KINSTON, Ala. — Investigators in south Coffee County are working to recover several stolen items, including a pacer car, after a break-in at the South Alabama Speedway in Kinston earlier this week.
Kinston Police Chief Matt Whigham confirmed that thieves targeted the speedway’s parts house sometime between Monday night and early Wednesday morning. Among the stolen items were a white 2012 Dodge Charger with SAS decals, used as a pacer car, as well as radios, racing headsets, computer monitors, and security camera storage hard drives.
The pacer car, which is used to lead drivers at the start of races, also features a flashing yellow light bar on top. Authorities believe the vehicle may be identifiable because of its distinctive markings and equipment.
In response to the theft, officers from Opp Police Department are assisting Kinston investigators. Fingerprints were collected from the scene, and authorities have been actively searching for the stolen vehicle in the surrounding area.
Chief Whigham noted that this incident follows a string of similar thefts at racetracks across the Florida Panhandle, where comparable items have been reported stolen in recent weeks. Investigators are exploring potential connections between these thefts as they continue their probe.
Local authorities are asking anyone with information about the break-in or the whereabouts of the stolen pacer car to contact the Kinston Police Department at (334) 565-3114.
The theft comes just weeks before the highly anticipated SAS Rattler, an annual racing event at South Alabama Speedway, which is set to take place from March 13 to March 15.
As the investigation unfolds, local law enforcement agencies are hopeful that the public can provide helpful information to bring those responsible to justice.
