Dozens held over illegal road racing in China’s Xinjiang region

More than 40 young people have been held for road racing in Urumqi in China’s far-western Xinjiang region, Xinhua reports.

Police said that around midnight most nights, dozens of cars gathered on a new road in the city and revved their engines, disturbing residents living nearby.

Police said 38 vehicles were involved in the races, including more than 10 luxury cars. Among the cars were Porsche Cayennes and Land Rovers, valued at more than a million yuan each. Four unlicensed motorcycles also took part in the races.

There have been several accidents involving luxury cars driven by young people in recent months, sparking speculation about how they can afford the vehicles. In April, a Lamborghini and a Ferrari crashed while racing in a Beijing tunnel last month. Both vehicles were badly damaged. Police said both drivers were young and jobless.

Police in Urumqi found that two vehicles’ car plates were fake. The authorities will carry out a check on the vehicles to ensure they have not been illegally modified.