Police say the 29-year-old bought a “clown car” which comprised of a fuel system with a plastic jerrycan attached to a rubber hose, and made some additional modifications to the vehicle.

He then allegedly performed several “stunts” in the vehicle, including repeated burnouts, front wheel stands and in one instance a tug of war between the car and a group of men holding a snatch strap. The car was also crashed at speed in Beerwah, rolling down an embankment.

Police allege the driving was filmed and hen shared across various social media channels.

Police also looked into the man’s online activity, which included instructional videos on how to modify vehicles, broadcast to thousands of subscribers.

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“On September 30 a search warrant was executed at Image Flat, during which officers seized multiple items,” police said in a statement.

“Police with the assistance of the Department of Transport and Main Roads conducted an inspection of the vehicles at the address which were subsequently grounded for allegedly being grossly defective and non-compliant.

“The clown car along with another vehicle were seized by police.”

He was bailed to appear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on December 12.

Nine people were also charged with about 70 traffic infringement notices after appearing in or contributing to the social media videos.

Sunshine Coast District Superintendent Craig Hawkins said police would not turn a blind eye to someone blatantly flouting the law.

“Putting not only your own life at risk but those of your mates for the sake of social media notoriety is childish and selfish behaviour,” he said.

“Sharing these antics with his large contingent of online followers has come at a significant financial cost, both in fines and the loss of vehicles.”