County resident says mud bogging races bring problems to neighborhood
An El Paso County resident says noise, traffic, headaches are right in her backyard and wants to know what can be done.
Lupe Quintana’s family has lived on land next to the Darrington Race Track on Darrington Road and Las Colonias Road for more than 20 years. She said recently, a racing group came in and started hosting mud bogging events.
For drivers racing and fans watching, mud bogging is an ultimate thrill. Crowds flocked to the track this Labor Day weekend.
“It’s the adrenaline rush. The fact of getting from point A to point B as fast as you can,” a driver named Hugo said.
Most who visit Darrington Race Track near Clint can’t help but notice houses just hundreds of feet away.
“Your ears ring, you can hear the vibration on the floor, on the table, everywhere. You can’t be in peace,” Quintana said.
Although she fears retribution and declined to go on camera she was vocal about the disturbance. She even bought a decibel meter to see if the recurring events near her backyard are breaking noise ordinances. She said she has complained to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, but only notices have been given out. On Sunday, she spoke to her county commissioner, Vince Perez.
“The reason these businesses don’t set up shop in the city is because there’s zoning ordinances that prohibit it,” Commissioner Perez said.
“It may be an inconvenience at the same time but we’re outside of city limits and laws are laws. People can do whatever they want on private property,” Hugo said.
“I’m tired of it. I’m tired of nobody helping us. I’m tired of everybody telling us, ‘we can’t do anything about it.’ There’s nothing we can do, they’re operating, its legal,” Quintana said.
Commissioner Perez said a discussion is imminent in Commissioners Court, until they can figure out legal parameters.
“Until counties get zoning authorities to regulate these, these are going to continue to exist,” Commissioner Perez said.
A sheriff’s deputy out at the track said their office was approached by the race operator, Roberto Favela, to provide security at events. He believed their presence has taken care of some of the concerns the Quintanas previously had.
