The federal Bureau of Land Management on Thursday suspended all off-road racing events organized by Mojave Desert Racing Productions, the promoter in charge of the race where eight spectators were killed last weekend.A spokesman for the federal agency said the suspension will remain in place while federal officials investigate the tragedy at the California 200 off-road race in San Bernardino County's Lucerne Valley.
“The BLM is continuing to cooperate with state and local law enforcement agencies in the ongoing investigation into Saturday night's tragic [off-highway vehicle] accident at Johnson Valley Open Area,’’ Stephen Razo, spokesman for the BLM’s California’s desert district office, said in a statement. “BLM has suspended any future permitted events of MDR Productions while the investigation is underway.”
Other upcoming off-road races permitted by the BLM in the California desert will be reviewed on a “case-by-case basis,’’ Razo said. That includes an upcoming motorcycle race in Lucerne Valley.
Eight spectators were killed and 10 others injured when a truck in the California 200 night-time off-road race lost control and rolled into a crowd that had gathered within a few feet of the dirt track.
Both Mojave Desert Racing and the BLM, which permitted the race on federal desert land, have since been criticized for allowing spectators to gather so close to a high-speed race.
Mojave Desert Racing had planned another off-road race – the Lucerne 250 – on Sept. 25.
Nationwide, the BLM permits more than 100 off-road races a year on federal land the agency oversees.
Off-road recreation "is a popular activity in the California desert enjoyed by families and responsible organized groups. BLM's ongoing review will be aimed at ensuring the public safety remains our first priority,’’ Razo said.
-- Phil Willon
Photo: CBS News