Orange County Commissioners voted Tuesday to ban street racing at a track in the Southchase neighborhood.

The Central Florida Road Course was running for several years, but was shut down for the last two months until commissioners voted.

Racers, mothers who have lost children to street racing, and even law enforcement agents were on hand to show support of keeping the race track open.

Racer Dan Warren said drivers need a safe outlet, and if the track is closed, young drivers will take to public streets.

"You will see it. You will see it and you will see problems. This is not something that’s new. It’s been around quite a bit and Orlando has had its share of street racing deaths," Warren said.

Chris Hayes, the track’s attorney, said the fatal numbers prove that there needs to be an option for safe racing in Orange County.

"Over 16 people have died from illegal street racing since 2005," Hayes said.

The number of deaths includes the crash that killed 16-year old Luis Ortega in 2008.

His death prompted a law with tougher penalties for illegal street racing.

Laurie Broadus lost her son to street racing as well.  She formed a Mothers Against Street Racing alliance, which supports the track staying open.

"If we can get more kids off the streets, than they won't," said Broadus.

Broadus also believes that once you get drivers into a controlled setting, they can also be taught about safety.

Three Florida sheriffs were on hand Tuesday who run programs at racing tracks across the state.

"Also educate them on the safety of racing, driving,” said Robert Ramos from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. “Also, the biggest problem we have right now is texting. It’s the number one killer beside DUI. That's part of the educational racing team that we have."

According to Hayes, the track is a compliment to the community.

"Drag racing has always been the solution to illegal street racing,“ Hayes said. “It does save lives and we feel strongly that our track has made a difference in the lives of people here in the community."

Close to 50 residents representing the Southchase community wore green T-shirts that read “No Track.”

The residents claim the noise is too much to bear. Along with that, they said once the track closes, the street racing carries out into public streets.

Some residents of Southchase also believe the street racing and the track may decrease property values.