Racers heading to Las Vegas for the upcoming WERA West races January 23-25 on the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Classic Course should be aware that other racers have been the victims of pit thefts during previous events at the track. In each case, racers have reported that their wallets have been stolen while they were on the track for practice sessions. The thieves are familiar with the common practices of racers, as they have entered trailers and pit areas and gone straight for the racer’s folded jeans, stored in their gear bag, and taken cash and wallets. In each case, racers have reported that the thieves have left the track and immediately headed for the nearby Wal-Mart, where they have used the debit cards in the wallets to withdraw hundreds of dollars in cash. Emptied racer wallets have been found in trash cans near the store. Be careful, especially with your wallet. Make sure it is locked away. Lock the doors on your truck, trailer or van. Figure out a way to secure your stuff while you are on the track. Deputize someone to watch your pit at all times. The crimes, apparently, are crimes of opportunity targeting wallets and cash, and the thieves strike a series of pits quickly and leave. Locking up may be a pain in the butt, but trying to drive several hundred miles home with no cash, no credit card and no ID is a lot worse, as is trying to get on a commercial airliner with no ID. Other racers have had their trucks and/or trailers full of bikes and equipment stolen out of casino parking lots. Practice was actually delayed one Saturday when thieves stole a race official’s pickup truck, with pre-entry information inside it. The most secure place for your racebikes and rig during the weekend, may be in the paddock at the racetrack, preferably with you close by.