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Virginia
Street racing in Virginia brings big money and big risks, police warn
Street racers profiting off viral videos
Influencers and organizations make hundreds of thousands of dollars from social media posts going viral, showing dangerous races across the DMV and beyond. FOX 5’s Tisha Lewis has all the details.
Street racing in the DMV area is turning into a high-stakes, money-making venture as social media influencers and organizations profit from viral posts showcasing these illegal events.
Videos of dangerous races are drawing in millions of views across platforms, creating a lucrative business for everyone involved — from drivers to videographers, and even those who simply repost the content.
Fairfax County police issued a stern reminder of the risks, saying, “It’s not worth it,” as they continue to crack down on these reckless displays. Just last week, two drivers responsible for a viral race between a Cybertruck and Lamborghini on Leesburg Pike near Tysons Corner were arrested and charged. They will soon face a judge.
The races aren’t isolated incidents; police say they’re happening regularly and are fueled by social media fame and significant earnings from viral views.
Scott Baradell, CEO of Idea Grove, explained how platforms like TikTok reward these videos based on the number and quality of views.
“You can literally be talking about tens of thousands of dollars,” he said, noting that for some influencers, the profits reach hundreds of thousands of dollars or more.
The Cybertruck-Lamborghini race, which took place at 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 13, quickly gained traction online, eventually amassing 75 million views on X, thanks in part to a retweet by X’s founder, Elon Musk.
The Fairfax County Police underscored that, while the profits are high, so are the risks to public safety.
Gaithersburg resident DJ Jean voiced his concerns, saying, “It’s inappropriate whether it happens once or twice, or many more times than that; the public’s safety is at risk.”
Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis echoed this, stating that incidents involving speed racing aren’t “accidents” but “preventable crashes.”
Police investigate after viral Virginia street race video hits 75M views
A street racing video taken in Tysons, Virginia is going viral – with more than 75 million views on social media after Elon Musk shared it. FOX 5’s Homa Bash has the story.
During a news conference, police revealed that these events are often carefully organized. This includes blocking off traffic, cordoning sidewalks, and assigning flaggers before the race is posted online.
According to Baradell, “There are influencers in this space making hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, if not more.”
He added that even the original videographer and those who share these videos can profit from each viral hit.
The profits vary across platforms, with different payout structures, especially on TikTok, where earnings per million views can fluctuate.
Watch CBS News
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Four new trollies will join the VB Wave Trolley fleet beginning May 10, when Virginia Beach Wave Trolley will resume its seasonal service along the oceanfront.
Trolley season lasts through September 25-27 for the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival.
A total of 14 new trollies will be part of the fleet this year, gradually replacing the older versions. The 29-foot trolley replica buses seat 29 people and feature wooden seats, with “sky-blue and sand-colored brown exterior,” according to Hampton Roads Transit (HRTS). Last year, 281,507 riders used the trolley system.
“This year marks the 42nd season of the VB Wave trolley, and these new trollies will provide a comfortable, safe, and efficient ride for visitors and locals alike,” William E. Harrell said. He is the president and CEO of HRT. “As part of our partnership with the city of Virginia Beach, the VB Wave makes it easy for everyone to visit attractions and explore the Oceanfront and beyond without the hassles of parking or the high cost of gas,” Harrell said.
The following routes will operate May 10 through Sept. 27 for the Neptune Festival:
Route 30 is the Atlantic Avenue Trolley, running along the Oceanfront between JT’s Grommet Island Park to Fortieth Street. This service operates daily from 8 a.m.- 2 a.m.
Route 31 is the aquarium and campground trolley along General Booth Boulevard. It runs daily from 9:30 a.m.-11:10 p.m. through Labor Day and again on Fridays through Sundays from Sept. 11 through Sept. 27. Route 31 also extends to Atlantic Avenue and 18th Street.
Route 35 is the Bayfront Bus, providing service between Parks Avenue and 19th Street and Shore Drive and Pleasure House Road, enabling customers to visit Chesapeake Bay beaches, First Landing State Park, and Bayfront restaurants. It operates daily from 8 a.m.-12:30 a.m. through Labor Day and then Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only from Sept. 11 through the Sept. 27 festival
The VB Wave trolley connects to HRT bus lines, Routes 20 and 960, with access to the Newtown Road Light Rail Station and the Downtown Norfolk Transit Center.
Fares are $2 one way or $4.50 for an all-day pass. Kids 17 and under ride free with a paying adult. Riders can pay for tickets using HRT’s GoMobile app and a credit card. Riders can create and manage multiple virtual cards and reload value for easy group boarding, and need to have a unique scannable virtual card for boarding. Children are not required to scan a virtual card or pay fare when boarding with an adult.
Customers can also tap to pay using credit and debit cards. KOA Campground, Virginia Gift Shop, nine Sunsations locations, and Ocean Wave Gift Shop sell tickets. Riders can also pay with exact change cash onboard the trolley.
In addition, HRT is introducing a new route in Virginia Beach beginning May 10. The new Route 981 will connect the Amazon Fulfillment Center (ORF 4) at 1795 Dam Neck Road with the Downtown Norfolk Transit Center.
Route 33 service is being restored to Atlantic Avenue and 68th Street 365 days a year to support the oceanfront hospitality industry.
Virginia
PHOTOS: Virginia Beach Police investigate firearm-related incident at Carriage House Apartments
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Virginia Beach Police are at the scene of a firearm-related incident at Carriage House Apartments Saturday afternoon, according to the Virginia Beach Police Department.
The department also confirmed there are no shooting victims at this time.
10 On Your Side is at the scene and working to gather more information about the situation.
10 On Your Side will update this story when more information is available.
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