As a kid you raced on the real public streets, so did I. And we didn't have the TV show to blame. But that wouldn't make for an interesting TV show. Why ? because you & I didn't race high HP 8 second cars. That is why the show is interesting, wheelstands, fire out the pipes, ect. The same stuff we watch the PRO's race on TV for. Then they weave in the lame top 10 list story to fill time. It's entertainment, no more - no less. And it must be popular because they announced a "spin off" coming early next year. "Outlaws New Orleans" or something?
The kids know it isn't real public streets. They know "super girl" can't really fly, they know the cop didn't really shoot the bad guy.
I just feel blaming illegal street racing on a TV show is wrong. Folks have to take responsibility for their actions. "THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT" only worked for Flip Wilson.