Video obtained by CWB Chicago shows burning gasoline being poured around a group of spectators early Sunday.
City Council on Wednesday passed an ordinance cracking down on illegal drag racing and drifting in Chicago, towing the vehicle even if the owner is not present.
According to the ordinance, any person who participates in illegal street racing or drifting on any Chicago street, highway or public way could be fined anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000.
The owner of the vehicle, even if not the person racing, could be subjected to a $500 penalty, in addition to any towing and storage fees. The vehicle used will be seized and impounded, though the owner is required to be notified.
The measure was sponsored by Ald. Brendan Reilly, Ald. Samantha Nugent, Ald. Harry Osterman, Ald. Derrick Curtis, Ald. Marty Quinn, Ald. Scott Waguespack, Ald. Silvana Tabares, Ald. Brian Hopkins and Ald. Pat Dowell.
“Our residents hear the screeching tires every other night. They see it with their own eyes," said Ald. Raymond Lopez.
During the City Council meeting, Lopez talked about drag racing in Chicago since 2019, noting that there have been rules "on the books" that are not enforced.
Ald. Susan Sadlowski-Garza said drag racing on the South Side has been going on for over 50 years.
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“I’d like to see cameras and speed bumps, hundreds of people gather there at night," said Sadlowski-Garza.
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