Orange County deputies are searching for two stolen race cars named Romeo and Juliet.
The cars were stolen from the parking lot of a Kangaroo Express, 12390 E. Colonial Drive, just west of State Road 408.
The cars’ owner said he parked the race cars, valued at approximately $150,000 each, the two-car trailer hauler and a black Ford F350 truck at 11 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13.
He told deputies he stayed at a hotel next door and discovered the cars missing at 7 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 14.
The missing vehicles are described as:
- 2000 black Ford F350, visor on the front windshield, two chrome exhaust pipes, cowl induction hood and a cracked right rear quarter panel
- 1978 Chevrolet Malibu, custom painted orange, “Romeo” on the driver’s door
- 1983 Ford Mustang, custom painted orange, “Juliet” on the driver’s door.
Just like for drivers on the dragstrip, detectives say in the investigation time is of the essence.
The longer it goes before they recover them the greater likelihood they won’t find the cars intact.
Detectives are reaching out to the racing community for tips, and urging them to take proper precautions to protect their investment.
Drivers I spoke with said they’ve installed GPS tracking systems on their cars, the speedway’s manager said drivers are encouraged to keep cars on site during events where there’s 24-hour security.
"It’s a shame you know, it’s a shame the sport has to suffer and other people have to suffer," said Eddie Lopez, Orlando Speed World manager.
The driver is offering a $20,000 reward for the return of the cars and the trailer.
If you have any information in this case, call Crimeline at (800) 423-TIPS (8477).