Fitch; he crash tested them (personally) at Lime Rock Park. Let's remember that the greatest developments in technology and safety come from either war or competition. I prefer competition.

John Light

Sharon

The views expressed here are not necessarily those of The Millerton News and The News does not support or oppose candidates for public office.

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