Street racing is defined as any unauthorized, high-speed competition or exhibition of speed that takes place on public roads. This activity is inherently dangerous, posing a significant risk to participants, passengers, and uninvolved bystanders. The practice is illegal across most jurisdictions due to the unpredictable nature of the environment and the high velocities involved.
The Primary Name and Legal Classifications
The most common and universally understood term for this activity is “Street Racing,” which describes two or more vehicles competing against each other on a public roadway. Authorities and legal statutes, however, often use more formal and specific language to classify and prosecute the offense. These legal terms vary significantly by state or country.
Exhibition of Speed
One of the most frequently cited legal classifications is “Exhibition of Speed,” which covers actions that demonstrate a vehicle’s power or acceleration without involving a direct competitor. This can include a driver rapidly accelerating from a stop, causing tires to squeal, or performing a burnout to leave visible tire marks. The focus of this charge is on the reckless display of speed or power, even if the driver is alone.
Contest of Speed
Another common legal term is “Racing on Highways” or “Contest of Speed,” which specifically targets the competitive element of the activity. These statutes prohibit driving a vehicle in a race, speed competition, or acceleration contest on any public road. Depending on the jurisdiction and the presence of aggravating factors like injury or property damage, these offenses can be classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony.
Slang and Subculture Monikers
Beyond the formal legal definitions, the activity is known by a variety of informal names that often describe the specific style or regional context of the event.
Regional Slang
In Australia and New Zealand, “Hooning” is widely used to describe reckless or anti-social driving behavior, encompassing street racing, burnouts, and deliberately causing a loss of traction. This term has been adopted into official legislation, with “anti-hoon” laws allowing police to impound vehicles.
On the US West Coast, the term “Sideshow” refers to large, informal gatherings where drivers perform stunts like donuts and figure-eights in intersections or parking lots. Unlike traditional street racing, the focus of a sideshow is on exhibition and spectacle. These events are sometimes also referred to as “Street Takeovers” when they involve blocking off major roadways.
Competition Types
Within the subculture, specific terms define the stakes or starting conditions of a race. “Grudge Racing” refers to a competition between two parties who have a personal rivalry or are racing for money or pride, often with no official timing. “Roll Racing” describes a straight-line contest where the vehicles begin from an agreed-upon rolling speed, typically between 30 and 60 miles per hour, instead of a standing start. This rolling start eliminates the need for a perfect launch and focuses the competition on the vehicle’s mid-range and top-end acceleration.
Names Based on Racing Style
Many names for street racing are derived from the specific type of driving maneuver or course layout being used.
Drag Racing
“Drag Racing” is the most common style, involving a short, straight-line sprint, usually over a quarter-mile distance, where the goal is maximum acceleration from a dead stop. This style is a direct, head-to-head test of a vehicle’s launch capability and power.
Drifting
“Drifting” involves intentionally oversteering a vehicle to cause a controlled slide through a corner while maintaining speed and angle. While not a pure speed competition, street drifting focuses on the driver’s skill in vehicle control and is often performed as an exhibition in intersections or on winding roads.
Touge Racing
The term “Touge Racing” originates from the Japanese word for “mountain pass” and describes racing on narrow, winding mountain roads. This style emphasizes handling, braking, and cornering ability over sheer straight-line speed. It often involves a “cat and mouse” format where the lead car wins if it creates a large enough gap.