7 Car Clubs That Got Investigated
Around the world, car clubs have been popular since the 1980s and 1990s. For the most part, these clubs were a community for enthusiasts to show off their performance vehicles. Unfortunately, not all of them have adhered the the local laws when it came to getting together with their crew. Here are seven car clubs that eventually wound up being investigated for one reason or another.
1. Midnight Club: Japan’s Most Infamous Street Racers
The Midnight Club was a secretive and elite group of Japanese street racers active in the 1980s and ’90s. Known for tearing down the Wangan Expressway at speeds over 180 mph, they earned a near-mythical status. But their high-speed antics caught the attention of authorities and made headlines after a tragic crash involving a member. The club disbanded voluntarily when innocent people were harmed, but not before police launched deep investigations into the group’s members and activities. To this day, the Midnight Club remains a symbol of how dangerous car clubs can become when speed turns deadly.
2. Gumball 3000: A Rally Turned Police Magnet
Though not a traditional car club, Gumball 3000 brings together luxury car owners for a high-speed rally across multiple countries. But in recent years, participants have been investigated and fined for reckless driving, illegal speeding, and even smuggling. The 2007 rally saw one fatal crash that led to arrests and harsh scrutiny. Authorities in several European nations began tracking the event more closely, warning that it had become a magnet for illegal activity disguised as entertainment. Despite its flashy reputation, the Gumball 3000 has faced serious questions about safety and legality.
3. South Florida Stangs: Burnouts, Blocking Roads, and Busts
The South Florida Stangs club gained popularity for organizing large Mustang meetups, but they also caught the eye of local law enforcement. Videos surfaced showing the group taking over intersections, doing burnouts, and blocking traffic, which led to a wave of arrests and impoundments. Police launched a targeted investigation after one event caused several accidents and injuries. Charges ranged from reckless driving to public endangerment, and the group’s reputation took a major hit. It served as a wake-up call for car clubs that use public roads as their playground.
4. Bandidos MC: From Motorcycles to Muscle Cars
While the Bandidos Motorcycle Club is best known for its biker chapters, some branches expanded into car enthusiast groups. These automotive offshoots were soon under the microscope for the same reasons as their motorcycle counterparts—drug trafficking, weapon charges, and violence. Federal agencies have investigated Bandidos-linked car gatherings across Texas and other states. Vehicles were sometimes used to transport illegal goods or launder money. The Bandidos’ car arm blurred the line between hobbyist gathering and organized crime.
5. 1320 Crew: Street Racing Meets Social Media
The 1320 Crew is a loosely affiliated group of street racers who gained fame through viral YouTube videos. Their high-speed highway runs and night races caught more than just views—they caught police attention. Several members were arrested after viewers tipped off authorities to their location and license plates shown on camera. Local law enforcement in multiple states began tracking their events and issuing citations. The blend of digital fame and illegal street racing proved to be a fast track to trouble.
6. Outlaw Mustang Club: The Name Says It All
This club operated under the radar in several U.S. cities but gained infamy when its members were involved in a series of illegal drag races. After a crash that left a bystander severely injured, police launched a formal investigation into the group. Social media evidence and surveillance footage led to arrests and the seizure of several vehicles. Authorities found that the club operated with a “no rules” mentality that often put public safety at risk. The fallout was a strong reminder that recklessness isn’t a badge of honor—it’s a liability.
7. Savage Speeders: More Than Just Street Takeovers
Based in California, Savage Speeders was linked to multiple street takeovers that spiraled into riots and property damage. Video footage often showed fireworks, donuts in intersections, and fights breaking out. The California Highway Patrol formed a task force to investigate the club and eventually arrested several members. Charges included reckless driving, vandalism, and illegal weapon possession. What started as harmless car meets quickly evolved into criminal activity with serious consequences.
Not All Clubs Are Built for Speed—or Trouble
For the most part, car clubs are harmless fun. It’s a great way for car enthusiasts to connect and show off their vehicles, but they aren’t immune to the law. Each of these seven investigations shows how quickly things can go downhill.
Have you ever been part of a car club or witnessed one pushing the limits? Drop your stories or thoughts in the comments below!
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.