The driver of the unregistered car skidded along McFarland Road about 6.30am, bursting its tyres and leaving skid marks and debris scattered over the road between Harris Court and Melgaard Court.

Police were yesterday tracking down the owner of an orange Ford sedan that hasn’t been registered for eight years.

The car, which is also believed to have jumped the gutter, was parked in a nearby garage by the time police arrived.

Sgt Chris Grimmett, of Wodonga police, said it was the worst case of hoon behaviour he had seen in years.

“It was a completely reckless disregard for the safety of other road users, they’d been sliding so badly that the tyres disintegrated and burst,” he said.

“The fact that somebody might do a burnout is unacceptable but they’ve done it in a residential area and they were on a corner.

“Anybody coming in the opposite direction wouldn’t have seen them until the last minute, they’d have been on the wrong side of the road, so the potential for injury is horrifying to think about.”

Sgt Grimmett said they believe a man, 20, was behind the wheel and witnesses reported that two people were filming or taking photographs of the burnouts.

“That type of behaviour isn’t uncommon where it’s recorded by friends and displayed on internet sites,” he said.

He said those recording the burnouts were putting their own lives in danger.

Sgt Grimmett said it was possible the driver could face charges of conduct endangering life, which carries a penalty of up to 20 years’ jail.

Anyone with information can call Wodonga police on (02) 6049 2600.