Black smoke poured from Dylan French's car when he pressed the accelerator - and soon police saw plenty of it.
Instead of stopping when asked, the 27-year-old sped away and went onto the wrong side of the road, Nottingham Crown Court heard.
"There was a short chase in a heavily built-up area where there were many pedestrians and vehicles parked on either side. He sped away, travelling in excess of the 30mph limit," said Stuart Lody, prosecuting.
An approaching car "narrowly avoided a collision" as French went onto the wrong side of Bath Street in Ilkeston and then onto Manners Road.
The pursuit ended when French's black Ford Mondeo hit the raised kerb on a roundabout and he was arrested on August 26.
French formerly of Nuthall Road, Aspley admitted dangerous driving. An immediate motoring ban was imposed but his sentence was delayed until April 28.
Jasmine Kumar, mitigating, said that the incident covered "less than a mile" but went on: "I accept it was dangerous at the time but it was not very long."
She said that French had recently completed a six-month driving ban and is currently carrying out 80 hours community work for a previous offence.
"He is genuinely fearful about a custodial sentence and has served a recent custodial sentence," said Miss Kumar.
But she said that he is trying to get organised with the prospect of work for a removals firm. He has also been "sleeping on a sofa" at his mother's home in Kirkby-in-Ashfield.
"He is genuinely making progress," added Miss Kumar.
Judge James Sampson said that French should expect a one-year prison term if he fails to obey four conditions. He must stay out of trouble, comply with current court orders, get and keep a job as well as finding accommodation.
"If you comply, it is highly likely I will suspend the sentence and possibly impose further requirements," said the judge, who will also set the length of a driving ban.
