Racing is NOT bad. It's only bad if it is done incorrectly, like making them fly LONG distance without being fed properly or properly exercised(trained) for that distance. Flying a diseased bird, etc...
Intentionaly releasing while you KNOW a hawk is in the area...bad juju.
My birds LOVE to fly! They will go nutz if I don't let them go out at least once or twice a week. Then they are gone for several hours.....They are always hanging around nearby at 4:00PM(feeding time)
I had one dive bomb the racing trap at what seemed line 25MPH once....
I was inside the coop, shaking the feed can and calling them in and **WHAM BANG FLOP** Here comes "Crash" right through the trap at warp 5!!! She was about 15 seconds behind the others and I guess was trying to make up time...She landed in the corner, got up and slowly walked to the food tray... LOL