No burnouts allowed at Aug. 5 Muldrow Cruise Night

Muldrow has slated their official 2023 Cruise Night from 6 to 10 p.m. Aug. 5, with a slight change from last year’s cruise – there will be no burnouts allowed this year. The event, coordinated by Rick Russell since 2014, has always included burnouts, which provide great entertainment. However, some pushed the limits, leaving town officials frowning on the abundant amount of black marks left on roadways.

Organizers said they wish to remind everyone that most cruises never allow burnouts, so they feel privileged to have so many.

In a story published in August 2022 regarding Cruise Night, then-police chief George Lawson said black marks still scarred Shawntel Smith Boulevard (U.S. 64) for two miles from Inola Drive near the football stadium east to Wilson Rock Road, with most of them between Fargo and Dogwood streets. Lawson said that was five weeks following the event.

Lawson said a lot of spectators also like to throw water on the roadway for burnouts.

“The public sitting on the sides of the road would bring a bucket of water and throw it out on the road. Cars would come up there, and it makes their tires spin a lot easier,” he said.

Lt. Brad Roberts agreed that putting water on the roadway to encourage burnouts is an unavoidable practice, but one that could have unintended consequences.

“It’s just a recipe for disaster. If you want to end it where there ain’t never another cruise night, it’s a good way to have it happen,” he said. “Luckily, out of all the years this has happened, we’ve not had one accident. Usually it goes pretty smooth.”

Organizers said they still believe Muldrow has the best streets around for a Cruise Night, and expect even more attendance this year. They encourage everyone to bring their older hot rods or rides and families, and to keep Cruise Night alive.