1949 Robert Daniels Roadster

In almost all parts of the world street racing is illegal. It’s unsanctioned, unregulated, and often extremely dangerous for participants and bystanders. Although street racing in the United States may have been most widespread in the early post-war period, the activity dates back to the dawn of the automobile and continues in popularity. Today, despite heroic efforts by law enforcement and racing bodies such as the NHRA, this unlawful pastime persists not only in the U.S. but in many other parts of the world. And the reason can be summed up in one word…adrenaline.

Street racing can take on many forms with varying numbers of challengers racing at the same time. A race can be a short drag-style sprint or a marathon coast-to-coast competition, such as the Cannonball Run.  An impromptu race begins when two or more individuals find themselves astride at a traffic light or stop sign; a quick locking of eyes with a nod and the cars are off.  A more organized form of street racing occurs when public roads are illegally blocked off, typically in a remote location. Tōgeracing, also known as drifting, is a form of street racing along mountainous roads.