Subscribe to PostsThere are many kinds of automobile racing throughout the world, Nascar racing, Indy car racing, rally racing, and many others. There is one kind of racing that stands out more than any other, the world of import street racing.
Street racers, known natively as hashiriya often occur on expressways and highways. They are known as kosoku battle or commonly known as Roulette-zoku as they drive round and round in circular motions. Japanese racers have also popularized racing along the narrow winding roads of the mountains of the country, known as Toge.
Street racing is reported to originate prior to the 1950s in some parts of the United States. It is a form of auto racing which takes place on public roads. Street racing can either be spontaneous or well planned and coordinated. Spontaneous races usually occur at intersections where two cars stop at a red light before they begin racing. Well coordinated races, in comparison, are chosen before the race night and often have a staff with walkie-talkies that organize races. One of the causes of street racing in Japan is, despite the numerous and famous race circuits, they can become overcrowded. Furthermore, such circuits may cost as much as 20,000 JPY to (a highway toll may cost) less than 1,000. The sport has a greater audience and much more importance in japan. One of the causes of street racing in Japan is that, despite the numerous and famous race circuits, they can become overcrowded. Furthermore, such circuits may cost as much as ¥ 20,000 to race, while a highway toll may cost less than ¥ 1,000.
There are various motivations for street racing, but typically cited reasons include:
- Generally, street racing is not sanctioned and thus leads to a less rigorously controlled environment than sanctioned racing, to the enjoyment of some participants.
- Street racing is cited as an activity which is available to people who are otherwise underage for
entertainment at traditional venues such as bars. - The simple and uncomplicated excitement of racing without the entry fees, rules and politics, typical of the sport.
- To settle a bet, dispute, etc between fellow racers (ex. one believes that they are the better person, vice versa, and turns into an argument, which leads to a race.
The most notorious group to be associated with street racing was the Mid Night Club who gave street racing worldwide attention with its 300 km/h (190 mph) antics. It was known for its high standards and organization until they were disbanded in 1999 following a fatal accident involving a group of motorcyclists. The expressway racing scene is portrayed in the manga Wangan Midnight.
