Police Crack Down on Illegal Racing in Gorna Oryahovitsa, Bulgaria
Authorities in Gorna Oryahovitsa, Bulgaria, conducted a police action on March 14, 2026, targeting illegal street racing. The operation focused on drivers gathering near the city’s Summer Theater, an event publicly announced as a “CAR MEETING,” according to reports from Fakti.bg and Zonanews.bg.
Public Gathering Scrutinized by Police
Police checked all vehicles and drivers present at the CAR MEETING, issuing tickets and reports for violations. Similar enforcement actions have already taken place in Veliko Tarnovo and Pavlikeni, signaling a broader effort to curb illegal racing activities in the region, Fakti.bg reported.
CAR MEETING Responds to Accusations
Organizers of the CAR MEETING, identified as Hue om GT Performance, released a statement asserting they do not organize or encourage illegal racing. They explained that car enthusiasts often lack designated spaces for safe gatherings and that parking lots provide a relatively harmless venue. News.bg published their full statement.
The group highlighted the need for dedicated facilities, such as training grounds or repurposed airports, like the Pavlikeni airport, to accommodate car enthusiasts and reduce the incentive for street racing. They too expressed interest in organizing charitable events and drag racing competitions in a controlled environment. They pointed to a charity Car Meet scheduled for March 28th at a training ground in Veliko Tarnovo as an example of positive car culture.
Concerns Over Misrepresentation
CAR MEETING voiced concerns about inaccurate portrayals of their events in online media, stating that claims of endangering lives are exaggerated or false. They argue that organized gatherings in designated areas may actually reduce reckless driving by providing a controlled outlet for enthusiasts. News.bg detailed these concerns.
The group appealed to authorities to consider their perspective and collaborate on creating safe and regulated spaces for car culture to thrive.