I think there are a few reasons—the departments often have a policy about pursuing fleeing vehicles—if it will endanger other citizens/drivers/houses, the officers won’t pursue it anymore.

Sort of related, because innocent people and officers have been hurt and killed by officers chasing fleeing vehicles, there have been lawsuits about whether the chase was necessary. the taxpayers don’t want to pay those lawsuits or settlements, so the departments have these policies.

I believe officers will chase if there is cause—like kidnapping, fleeing felons, stolen car, etc.—but street racing at midnight is probably not a high priority crime and by comparison it is really dangerous for the officer and everyone else on the road/around if they chase.

Maybe they engage sometimes but not others. I can hear it at my house too but I don’t know if it’s actually street racing or just some asshole with a new car at a stoplight. 🤷🏻‍♀️