Original subtitles

Team Alive's Ryosuke Muto has taken the lead.

Soichiro Kobayashi is right on his tail.

Can the upcoming, three time champion, Kobayashi,

defeat veteran driver, Muto?

Both cars are maxxed out on speed. Here they come!

Veteran Muto is the oldest drift driver on the circuit.

Three time champion Kobayashi threatens from behind.

Can Muto outrun him?

Current champ Kobayashi, needs to close the gap.

Kobayashi knows every trick in the book.

He narrows the gap. As close as he can get!

Both cars are side-by-side! They couldn't be any closer!

Side by side, in perfect unison, as if they're dancing!

Kobayashi pulls back, transitions, then spears back into position.

At the final corner, Muto struggles to escape.

Kobayashi is perfectly positioned on his tail!

They approach the finish line.

Finish! It's done!

The heat is over!

This Dorifes series will decide the ultimate drift racing champion.

What's the score in the first leg of the final round?

Four to six.

Challenger Kobayashi leads by two points.

Three time champion Kobayashi.

What's your take on this race, Mr Tsuchiya?

Team Alive have done a great job.

Their chief mechanic, Kasai, is one of the best in the world.

Kasai has led Muto's technical team for many years.

Muto's legendary tuner, Ryuji Kasai!

Third corner in-clip, he feathered the clutch.

That was amazing.

Any comment, Mr Orido?

Muto, in his chase run, could very well turn the tables on Kobayashi today.

I fully agree.

You're doing great. No loss of focus?

No, I'm still good. I'm not the old man.

Follow closely until he jumps, and you'll definitely win.

I want another trophy on the family altar.

I'm sure Mom in Heaven is rooting for you.

The second heat is about to begin.

A one-on-one competition of technique and tactics.

The chase car attempts to close the gap on the lead.

Speed, drift, line and tail gap are essential.

The chase vehicles must maintain proximity.

Each tactic earns points.

Drift racing, with its Japanese roots, requires harmony and precision.

These days it has evolved into a global motor sport.

This is the second heat, switching the lead and the chase.

Kobayashi is leading, with Muto is chasing.

They're at the line, about to start.

Both cars get away well.

Lead driver Kobayashi drifts into the Ebisu South corner.

Muto is chasing close behind.

Kobayashi's first run, scoring 6-4, has the advantage.

Muto will have to better that performance to win this heat.

Both cars will soon emerge from the the S-Curve into the home straight.

Kobayashi hits the e-brake and drifts closer to the wall.

Kobayashi is in total control as he rounds the turn.

But Muto is fast closing the gap.

This is where Muto, must take control to win.

No! Muto has swiped the wall hard!

Veteran champion Muto

has fallen victim to the notorious Ebisu South Course!

Team Alive's Silvia S15 is a total wreck.

Has veteran champion Ryosuke Muto managed to survive this crash?

Good man.

Thanks.

Hey, Oba.

You need to submit your repair list.

You were late last week, too.

That's a problem for the entire team.

You really haven't got a clue, have you?

You hear me?

A disagreement, lads?

No, sir.

Let me handle this.

He doesn't pull his weight, so don't spoil him.

I'll make sure to let him know that.

Tomorrow's a holiday, but don't get too drunk.

Cut down on gaming, Koichi.

We need to sit down sometime soon.

Koichi, are you asleep?

I'm coming in anyway.

Please wait here.

Did I wake you?

Up late again last night?

What? It's my day off.

I've got some good news for you.

Good news?

You. Come on up.

Don't be shy, boy.

This is Koichi.

How do you do.

I'm Natsumi Muto, from Team Alive.

Look...

Would you like to join our team?

Mr Hiyama is an old friend of my father.

He says you're the best gamer in all Japan.

I read about you.

I had no idea we had a champion living close by.

It's like a miracle.

A professional racing team, you mean?

Of course.

First take the test.

If you pass, we'll sponsor you and pay you a salary.

Give it try.

Okay then, I'll do the tryout.

That's fantastic. Shall we do it now?

