Off-roaders worry accident may mean sport's end

LOS ANGELES — Fans of long-distance off-roading have seen the number of federal sites where they can speed and soar over the desert dunes in Southern California dwindle to just a handful, mainly over environmental concerns.

Now, they might drop further, over safety.

Off-roaders fear a federal review announced Monday into a weekend race accident that killed eight and injured 10 more in the Mojave Desert could lead to further restrictions — or even spell the end — of their sport.

"Whatever it takes to make it better," race promoter Lou Peralta said. "But we don't want to lose the sport."

At the California 200 race on Saturday, a truck went off a jump and ended up crashing through spectators who had lined the course, immediately raising questions about oversight and safety at the races on federal land.

The federal Bureau of Land Management, which manages the portion of the desert where the race was held, will review all off-road vehicle events on federal land in the California desert for safety.

It wasn't immediately clear how a review would affect racing in other states, such as Nevada and Arizona.

BLM added that the race organizer, South El Monte, Calif.-based Mojave Desert Racing, was responsible for safety.

No one appeared home Monday at the address listed for MDR. Calls and e-mails seeking comment were not returned.

BLM rules require drivers to travel 15 mph or less within 50 feet of bystanders, but the requirement appears aimed to control general traffic in the camping and race pit areas and not at competitors themselves.

MDR's permit also allowed no more than 300 spectators for the event.

There were at least 1,000 people at the free admission event, and the California Highway Patrol estimated the truck was going 45 to 50 mph when it careened off the sand track.

BLM spokesman David Briery declined to comment in detail on steps the agency may be taking to ensure the safety of spectators in the accident's aftermath or whether there was a possibility that criminal charges could be filed.

The agency said it was open to "all options that would increase the safety of spectators."

Thom Mrozek, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office, declined to comment.