In recent weeks, news has focused on the car environment and several cases of driving at extreme speeds, including on the E18. The police hunted, among other things, a car driver who tried to run away at over 200 kilometers per hour. Representatives from the car community have also blocked the E18 for racing. BLOCKADE: The picture from the UP car shows how cars are blocking the E18 ahead of a race from Lier towards Drammen. Photo: Police officer Ruben Foss knows what can be the result of stepping too hard on the accelerator. He himself was part of the local car community in Vestfold, and twice he has become a pedestrian after rough driving. For the car-interested 26-year-old, the solution was driving on a closed circuit, preferably on the Håskenbanen in Sandefjord, where he meets news. – In a way, I was forced to start driving on the track. I got a dispensation from the police to drive on a closed track after I lost the sticker. Recruited comrades After he started track driving, several of his comrades from the car community have followed suit. – Should more of those who race rough rather do like you and drive on the track, instead of blocking the E18 to race there? – They should do it, but it is not that easy. There are few courses, a lot of rules and in that sense it becomes a bit difficult. LOST THE NOTE: Ruben Foss. Photo: Ken Markus Christensen / news – It’s also quite expensive to get started, so it’s probably easier and more fun to keep on track, says Ruben Foss. He believes that driving on a closed track has its advantages. – To a certain extent, it is just as exciting to drive fast on a track. It’s not the same excitement and fear as driving on normal roads, but you can drive even faster, he says. Can cost several thousands At Rudskogen Motorsenter in Rakkestad, news is informed that it costs from NOK 7,500 to NOK 11,000 per hour to gain access to the main line. In addition, you have to pay NOK 550 per hour for a security guard who inspects the car in advance and monitors driving. However, there are less expensive alternatives for track driving. Since 2005, Øyvind Lie has organized driver development courses at various car tracks in Norway. – I arrange courses that are approved by both the Norwegian Road Administration and several insurance companies. Here, everyone is welcome to participate with their own car as long as it is registered for driving on the road, says Lie. The courses cost from NOK 1,800 for four hours. – We hold courses both at Rudskogen, Vålerbanen in Elverum and the track in Sokndal between Egersund and Flekkefjord. FULL SPEED: Ruben Foss on Håskenbanen. Photo: Ken Markus Christensen / news Thinks there are too few tracks in Norway Lie shares Ruben Foss’ view that there are relatively few closed car tracks in Norway that are accessible to the general public. – There should have been many more. The capacity and availability on the tracks we have in Norway are often full, says Øyvind Lie. He also understands that the price can act as a deterrent to some. “Unfortunately, we have to have the prices we have as we, as course organisers, have to cover expenses for track hire, various approvals and authorized personnel,” says Lie. Gets support from UP District Manager Karin M. Walin of the Emergency Police agrees with Ruben Foss that it is a good idea if more car enthusiasts find their way to closed lanes. – It would be very nice if you could solve it that way there. Then there are individuals who still want to have a more risky everyday life and drive fast on the road, so some will probably continue with that, says Walin. UP LEADER: Karin M. Walin Photo: Philip Hofgaard / news Last week, news spoke to one of the car enthusiasts who is not interested in cutting out rough driving. The man who will only be referred to as “Little Abdi” was clear that he wants to continue. – I never get caught. I’m not stopping. – Why aren’t you caught? Are you running from the police? – No comment. Both the emergency police and politicians from the Conservative Party and the Progressive Party have advocated confiscating the cars of the rough drivers. – We have seen that the Danish model, where you confiscate the cars of those who have driven over 200 kilometers per hour, can be a good opportunity for us to stop those who have the extreme speeds in this country, says Walin. Seizure after a high blood alcohol level Ruben Foss does not disagree that it can be a good idea. BEHIND THE WHEEL: Ruben Foss. Photo: Ken Markus Christensen / news – In the worst cases where there is a question of very high speed and, for example, overtaking on road shoulders and things like that, I think it’s perfectly fine, he says. In Denmark, the police also have the option of confiscating cars that have been used during drink driving where the driver has more than two in the blood alcohol level. Walin thinks that too is a good idea. – It is certainly something we should also look at in Norway, says the UP leader.
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Ruben (26) lost his ticket twice – started track driving – news Vestfold and Telemark – Local news, TV and radio
