In the heart of Kansas City, car enthusiasts are finding a new way to express their passion legally and safely. While illegal street takeovers, known as sideshows, have been a concern for many cities, one local business owner has created a venue that offers an alternative to the risky displays that have sometimes ended in tragedy.
Creating a Legal Space for Sideshows
Traditionally, sideshows involve drivers performing dangerous maneuvers like spinning cars at high speeds in public areas, which can disrupt traffic and pose dangers to bystanders. In response, Kansas City native and small business owner Desmound Logan established the Throttle Dome, a dedicated space where car enthusiasts can legally showcase their skills.
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On a recent weekend, the Throttle Dome was buzzing with activity as spectators gathered to watch modified cars perform stunts around a central pile of tires. Colin “Vegas Baby” Jones, a 20-year-old driver, expressed his excitement about the venue. “Honestly, a lot of people don’t like this car because they think it doesn’t have horsepower,” Jones said, referring to his 2008 V6 Mustang. “But you get a welded diff and nothing under the hood – just nothing. Just a straight stock 4.0 (ph) – and this thing is going to rip.”
Safety Concerns and Solutions
The need for such a space is underscored by the dangers associated with illegal sideshows. Kansas City Police Sergeant Phil DiMartino highlighted the risks: “It’s an element of danger that exists. These vehicles have crashed out. They’ve been involved in accidents.” In response to the issues, cities like Oakland, California, and Kansas City have implemented measures such as white poles and rumble strips to deter illegal activities. However, sideshow citations have risen from 171 to 204 in 2025.
The Throttle Dome, open since May, is Logan’s answer to these challenges. He emphasizes the importance of safety, stating, “This is the safest place to be as far as the car community. And there’s no guns, no grenades, no knives – none of that. We take all that out right there at the front.”
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A Vision for the Future
Logan hopes that law enforcement and the car community can collaborate to make the Throttle Dome a model for other cities. Meanwhile, drivers like Jones appreciate the opportunity to participate in their hobby without the fear of arrest. “It was everything that we could have dreamed of into one place, and Kansas City needed it desperately,” Jones said, envisioning a future where more legal venues cater to sideshow lovers.
As the Throttle Dome gains popularity, its success could inspire similar initiatives, moving risky sideshows off public streets and into controlled environments where the focus remains on skill and passion rather than danger.
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This article was originally written by www.npr.org
