Mildman seems to me to hit the nail on the head. A few idiots spoil it for the majority. sadly, that's life.

Perthute raises a few good points.

But.....I'm not buying it.

I can only speak for QLD Laws with respect to "Hoon legislation" ( I should know it, I've been a Police Officer for a long time - long before the legistlation came in). Flame me as much as you like I've heard it all before.

I've been a car enthusiast for longer (see introduction).

I cannot agree with a person that defends someone doing 170kph on an open road - I don't care if it was Michael Schumacher in the worlds greatest handling car - you cannot beat the laws of physics (and believe me I've tried it, on the track - always with bad and expensive results).

In my time I have been required to give a parent the worst news of their life on a number of occasions.

Not a pleasant experience and not one to forget.

I have also comforted a few people during their last moments, even harder to forget. Like the 12yr old boy who was the backseat passenger when his older brother decided to test out the performance of the family Torana and wrapped it around a tree on a suburban street.

These type of incidents tend to give you a bit of clarity when it comes to the dangers of road use.

All I can say is education, both on how to drive and on the road rules (two very different issues) if you can have a good understanding you shouldn't have too many problems. If the Law in your state says you will lose your bike if caught doing a wheely on the freeway at 2am it's simple, don't do it!

If someone that competes in motorsport events frequently needs to carry on like a wanker on the street then something is wrong, not only would they be giving car entusiasts of all kinds a bad name they are also making it hard for the argument for new venues for motorsport.

My 2c.

-Pete.