S 1182. Speed  contests  and races.   1. Except as provided in section
  eleven hundred eighty-two-a of this article or section  sixteen  hundred
  thirty,  sixteen  hundred  forty,  sixteen  hundred forty-two or sixteen
  hundred sixty of this chapter, no  races,  exhibitions  or  contests  of
  speed  shall be held and no person shall engage in or aid or abet in any
  motor vehicle or other  speed  contest  or  exhibition  of  speed  on  a
  highway.  Such  event, if held, shall be fully and efficiently patrolled
  for the entire distance over which such race, exhibition or contest  for
  speed  is  to  be held. Participants in a race, exhibition or contest of
  speed are exempted from  compliance  with  any  traffic  laws  otherwise
  applicable  thereto,  but shall exercise reasonable care. A violation of
  any of the provisions of this section shall constitute a misdemeanor and
  be punishable by imprisonment of not more than thirty days or a fine  of
  not  less  than  three  hundred  dollars  nor  more  than  five  hundred
  twenty-five dollars, or both such fine and imprisonment.
    2. A second conviction within twelve months of  a  violation  of  this
  section  shall be punishable by imprisonment of not more than six months
  or a fine of not less than five hundred  twenty-five  dollars  nor  more
  than seven hundred fifty dollars, or both such fine and imprisonment.