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Motorsports Meets The Mob In Vegas: A History Of Organized Crime In Racing

Rubén Darío

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Published in Stardust International Raceway: Motorsports Meets The Mob In Vegas 1965 1971

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The history of organized crime in motorsports is a long and storied one, dating back to the early days of the sport. In the early 20th century, mobsters were often involved in the financing and promotion of races, and they also used racing as a way to launder money and establish connections with other criminals. By the 1960s, the mob had become a major force in motorsports, and they were involved in every aspect of the sport, from the ownership of race teams to the operation of casinos and hotels that catered to the racing crowd.

Stardust International Raceway: Motorsports Meets the Mob in Vegas, 1965-1971

by What She Said Stitches

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One of the most notorious examples of mob involvement in motorsports is the story of Tony Spilotro, a Chicago Outfit enforcer who was sent to Las Vegas in the 1960s to oversee the mob's interests in the city's casinos and hotels. Spilotro quickly became involved in the racing scene, and he soon owned several race teams and drivers. He also used his position to extort money from other racing teams and drivers, and he was known to use violence to intimidate anyone who crossed him.

Spilotro's reign of terror came to an end in 1986, when he was brutally murdered by members of his own crew. His death marked the beginning of the end of the mob's involvement in motorsports, but the legacy of organized crime in the sport continues to this day.

The Mob's Influence On Motorsports

The mob's involvement in motorsports had a significant impact on the sport. On the one hand, the mob's money and connections helped to finance and promote races, and it also led to the development of new technologies and innovations. On the other hand, the mob's involvement also led to corruption, violence, and intimidation.

One of the most positive impacts of the mob's involvement in motorsports was the development of new technologies and innovations. The mob was always looking for ways to gain an edge on the competition, and they were willing to invest in new technologies and innovations that could give them an advantage. This led to the development of new engines, suspensions, and aerodynamic designs that helped to improve the performance of race cars.

However, the mob's involvement in motorsports also led to corruption, violence, and intimidation. The mob was not afraid to use violence to intimidate their rivals, and they were also known to fix races and manipulate the results. This led to a lack of trust in the sport, and it made it difficult for legitimate racers to compete on a level playing field.

The Legacy Of Organized Crime In Motorsports

The legacy of organized crime in motorsports is a complex one. On the one hand, the mob's involvement in the sport helped to finance and promote races, and it led to the development of new technologies and innovations. On the other hand, the mob's involvement also led to corruption, violence, and intimidation.

Today, the mob's influence in motorsports is much diminished, but the legacy of organized crime in the sport continues to this day. There are still a few mob-connected figures involved in the sport, and there is still a lingering sense of distrust among some fans and participants.

However, the sport has also made great strides in cleaning up its act in recent years. The of stricter regulations and penalties has made it more difficult for the mob to operate in the sport, and the increased use of technology has made it easier to detect and prevent corruption.

As a result, motorsports is now a much more legitimate and respected sport than it was in the past. The mob's legacy in the sport is a reminder of the dark days of the past, but it is also a testament to the sport's resilience and its ability to overcome adversity.

Stardust International Raceway: Motorsports Meets the Mob in Vegas, 1965-1971

by What She Said Stitches

4 out of 5