well here (Greece) we all are called like that because of the very same reason.
if someone drives a moded car, no matter what mod is that (tinted windows, exhaust)
is branded as a street racer, treated like a criminal (been treated like that several times), acts like a scape goat so this thing shows that the judgement system is so flawed and "old-fashioned".
its not easy to see the difference between a street racer or a TRUE enthusiast, so its easier to blame em all as equal criminals, road killers and trouble starters.
its NOT hard for them to see that people can have such a hobby as long as its not illegal, and when it gets illegal, treat it like you should and NOT as a maniac serial killer and make a brand for everyone that LOOKS like him.