Skip to main content

Have you visited Charlotte, North Carolina? If you like racing, it’s home to the Charlotte Motor Speedway and the Nascar Hall of Fame. It’s a great place to watch racing. However, many people have taken it upon themselves to be a part of an ongoing street racing investigation, making I-77 and other surrounding roads dangerous. 

Street racing continues in Charlotte, North Carolina 

A dodge charger on display at an auto show
2020 Dodge Charger | Gettys Images

According to WCNC, some drivers are still doing the crime, even if they might face the time. The Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department impounded 60 vehicles Thursday morning after an extensive street racing bust. This is one of the largest operations of this kind that the CMPD has been involved with. 

The CMPD began receiving complaints from citizens about dangerous drag racing activities last October. Then the department quickly began an investigation as the Transportation Division identified significant amounts of these hazardous activities occurring around Interstate 485 and Prosperity Church road. 

So far, the ongoing six-month investigation has resulted in 60 vehicles being impounded, 2,100 speeding violations, 400 reckless driving violations, 32 DWI violations, and over 1,000 other charges that the CMPD has filed. 

Who are these racers? 

Major Dave Johnson of the CMPD shared that these vehicles are a part of an organized national trend of sports car enthusiasts known as ‘Hooning.’ 

Hooning can be defined as groups of motorists engaging in aggressive and reckless diving in the form of intersection and highway takeovers, burnouts, and donuts. Spontaneous and pre-arranged street racing may occur too. 

CMPD is working in collaboration with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Iredell County Sheriff’s Office, Union County Sheriff’s Office, and other law enforcement agencies across North and South Carolina. 

So, if you have a nice ride that looks pretty fast right now, don’t speed in the Carolinas! The cops are watching and waiting. On that note, we’ve also heard that you never want to speed in Virginia. 

About 300 individuals will soon receive a warning letter from Chief Johnny Jennings with details about the types of charges they could face if they continue engaging in dangerous and reckless driving activities.

These charges may include and are not limited to aggressive and reckless driving as well as unlawful racing on the streets and highways. 

What vehicles are being used? 

The 2021 Ford Mustang on a race track
2021 Ford Mustang | Ford

You can see Dodge Charger models, Ford Mustangs, an Audi, a Porsche, and more from the photos of impounded cars. Because the Ford Mustang is a popular racing car, let’s check out the 2021 model. 

You can get started in the gas-powered 2021 Ford Mustang for about $27,155. It’s different from the Mustang Mach-E and still has its classic sports car shape.

But it should only be raced by professionals and not used by street racers. The turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine provides 310 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. You can upgrade to the 5.0-liter V8 engine for 480 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. 

Also, the supercharged 5.2-liter V8 pumps out 760 hp and 625 lb-ft of torque. The Ford Mustang, along with other sports cars, has a ton of power to offer, but it should be used safely and responsibly.

Related

Is the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach- E Replacing the Mustang?