Buzz
A drag race kicks off in Newark, New Jersey, captured by Matthew Wakem/Photolibrary/Getty Images.The Mid Night Club's primary rule was absolute secrecy, followed by the requirement of owning a vehicle capable of exceeding 160 mph (257 kph) while maintaining control. Unlike Fight Club, this group was far more selective.
In this episode of CarStuff, Scott Benjamin and Ben Bowlin delve into the clandestine and disciplined universe of the Mid Night Club, a disbanded Japanese street-racing crew. This elite, meticulously screened assembly of speed aficionados prioritized safety and integrity, even as they raced on Tokyo's highways at speeds surpassing 200 mph (322 kph). With encrypted meeting notices and lengthy initiation processes, the Mid Night Club was no place for amateurs, boasting a mere 75 members at its peak.
Established in 1987 during the golden era of Japanese car and engine tuning, the Mid Night Club focused solely on speed. Tuning, in essence, involves enhancing a car's performance to achieve greater velocities. Unlike other clubs that embraced drifting or autocross, this group was dedicated to maintaining prolonged, extreme speeds.
During their races, drivers consistently reached speeds averaging 190 mph (306 kph). Remarkably, these high-speed events took place on public highways near Tokyo, with ordinary drivers sharing the road, either trailing behind or driving alongside them.
In contrast to the unruly and boisterous Bōsōzoku culture prevalent in Japan at the time, the Mid Night Club stood out as the disciplined and highly skilled elder sibling of the racing world. Despite hurtling down public roads at astonishing speeds, the club prioritized the safety of both its members and the general public above all else.
Their unwavering dedication to safety ultimately led to their abrupt and dramatic dissolution.
But hold on—let’s not reveal all the details just yet. Tune in with Ben and Scott as they uncover the Mid Night Club’s covert operations, their awe-inspiring cars, and the story of their downfall in this episode of CarStuff. Simply hit play on the embedded podcast or click this link to begin.
Japan has historically maintained very low speed limits, with a maximum of 62 mph (100 kph) since 1963. However, in 2016, the country increased the speed limit on select expressways, raising it to approximately 75 mph (121 kph).
