THE MEET: A celebration of Honda Culture & Mugen Power!
THE MEET: A CELEBRATION OF HONDA CULTURE & MUGEN POWER
The automotive world thrives on passion, craftsmanship, and community, and THE MEET was built on all three. This Is more than just another car gathering, the event brought together die-hard enthusiasts, industry legends, and a carefully curated selection of builds to celebrate what makes car culture truly special.
From the beginning, THE MEET has never been about trends—it is about authenticity. It is about giving real enthusiasts a space where they can connect, appreciate high-quality builds, and immerse themselves in the culture they love. This year’s event in California took things to the next level with an exclusive showcase of King Motorsports’ Mugen FL5 Type-R; an unveiling that had Honda fans buzzing long before the doors even opened.
The Legacy of King Motorsports and Scott Zellner
No discussion of high-quality Honda builds and Mugen heritage would be complete without mentioning Scott Zellner and King Motorsports in the same sentence. For decades, Scott and his company have been the cornerstone of Mugen performance in North America, bringing a level of precision and authenticity that few can match.
Founded in 1981, King Motorsports has long been the North American distributor for Mugen products, a name consistent with elite Honda performance. Under Scott’s leadership, King Motorsports has played a vital role in importing and distributing Mugen parts, engineering race-winning Honda builds, and keeping the Mugen legacy alive in the U.S. Through his deep industry connections and technical expertise, Scott has fostered a reputation as the go-to source for enthusiasts looking to push the limits of their Hondas with genuine Mugen products as well as some of the highest quality engine builds in the industry.
Scott’s relationship with Mugen runs deep. Over the years, he has worked closely with Mugen Japan, ensuring that the products offered through King Motorsports uphold the same standard of quality and performance that Mugen is known for worldwide. This longstanding connection was key in bringing the Mugen FL5 Type-R to THE MEET, making it one of the event’s most anticipated highlights.
From historic racing endeavors to modern-day performance innovations, Scott and King Motorsports continue to set the benchmark for Honda tuning excellence. The idea of hosting the next THE MEET at King’s headquarters would not only celebrate this history but also offer enthusiasts an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at one of the most influential names in the Honda world.
A COLLABORATION YEARS IN THE MAKING
So how did the idea of showcasing the King Motorsports Mugen FL5 Type-R at THE MEET come about?
A SHARED VISION:
Thanks to Marlo Oxicano, who played a crucial role in connecting Scott and the team, the concept of bringing the Group A FL5 to California became a reality. Marlo’s industry ties and deep passion for motorsport helped bring this rare opportunity to life, allowing the community to witness a Mugen masterpiece up close in an intimate, enthusiast-focused setting.
For King Motorsports, this was more than just a car—it was a statement. The Mugen FL5 Type-R represents decades of Honda racing heritage, refined engineering, and an unmatched level of exclusivity. Bringing it to THE MEET was the perfect way to debut it to the West Coast Honda scene.
CHALLENGES BEHIND THE EVENT
Every major event comes with its hurdles, and THE MEET was no exception. Organizing a high-caliber gathering while maintaining its grassroots feel required precision. Key challenges included:
- Logistics & Space Management: Ensuring the venue could handle the crowd while preserving a premium atmosphere.
- Vehicle Placement: Strategically positioning cars to create the perfect flow and showcase each build properly.
- Balancing Exclusivity & Accessibility: Keeping the event high-end yet welcoming to the community.
Months of planning paid off, and what resulted was a seamless, well organized event that felt both intimate and engaging.
THE VENUE: A PERFECT BACKDROP
THE MEET took place at The Driven Collection, a stunning 35,000-square-foot warehouse in Culver City. With its modern yet intimate layout, the space allowed attendees to experience the cars up close in a high-end, immersive environment. Strategic lighting and open floor design amplified the aesthetic, giving each build the perfect stage to shine.
UNFORGETTABLE HIGHLIGHTS
Beyond the Mugen FL5 Type-R, THE MEET delivered some unforgettable moments:
- Moontech BMW E36 M3 EVO: Straight from Japan, this race-bred icon made its official U.S. debut, stealing the spotlight alongside the FL5.
- Arios McLaren GT3 Drift Build: A rare fusion of supercar design and drift-spec aggression, another jaw-dropping Japanese import stealing the spotlight alongside the Mugen FL5.
- A Stunning Honda Lineup: Rare Mugen-equipped builds, collector-grade Type-Rs, and timeless classics that made every Honda fan feel right at home.
THE MUGEN FL5 TYPE-R: A MASTERCLASS IN PERFORMANCE
The star of the show, the Mugen FL5 Type-R, was decked out with some of the most exclusive Mugen parts ever released:
- Mugen Group A Aero Kit (Fiberglass): Wind tunnel-tested for optimal aerodynamics and color-matched to the chassis.
- Mugen x BBS FR10 Japan Forged Wheels: 19.00" x 9.50" +60 5x120, 10kg/4 weight reduction per wheel in diamond black.
- KW Variant 3 Suspension: Enhancing handling and track capability.
- Mugen Carbon Fiber Interior Enhancements: Lightweight, race-inspired details.
An unexpected bonus? Two brand-new Mugen parts—a Carbon Fiber Valve Cover and a Carbon Fiber Rear Lip Wing—both of which had just debuted at Tokyo Auto Salon in January. Seeing these freshly released components in person was a rare treat, making the Mugen FL5 reveal even more special.
A COMMUNITY-DRIVEN EXPERIENCE
THE MEET was not just about the cars—it was about the people. The energy was electric as enthusiasts gathered, shared their passion, and engaged in deep discussions about the builds. Families were in attendance, proving that car culture continues to inspire the next generation.
Big props go to Drink Weird and Paulaner Sunset for keeping the crowd refreshed with free drinks, another testament to how small details make a huge impact on community-driven events like this.
WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE MEET?
With THE MEET’s success in California, the question on everyone’s mind is: what’s next?
Exciting news—there are early discussions to host the next one at King Motorsports’ headquarters in Wisconsin! Given King’s deep-rooted connection to Mugen, this would offer attendees an inside look at the legendary shop, exclusive behind-the-scenes access, and a chance to experience Honda history in a way that few ever do.
Stay tuned. If this happens, it could be the most legendary MEET yet
FINAL THOUGHTS
THE MEET proved once again why true car culture thrives on authenticity, passion, and connection. Whether it was the Mugen FL5 Type-R’s exclusive debut, the rare builds from Japan, or the undeniable energy of the community, this event set the bar high.
For those who attended—this was one for the books. For those who missed it—stay locked in. THE MEET is only getting bigger, and the best is yet to come!
We wanted to thank Brandon Perez for gathering the information to include in this blog, THE MEET for putting this event on, and King Motorsports Unlimited for taking time to share the ultimate Mugen Build on the West Coast!
Photographers:
@keshanlam_drives
@eightsix_viet
@npcmediaa
@firstinitial.b
@realbrandonperez
@kingmotorsports
