Local Police Race Stock Cars for Charity

The police are speeding, but for a good cause.

Across the state, police departments are holding races for charities such as the Special Olympics and Backstoppers.

Two local policeman, Capt. Mike Dierkes with the Affton-Southwest Precinct and Sgt. Dave Ryan with the South County Precinct represent the St. Louis County Police in races from Kansas City to Springfield to Pevely, MO.

“We both like to give back to the community,” Dierkes said. “Special Olympics and Backstoppers are good charities to donate time and effort to. It’s combining two things we love. We raise money and have a lot of fun.”

With donations and sponsorships from local businesses, police took old taxis and police cars and gutted them, turning them into dirt stock cars.

With the county’s car, G&M Auto Center did most of the work rebuilding and restoring the old taxi and adding decals and paint.

Ryan and Dierkes raced Saturday at the Battle of the Badges race at Lake of the Ozarks Speedway in Eldon, MO.

“We ran last year, but this was a new track and we just went out and figured it out,” Ryan said. “We ended sixth out of 20.”

All 20 cars from across the state each brought a minimum $1,500 donation and half of the ticket proceeds went to charity.

Ryan said dirt racing is different from NASCAR or freeway driving.

“The dirt track is cars bunched together, all equal,” Ryan said. “It’s all about where to let off the gas pedal. There’s no breaking.”

“Rubbing is racing,” Dierkes said. “This isn’t demolition derby, but we hit each other. It takes guts to get in the car and drive on a dirt track. You need to remain calm. Road rage is not a good thing on the track.”

Just to finish the race is an accomplishment. The cars travel 30 laps around the track with no pit stops. Speeds can reach up to 80mph depending on the track.

“It’s hard driving,” Dierkes said. “We run street tires so when your wheels turn on the dirt, it’s like driving on ice.”

To make the cars safe on the track, all have to abide by rules developed by a committee, which Dierkes heads. The two spend at least 100 hours a month preparing the car.

All glass must be removed and roll cages and a five-point seat belt must be installed. The committee also developed specific rules on motor, transmission and tires. Riders wear racing suits, helmets and other safety gear.

“They all need to be on an equal playing field,” Dierkes said. “We try to make them as generic as possible, so people don’t get too crazy. Everyone helps everyone else out and makes sure the cars are safe and running.”

Dierkes has been racing long before the dirt track in an old taxi. When he moved to the area 14 years ago, he met a neighbor who was into racing.

After helping in the pits, Dierkes and his neighbor bought a car and he started racing with the Sports Car Club of America. He went to driving school first getting his regional and then a national license.

“I’m an adrenaline junkie,” Dierkes said. “I like the competition, the excitement and thrills of driving fast and competing to win.”

It was summer 2010 when Dierkes was approached by Reid Millard, who owns a funeral home in Jefferson City. Millard wanted to raise money for the Special Olympics and had the idea to hold a charity race where policeman would compete againt each other. Millard asked Dierkes to help get the eastern part of the state involved.

The first three races last year brought in more than $60,000 for Special Olympics, Backstoppers and One Missing Link. More than 32 police departments from Callaway County, Columbia, Jefferson County, Jefferson City, Kansas City and Springfield participated.

“They’re policeman first,” Dierkes said. “Some have never raced before and there are ones who race every weekend.”

Dierkes and Ryan have their next race Sept. 10 at the I-55 Raceway in Pevely which will benefit the Backstoppers.