JAILED: Driver who raced on Black Country Route reaching speeds of 100mph in Range Rover
A motorist has been jailed after racing another driver on a notorious stretch of dual carriageway at speeds of up to 100mph as a group of spectators cheered them on.
Police who witnessed the spectacle said Tejinder Singh took a corner so fast they were convinced his black Range Rover would topple over, a court heard.
The 23-year-old claimed he had been returning home after dropping off relatives in his uncle's car when he was 'cut up' by a VW Golf and gave chase. But he was behind bars today after Wolverhampton magistrates sentenced him to five months in prison.
Mr Alastair David, prosecuting, said the two cars were spotted on the Black Country Route by police officers on mobile patrol in the area.
The road, which has a 50mph speed limit, is famous as a popular 'track' for boy racers, the court heard. Singh and the VW Golf driver were doing circuits on the dual carriageway using the roundabouts to turn round.
A crowd of spectators had gathered at the intersection with Bessemer Close, Bilston, urging the drivers on. The road was being used by normal traffic as the race was being played out and the two drivers had to 'brake hard' when they encountered other motorists, said Mr David.
He told the court that the police stepped in 'for safety reasons' to protect the crowd. The undercover car activated its blue lights and siren, prompting the Range Rover to pull over but the VW continued and he was picked up later.
Mr Isaaq Shafi, defending Singh, said he had attended a function with family and was on his way home after dropping off relatives when he was allegedly cut up by Thomas.
"He lost his temper, a red mist come over him and unfortunately he decided to give chase," said Mr Shafi.
"It is a well-known track used by racers.
"The other guy was driving a high-performance Golf, a classic choice of boy racers, while Mr Singh was in a large Range Rover, not a classic boy-racer vehicle."
Speeds of 90-95mph were recorded by police as they gave chase to the pair, magistrates heard.
Singh, of Babors Field, Bilston, was convicted in his absence after failing to turn up for a trial in February. He had pleaded not guilty to driving dangerously, taking part in a race and speeding during the incident on June 29, 2014, between 11pm - 11.30pm.
In addition to his prison sentence, Singh was also disqualified from driving for 18 months.
