CHP Salutes Officer’s Efforts Against Street Drag Racing

The California Highway Patrol honored Placentia Senior Officer Eric Hanberg on Wednesday for his efforts to encourage young drivers not to drag race on city streets and freeways.

Hanberg is a strong promoter of Street Legal, a sanctioned drag racing program conducted by the National Hot Rod Assn. at Pomona Raceway and aimed at attacking the street-racing problem. With automobile accidents the No. 1 cause of death among young people, Hanberg’s volunteer efforts have helped curb street racing and prompted other local law enforcement agencies, including the CHP, to participate in the program, officials said.

“He’s done an exemplary job, and we’re real proud of him. We hope that his efforts continue,” Placentia Capt. Chuck Babcock said.

Hanberg has helped build dragsters for the program, including cars for Placentia Police Department and the CHP, in which young drivers compete against police in “Beat the Heat” drag races.

“The ultimate goal is to have all the agencies in Orange County selling the program to kids and rubbing elbows with officers,” said Michael Lundquist, CHP training coordinator.