Stinger Driver Learns Oran Park is No Longer a Racetrack in Costly Lesson
A 22-year-old provisional driver has received a harsh lesson in road safety after allegedly treating the suburban streets of Oran Park, a former motorsport mecca, as his personal raceway. The driver was apprehended by NSW Police after being clocked at more than double the speed limit in his high-performance Kia Stinger GT, leading to immediate and severe penalties. The incident serves as a stark reminder from authorities that public roads, regardless of their history, are not venues for reckless driving [1][2].
A Ghost of Races Past
The setting for the alleged offences adds a layer of irony to the situation. The streets where the driver was caught are part of a modern housing development built on the site of the former Oran Park Raceway, a circuit that once echoed with the roar of V8 Supercars and hosted legendary drivers. In a statement, police noted the driver's misguided nostalgia, quoting an officer who told the man, "It's not a raceway anymore, mate!" [1]. This sentiment underscores the transformation of the area from a high-speed motorsport venue to a community filled with homes, parks, and families, making the alleged behaviour particularly dangerous [2].
A High-Speed Incident
According to the NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, the incident occurred around 9:30 pm on a Saturday night. Officers allegedly witnessed the red Kia Stinger GT performing a burnout while exiting a roundabout. The vehicle then accelerated aggressively along Peter Brock Drive—a street named after one of Australia's most famous racing drivers. The driver was subsequently recorded travelling at 135 km/h in a zone with a posted speed limit of 60 km/h [1][2]. The choice of vehicle, a twin-turbo V6 Kia Stinger GT, known for its powerful performance capabilities, further highlights the intentional nature of the high-speed run.
Swift and Severe Consequences
The consequences for the 22-year-old P2 provisional licence holder were immediate and significant, reflecting a zero-tolerance approach to such dangerous driving. The driver is now facing a raft of serious charges that could have long-term repercussions.
- Charges: The driver was charged with driving in a manner dangerous to the public, aggravated burnout, and exceeding the speed limit by more than 45km/h [1].
- Licence Suspension: His driver's licence was suspended on the spot [2].
- Vehicle Confiscation: The number plates for his Kia Stinger were confiscated for a period of three months, effectively immobilizing the vehicle [1].
- Court Appearance: He has been issued a Court Attendance Notice and is scheduled to appear before a magistrate at a later date [2].
A Warning to Would-Be Hoons
The police have used this incident to send a clear message to anyone who might be tempted to test their car's limits on public roads. By publicizing the event, the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command is reinforcing its commitment to cracking down on dangerous driving behaviours that endanger the community. The swift actions taken against the Stinger driver demonstrate that law enforcement is actively patrolling areas, including those with a motorsport history that might attract irresponsible drivers. The incident highlights the significant legal and financial risks associated with treating public infrastructure like a private racetrack [1][2].
In conclusion, the allure of Oran Park's racing past proved to be a costly temptation for one young driver. The incident is a powerful reminder that suburban streets are not playgrounds for high-performance vehicles. With his licence suspended, his car off the road, and a court date looming, the driver's brief 'blast' on the former raceway has resulted in a serious collision with reality, emphasizing that the chequered flag has long since fallen on racing at Oran Park [1][2].