Right now?

Sure.

Get dressed and get down there.

Come on, get in.

What is it?

I was admiring how modified your car is.

Actually, I do my own tuning.

I'm kind of a rookie mechanic.

But before you do, I'll drive the course and explain it to you.

Are you saying your team is a real life racing team?

Real race team?

I thought you were talking about another virtual, eSports team.

Overseas, many start out gaming and go on to become actual racers.

Once you get a feel for a real car, your drifting skills will improve.

Drifting?

Yes, we're a drift racing team.

Mr Hiyama said that your dream is to become a racer.

Well yes, but...

Let's do it.

So, that's the course.

Okay, you're up.

Everything okay?

Each car has its own quirks. So take it slowly at first.

Good luck.

Is actual driving difficult for you?

I guess it is.

I think I can do it.

Hope I don't wreck it.

No, don't you dare.

Amazing!

I was worried when you kidded me it was your first time.

I've never driven a real drift course before.

For your first time ever, that was fantastic.

Real life driving is just like gaming.

Let's go! I'll introduce you to the team.

No, you drive. That'll probably be faster.

Hi there.

Come on in.

Not now.

Why not?

What's going on?

No, that's out of the question.

I only came because Team Alive needs a driver.

But you want me to drive for free?

No, if you win, you'll get paid

Make the top three and you'll get a bonus.

I have to win to get paid?

That's all we can budget for right now.

Replacing a racing legend like you will give me credibility.

But winning or losing doesn't just depend on my driving.

Are you saying my tuning may not be enough?

No, Mr Kasai, I'd never insult you.

Then what?

Who are you?

It's about money, right?

You look cute when you're not in overalls.

We have a driver, we don't need you.

Sorry?

Team Alive's new driver. Koichi Oba.

Natsumi. Who is this guy...?

My father the drift racing legend.

And that's Kasai, our chief mechanic.

And Tamura.

Hi.

Koichi Oba?

Never heard of you. From what team?

He's been racing abroad.

Well, well. Overseas, you say.

Hurry up and get lost.

Okay, I get it.

That's probably best, I've been offered a real job.

Now if you'll excuse me.

Wait up, Shibasaki!

What do you want him for, Dad?

Listen to me, Natsumi.

Is this that computer nerd...?

Yes, Japan's champion gamer, the famous Koichi Oba.

I never imagined you were serious.

But I am.

Don't be ridiculous!

No video game boy can do real drifting!

But some overseas drift champions started out as gamers.

That's enough!

Even if he's the best gamer in all Japan,

no way will he race for us!

Then what do we do?

We can't afford an experienced driver.

No races, means no sponsorships.

That's not how we can fix the Silvia.

Or do you...

want to quit racing?

Look...

Will you at least let me try?

Like a test drive.

This is not a game.

Are you kidding me?

No, I'm not.

I'm Japan's champion video game drifter.

I'm sorry...

We'll give you a test run tomorrow.

The car won't be ready till then.

Seriously, Kasai?

Natsumi chose him. It's not right to just chase him away.

Besides...

I've a hankering to see Japan's finest gaming racer in action.

Natsumi.

We'll use your Chaser. After we adjust the suspension.

Tamura, bring Natsumi's car in.

I do not approve!

Check the e-brake.

Plenty of oil.

Okay, piping check, too.

Tire pressures are all good.

Getting nervous?

I'm starting to.

Just drive like yesterday, you'll be fine.

That looks like Soichiro.

Long time no see.

How's the leg?

I won't be needing these much longer.

You'll race next season?

No, I'm too old and I pushed myself too hard.

Don't say that.

I'm sorry about last time.

Don't be, that's the essence of drifting.

If drivers don't attack like you did,

drifting will be just another boring car dance.

Look, I'm sorry for imposing on you today.

Hi, Soichiro.

Hi, you're looking good.

Why are you here today?

I asked him to come.

Is this the gamer who plays at drifting?

-What? -Let him know.

Roger that.

Mr Best Gamer in Japan. Watch how an expert does it.

