With the help of blockbuster movies and ultra-realistic online video games, drift racing has never been more popular among China's youth. But the tragic death of a promising student this month has highlighted the dangers when obsession shifts from the screen to the streets.

Tan Zhuo, 25, was killed on May 7. He was crossing a road in the usually tranquil city of Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, when he was hit and thrown 5 m into the air by a speeding Mitsubishi Evo.

The incident attracted massive media interest across the country, not only because of the tragic waste of life, but for the fact the driver, 20-year-old college student Hu Bin, had been allegedly racing two other friends at the time of the collision.