Daijiro Yoshihara (吉原 大二郎, Yoshihara Daijiro, December 24, 1978), also known as Dai, is a Japanese professional driver with a diverse and impressive career across various motorsport disciplines including drifting, road racing, time attack, hill climb, stunt driving and instructing with multiple championships and records.
Daijiro Yoshihara | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | December 24, 1978 Hachiōji, Tokyo, Japan |
| Other names | Dai Yoshihara |
| Occupation | Professional Racing Driver
Professional Drift Car Driver Stunt Driver |
| Website | www |
Background
editBorn into a working-class family in Hachiōji, Tokyo Prefecture, a love for cars blossomed early in his life. His father's work at a car dealership during his childhood fueled this automotive passion. He eagerly obtained his driver's license at the legal age of 18 in Japan and promptly began drifting.
Before achieving professional racing status, he held various jobs. His work experience spanned from being a Denny's chef to gas station attendant, truck driver, used car salesperson, and finally, an eBay seller specializing in exporting Japanese car parts.
Career
editStarting as a complete rookie, Yoshihara quickly impressed, finishing within the top half in his D1 Grand Prix debut. He transitioned seamlessly to Formula Drift, his fearless entries and smooth transitions earning him multiple podium finishes and a stunning second-place finish in his first season. His raw talent shone further as he consistently placed in the top five, culminating in a prestigious third-place finish in 2007.
Yoshihara's dedication paid off in 2008 with a factory-backed Pontiac GTO. He secured 2nd place in the Red Bull Drifting World Championship, solidifying his status as a global drifter. He continued his success with Falken Tire, his modified Nissan 240SX becoming his trusty steed. Despite challenges with a new Lexus IS350 in 2009, his perseverance pushed him to a respectable 11th place.
Refusing to settle, Yoshihara refined his 240SX, leading him to a dominant 2011 season. He conquered both the Formula Drift Championship and the coveted Triple Crown award, a testament to his consistent excellence. He continued showcasing his skills with the same car until 2013, before switching to a 2014 Subaru BRZ, embracing new challenges.
Yoshihara's journey doesn't stop at drifting. He embraced new frontiers in 2019, setting the fastest lap at the Global Time Attack Super Lap Battle in his Toyota 86. He conquered the prestigious Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 2020, securing first place in the Unlimited Class.
Today, Yoshihara remains a true ambassador for motorsport, actively competing in various disciplines while inspiring others with his talent and dedication. His unexpected journey from a passionate amateur to a champion serves as a reminder that success often lies in embracing opportunities and pushing boundaries.
Achievements
editDrifting
- Formula Drift
- 2004 Championship (2nd Place Overall)
- 2005 Championship (5th Place Overall)
- 2006 Championship (5th Place Overall)
- 2007 Championship (3rd Place Overall)
- 2008 Championship (4th Place Overall)
- 2009 Championship (11th Place Overall)
- 2010 Championship (4th Place Overall)
- 2011 Championship, (1st Overall)
- 2011 Tires.com Triple Crown (1st Overall)
- 2012 Championship (7th Overall)
- 2013 Championship (11th Overall)
- 2014 Championship (18th Overall)
- 2015 Championship (22nd Overall)
- 2016 Championship (6th Overall)
- 2017 Championship (6th Overall)
- 2018 Championship (10th Overall)
- 2019 Championship (9th Overall)
- 2020 Championship (12th Overall)
- 2021 Championship (17th Overall)
- 2021 Formula Drift Skills Battle (1st Overall)
- D1 Grand Prix
- Best 16 finisher (2003, 2004)
- U.S. Qualifier (2003)
- Other Drifting Events
- 2nd place, Pro Drift Ireland Round 5 (2012)
- Podium finish (2nd place), Drift Showoff at Irwindale Speedway (2003)
Time Attack / Road Racing
- 2023 TC America Championship (4th Overall)
- Sonoma Raceway, California (Round 1 - DNF | Round 2 - DNR)
- NOLA Motorsports Park, Louisiana (Round 1 - 1st Place | Round 2 - 6th Place)
- Circuit of the Americas, Texas (Round 1 - DNF | Round 2 - 6th Place)
- Virginia International Raceway, Virginia (Round 1 - 5th Place | Round 2 - 7th Place)
- Road America, Wisconsin (Round 1 - 6th Place | Round 2 - DNF)
- Sebring International Raceway, Florida (Round 1 - 4th Place | Round 2 - 4th Place)
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indiana (Round 1 - 1st Place | Round 2 - 1st Place)
- Pikes Peak International Hill Climb
- 2020 Unlimited Class (1st Place)
- 2022 Exhibition Class (2nd Place)
- Global Time Attack / Super Lap Battle
- 2006 (Drift Class - 1st Place)
- 2010 (Street RWD Class - 1st Place)
- 2014 (Unlimited FWD Class - 1st Place)
- 2015 (Unlimited FWD Class - 1st Place, FWD Course Record)
- 2016 (Unlimited FWD Class - 3rd Place)
- 2017 (Unlimited FWD Class - 3rd Place)
- 2018 (Limited FWD Class - 3rd Place)
- 2019 (Overall - 1st Place | Unlimited RWD Class - 1st Place)
- 2021 (Unlimited RWD Class - 2nd Place)
- 2022 (Unlimited RWD Class - 2nd Place)
- 25 Hours of Thunderhill
- 2013 (E3 Class - 3rd Place)
- 2021 (E0 Class - 1st Place)
- Gymkhana Grid
- 2010 (RWD Champion)
- MotoIQ Pacific Tuner Car Championship
- 2011 (1st Place)
Judging and Instruction
- Drift Series Judge
- Formula Drift Japan (2015 - 2022)
- International Drifting Academy Instructor (2011)
- Formula Drift Asia: Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, Australia (2009-2015)
- Goodyear International Drift Series: Thailand (2010-2011)
- Red Bull CPDrift Finals: UAE, Oman (2013-2016)
- Instructor
- International Drifting Academy (2011-2013)
- Lamborghini Squadra Corse, Pilota (2016)
- Porsche Experience Center, Los Angeles (2016-2020)
- Socal Drivers Club (2019-present)
TV career
editYoshihara has starred as himself in the reality/documentary web series Behind the Smoke, along with Yoshihara's crew members Scott Dodgion of SPD Metal Works, Mike Kojima of MotoIQ and Chris Marion of KW Suspension. Behind the Smoke is produced by GTChannel in association with Discount Tire, first released in April 2011. The show follows Yoshihara throughout his championship-winning 2011 Formula D season both on and off the track. The first season of BTS documented his 2011 Formula D championship season. In 2012, the show won a Bronze Telly Award for Online Video Reality Show. Behind the Smoke is produced and directed by Taro Koki of GTChannel which also represents Best Motoring and Hot Version internationally.
References
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