The Mid Night Club: Japan's Underground Speed Legends

The Mid Night Club, also known as EF 1 / 757 Middo Naito Kurabu, was formed in 1987 and became the most legendary and secretive street racing gang in automotive history. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, they ruled the expressways of Japan, using highways like the Bayshore Route (Wangan) as their personal race track. Known for their extreme top-speed races and highly modified machines, being part of the Mid Night Club wasn’t just about speed; it was about status, skill, and strict discipline. 

Unlike traditional racing teams that might value acceleration or handling, the Mid Night Club focused purely on top speed. Most members could cruise at 305 km/h, with top racers exceeding 322 km/h. Races would typically begin at 100–120 km/h, signaled by a honk from the third car in the group. 

Despite their illegal activities, the club followed a strict code of ethics. The most important rule: never endanger innocent lives. Any member who violated this was immediately expelled. Their code of conduct and internal discipline set them apart from other street racers. 

Gaining entry into the club was infamously difficult. Prospective members had to prove they could maintain speeds of at least 260 km/h for extended periods. If accepted they entered a year-long apprenticeship which meant attending every meeting and proving both skill and dedication. Only 10% of apprentices ever became full-fledged members. At its peak, the club had no more than 75 members, with an average of around 30.

To avoid detection by law enforcement, the club used coded messages in local newspaper classifieds to coordinate meets. A typical ad might read: “For sale: Small handbags at discount prices. For more information, I am available for meetup at Daikoku Parking Area on Thursday, between 11PM and 2AM." Only members knew these were actually race details. Members referred to each other by first names only. Discussing personal details like professions was strictly prohibited. This commitment to anonymity remains unbroken to this day. Rumors claim some members were top tuners, businessmen, or property developers, but no identities have ever been confirmed.

The clubs end came in 1999 after a tragic incident involving the Bōsōzoku, a reckless biker gang known for disrupting street races. One night, members of both groups clashed on the Wangan. The chase led into a high-traffic area, where a collision killed two Bōsōzoku riders and injured eight motorists, six of them innocent civilians. Despite not being directly at fault, the Mid Night Club’s strict moral code left no room for justification. Their “gentleman’s policy” dictated that if innocent people were harmed due to their actions, the club would disband. And so, it ended overnight. Cars were hidden or destroyed. Members disappeared into silence, and the name Mid Night Club became legend.

More than two decades later, the Mid Night Club remains an untouchable icon in car culture. In an era of speed cameras, surveillance, and instant communication, such a group could never exist again. Many have tried to imitate their name and image, but none have even come close.The Mid Night Club wasn’t just about racing, it was about pushing boundaries, and though they’re gone, their legacy still remains within the racing community.