Street Outlaw star dies in wreck.

Not that it really matters, doesn't change anything, not even the perception of the guy, but Paul Walker died after getting in with a friend as a passenger in the friends Porsche Carrera GT. Yes, it was a public street, but, then again, who of us hasn't jumped in a car with a friend?
"... where street races are held at least once a month"
Is this a public road and not closed for racing by authorities? If so, strange the Police wouldn't learn of the regular races and shut it down. Race tracks have provisions for safety. Paul Walker ("Fast and Furious") died in showing off on a public street when the Corvette ran into a light post. You won't encounter those on a race track.
So far as Cali Nate, yes, gone to soon, but we all know the risk of the things we do, and still take the chance, assuming it will never happen to me.
I work around livestock (including bucking bulls), large farm equipment, ride dirt bikes, ride horses, drag race, 480 volt electricity, etc. We all take chances to live "our" life, and sometimes we do pay the price.