I want a driver who's at Soichiro's level.

Or you'll just lose races.

Get in.

Soichiro, it's a light-tuned Chaser. Don't push it too much.

You must be kidding. It's tuned to perfection.

So the car's perfect.

Oba, are you okay?

Real races are even tougher. Gamers can't drift.

That was an education. Thank you.

Sorry I dragged you into this. Don't overdo it.

I'll do my usual thing.

He's much better than we expected.

We don't know that yet.

That kid is following Soichiro's line perfectly.

What's Soichiro doing?

Not yet, be patient, will you.

Still not ready?

No, it's not done yet.

Tamura, what's the temperature?

95 degrees.

Okay, kill the flame.

Let's start.

You did a great job of getting Soichiro to take you seriously.

You're really something, kid.

So you finally admit I was right about him.

Remember what you said first?

Okay, dial it down. You're so insistent when you're drunk.

That was a long meeting.

No need, sit down.

A debt collector?

I officially informed Koichi's boss that he'll be driving for us.

After seeing him perform against Soichiro, we can't lose him.

Go for it.

Thank you.

Thanks.

He said we can borrow it. That "sim-something."

Racing simulator!

That's it. He'll bring it over for us.

You can move in as of today.

We've plenty of beds here. It's better than a warehouse.

Thank you so much.

Have you fallen in love, Boss?

This kid's got potential.

So we'll need to get the Silvia running right away.

I'll start chasing sponsors tomorrow.

We've got a ton of work.

I forgot.

To thank you.

I didn't get to thank you yet.

Thank you so much for saving our team.

All my life, I was never any good at sports, or academics.

But I was totally into driving games.

I must have raced in over a million games.

But this is the first time anyone's ever thanked me.

I must thank you, too, for recruiting me.

You mind if I call you Koichi, too?

All the guys do.

Every racer needs a good, catchy name.

Okay, Koichi. Tomorrow you'll start running and endurance training.

And you can call me Natsumi.

Natsumi. Your hair's so...

No forget it.

Do what I'd do...

This is so realistic!

Flat out.

Can you set it for drifting?

I'll try.

Lower front 20.

Drop ratios slightly. Soften the dampers a touch.

Add 4 degrees of camber.

Too late, stupid!

Clutch, then accelerator!

You're doing it too fast.

Ease up on the gas. Respect the car.

Don't let it drop out of torque.

It's exactly the same in gaming and real cars.

Don't rely on the steering. Use the gas pedal to turn.

Hit it now!

You're doing good.

Don't let traction slip out.

Back into first, hold traction, drive out!

Don't rely on your eyes. Feel it.

Feel that rear-end.

That's how you know when to accelerate.

If you think about it, it's all over.

In drifting, a moment's delay can be end you.

Koichi, you're ready to go.

He'll take time to get it right.

Ready!

If he gets them all, the yakiniku is on me.

Great!

Fantastic! Tonight we get to eat meat!

That'll be expensive.

Mr Hiyama. Long time no see.

Hi there, where's Koichi?

Koichi?

-He was here. -That's okay.

For your crew. It was gift.

Thanks very much.

And also, our new logo.

Put it somewhere prominent.

You upgraded your logo?

Cool, isn't it? A business needs to evolve.

Shall I introduce you to our designers?

Can't afford it. If we don't win soon, we're bankrupt.

How's Koichi coming along?

He gets along with everyone.

He's a hard worker. He never gives up.

He didn't get along with my guys. All he ever did was play video games.

He could have made a career playing games.

No, adults need to get out and interact with others to develop.

You're right. It's all about growth.

When I first started drifting,

all the old geezers criticized me, said I should get a real job.

But I did what I loved and despite the debt, I have my own racing team.

He became Japan's best by doing what he loves. He can achieve anything.

I'd better go.

What about Koichi?

I'll come back.

Thanks for everything.

The kid's lucky to be mentored by you.

ROAD BLOCKED!

How come you have the key?

I'm in debt to the landowner.

You borrow money to rent a key?

