Prize-winning rally driver Will Nicholls has spoken out in favour of restricting the engine sizes of cars available to new drivers.
As an Isle of Wight resident, Nicholls admitted he was shocked by the number of local deaths and serious injuries caused by boy racers.
"In my opinion the size of engines available to young drivers who have just passed their test should be limited," he said.
"A 17-year-old cannot go out and buy a powerful motorcycle yet there is no limit to the car they can drive."
Nicholls suggested 1.4 litres ought to be the maximum engine size available at first. Hopefully imposing that limit would lead to safer driving conditions for everyone - and the prospect of cheaper car insurance for young drivers.
"Imposing limits on engine size seems more reasonable in the light of existing restrictions on motorbikes," said Mike Page, Hoot spokesman and an expert on car insurance for young drivers.
"At the moment, it's the cost of motor insurance quotes on more powerful cars that tends to stop most young people from driving them. But there's no denying that the proposed legislation would be a more effective way to put the brakes on today's boy racers."