Caption Pointing Up: [Name] Represents Police, and bright the RCMP Helicopter to show support [for the event].

Caption Pointing Left: Three heavily modified expensive Lotus sports cars attracted the public's attention. (Name of reporter)


Title:

Richmond Display's its beloved creations with the support of the RCMP
MODIFIED CAR OWNERS CRITICIZES STREET RACING

Main Body:

[Ming Pao Exclusive] Over 300 modified car owners held an event in Richmond yesterday, heavily looking down upon illegal street racing and its negative effect on the image of car lovers. The police agrees that such an event will spread peer pressure for youngsters to think twice about street racing. The force sent officers to participate in the event, and are in full support of the event.

"We do not race with others in our modified cars on the streets, its the doing of a few that ruined the reputation of us car lovers", said Mr. Lu, a representative of the organizer "Revscene.net". It's common for people to group street racers and modified cars together, and thus the "modified car gurus" decided to make a stand and clear their names, joining forces with the police to oppose street racing together.

Mr. Lu points out that currently the majority of American movies and Japanese Manga feature modified cars in street racing scenarios as the main story, and thus creating the misconception amongst the younger population that "Modified cars are for racing". Mr. Lu states that the movie/TV industry is quite irresponsible in painting this image, and advises young people to "not believe everything you see in the movies".

"Modified cars are like modified cars, owners invest a lot of effort and creativity in order to create something that is unique, something that can represent their own vision of a good looking car." Lu strongly believes that modifying a car and some sports are no different, everyone is trying to express themselves, and the general public should not look at the modified car community with bias.

Richmond RCMP Traffic Division Police Chief Rob Quilley agrees with Mr. Lu's statement. He explains that the car owners spend tens of thousands of dollars to modified their cars, giving their beloved vehicles the utmost care rather than street racing and crasing their cars. However Quilley adds (with a smirk), that most of these owners are younger drivers, and the driving skills displayed in day-to-day driving may be lacking and thus attract negative attention from the public.

Quilley is certain that younger modified cars' owners are relying on peer pressure to promote safe driving, and that it will be more well-accepted by the younger population; something that seems to be more effective then the police's best efforts. Quilley appauds the organizing party's willingness to cooperate with the police, giving the police a chance to build a good relationship with the local modifying community.

Quilley also thinks that there is a need to construct a proper raceway for the younger driving population a place to vent their need [for speed] in a safe environment, further decreasing the effects of street racing. Quilley says that throughout America many cities have these facilities, however the closest facility in Greater Vancouver is in Mission, where the 2+ hours of driving means that most will result in the 30 seconds of street racing.

However Quilley advises owners that they need to follow rules when they modify cars, and that each part has strict guidelines. He points out that many like to use light bulbs of different colours for their signals and headlights, lowering their cars so they are only eights of an inch off the floor, and installing racecar spec exhaust systems - to which many of these modifications are illegal.

Yesterday's event attracted more than 300 modified cars, all open to display to the general public. Participants were not only from Vancouver and her surrounding cities, but also from Vancouver Island and our neighboring states in America, to so call "meet friends with their cars". The police showed their support by attending with a large support trailer and helicopter.