You know what we despise — no, hate — as much as race car thieves? Race track vandals.

Fortunately, vandalism at race tracks is far less prevalent than race car, trailer, and tow vehicle theft, but it’s frustrating nonetheless, and the operators and the racers of the Mobile Dragway in Alabama found out last week just how frustrating a situation it is, when a still-unidentified individual or individuals broke into the track and caused considerable damages to the track’s equipment.

According to track operator Gary Moore and Mobile police, vandals broke into the track in the early morning hours last Wednesday, entered the racing surface from the top end, and proceeded to drive an estimated 60-65 mph up the track before losing control and crashing into the christmas tree, also taking out some of the timing equipment and other items near the starting line. The vehicle, believed to be a two-door Toyota pickup truck, managed to leave the scene despite what had to be major damage, given what it did to the track equipment.

The track, which has been a part of the Mobile region for two decades, has posted a reward of $1,000 for information leading to those responsible for the damage. The track remained closed over the New Years holiday as Moore and his team worked to clean the glass on the racing surface and install a newly-purchased christmas tree and starting line timing equipment. Per the track’s Facebook page, the gates were reopened for the first race of the season on Sunday, but the perpetrator is still being sought by local Police to face charges for breaking and entering and vandalism.

The damage, according to Moore, was estimated at around $10,000. Those with information on the incident are urged to contact the Mobile Police department or Gary Moore at 251-458-532 or mobiledragway@AOL.com.