Full Breakdown
85-Year-Old Florida Man Charged with Street Racing After Clocking 110 MPH
6/24/2026, 1:31:15 AM
High-Speed Incident on State Road 48
On June 12 at about 11:30 p.m., a Lake County deputy observed two cars side-by-side near U.S. Highway 27/County Road 33 in Leesburg. Radar logged the Nissan 350Z at 110 mph and the Corvette at 125 mph, far above the 45-mph limit. Both drivers were stopped, charged with street racing and excessive speeding, and body-camera footage showed Bosworth smoking a cigarillo while the deputy read his speed.
Key Figures and Vehicles
The drivers were 85-year-old William Bosworth in a gray Nissan 350Z and 57-year-old Philip Signorino in a red 1998 Chevrolet Corvette.
Timeline of Events
The deputy stopped the vehicles on June 12; both men were taken into custody, charged, posted bond and were released.
Official Statements & Responses
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office stated that street racing is illegal on public roads. The deputy said the drivers’ conduct matched the department’s definition of street racing and that highway racing is not condoned. Bosworth claimed he was merely avoiding a collision while riding his favorite car; Signorino said his Corvette could not reach the recorded speed.
Criticism & Opposition
Bosworth said he accelerated only to avoid a crash after the Corvette swerved. Signorino asserted his 1998 Corvette cannot reach 125 mph, contrary to road-test data showing the model exceeds that speed. Both men maintain they were not in a coordinated race.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The dispute centers on Signorino’s claim his car cannot exceed 125 mph versus performance data showing it can. Radar readings are the only technical evidence; the reports do not mention any crash or injuries.
On-the-Ground Reports
Body-camera footage shows Bosworth smoking a cigarillo while the deputy read his speed, noted the discrepancy, and proceeded with the arrest.
Why It Matters
The case underscores law-enforcement concerns about extreme speeding on public highways, especially by elderly drivers, and reaffirms that any street racing is prohibited. It also reminds that severe speed violations can lead to criminal charges regardless of age.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I wasn’t street racing,” — William Bosworth, driver
- “I wanted to get away from him before we caused a problem,” — William Bosworth, driver
- “Signorino also denied racing, telling investigators his 1998 Corvette wasn’t capable of reaching the speeds deputies clocked.” — Philip Signorino, driver
- “Listen, Mr. Bosworth. I wasn’t born last night. I know what street racing looks like when I see it. You guys were street racing,” — Lake County deputy
What’s Next
The case will proceed in Lake County court; both men remain out on bond while facing potential penalties for street racing and dangerous speeding.
