One of the drivers, an 18-year-old from Christchurch, was apprehended by an officer after a short foot chase through some paddocks.
Harker said the teenager appeared to be intoxicated.
While two of the officers transported him in the back of their patrol car to the Christchurch central police station, he allegedly headbutted the officer who was not driving.
Harker said officers from Ashburton, Leeston and one from Christchurch's anti social road user team attended the incident.
The man was charged with assaulting a police officer, sustained loss of traction, escape from police custody, driving while disqualified, refusing request for blood, and breaching the Covid lockdown.
Harker said the actions of the boy racers in the four vehicles, one of which had broken down at the scene, were "very selfish".
Not only were they endangering road users, but they were breaking lockdown rules, endangering themselves, the public and emergency services personnel, he said.
"It puts everyone else at risk."