What, are you stupid?

If we don't win races, we can't pay your debts.

So he lets me borrow it for practice runs.

Hurry up and get in.

Your final test. If you pass, you can drive the Silvia.

You can start from here.

Don't try to memorize the course.

This is about quick decision-making skills.

Don't drop below 4000 rpm.

Go faster.

Faster.

If everything's under control you're not going fast enough.

Go beyond that. Push past your limits!

You can do it.

Okay!

This event is the gateway to success for young drivers.

Let's get started.

What kind of action are you expecting this year, Mr Tsuchiya?

Well, they're newcomers. Some will be outrageous.

I'm really looking forward to seeing how they drive.

First round is a single run qualifier.

The top 16 cars will advance to the heats.

The winner and the MVP driver will both earn a place

in this year's contest to decide Japan's grand champion drift driver.

Racing is like business. You need positive results.

Can't see how I can lose in this hick town event.

We're counting on you.

More importantly, when I do win...

I know. You'll earn more for your next race.

I appreciate that.

Shibasaki.

That stabilizer we softened, shouldn't we put it back?

No need. Just do what I tell you.

These provincial mechanics don't know anything.

But I'll put up with them for this year.

By the way, you changed your hair color, right?

My knight in shining armor, I knew you'd notice.

You're letting it slide out too much here.

After the straight, save momentum for the approach.

Remember, you need to focus on speed.

But when at speed, don't panic and enter too soon.

The later you enter, the better you can hold the angle at speed.

The entry decides everything.

I got it.

There's lots of young, hot-shot drivers this year, including Kai Shibasaki.

He was last year's DriftLites series champion.

Anyone else on your radar?

Team Alive.

Yes, their new driver, Koichi Oba.

He's the all-Japanese champion of the Gran Turismo.

An eSports champion, in his first real car race, he's in the final 16.

He's bringing in a new era.

He's a gamer, with an amazing ability to master real car driving.

It shows that eSports and real racing are coming together.

So he was a gamer, eh?

He needs to be taught a lesson.

Do as we trained and you'll be fine.

Pretend it's just another game and you'll win.

Oba is lead, Shibasaki is the chase. The battle is about to begin.

In this Nikko Challenge Cup heat, Shibasaki is the clear favorite.

And Oba is a highly anticipated newcomer from the world of eSports.

The battle is about to begin.

On this track, the winner will be the one who dominates the home stretch.

Stay on the line.

Shibasaki will come in tight, ignore him and keep driving.

Show him what you've learned on the simulator.

The newcomer, Koichi Oba, acknowledges the starter's signal.

Kai Shibasaki signals the starter that he's ready to go.

And they're off.

Oba is the lead, Shibasaki is the chaser!

First corner, Oba in a tight turn.

Shibasaki is right behind Oba's textbook drift.

Come on, Shibasaki. Show us what made you a champ.

Here they come. Oba emerges in-line from the last corner.

Can Shibasaki keep up with him?

Keep it tight. Don't go wide!

Oba's drifts like clockwork, Shibasaki right on his tail.

Can Shibasaki match Oba's angle and pull in close?

Can Shibasaki get it over the newcomer?

Good lad.

Oba in the approach to the 3rd and 4th turns.

Shibasaki is chasing but finds it hard to close the gap.

Surprisingly, newcomer Oba is really fast.

As they head to the finish line Shibasaki can't close the gap!

Shibasaki couldn't quite catch up!

I'm not sure about this one. It'll be a tight decision.

Shibasaki looked helpless.

You reckon?

That's the white knight of drifting?

-Exactly. -He had nothing today.

The judges' scores are up.

They make it 5-5, even! Shibasaki couldn't pull off a win.

Don't tell me he's losing to a gamer!

I'd hardly call that chasing.

Folks will want their money back.

Sounds like he didn't impress you.

Both cars are back now.

Shibasaki's poor performance as the chase car was disappointing.

Can he regain his honor after such a setback?

Now for the second run of the first two top contenders.

Now Shibasaki is lead, with Oba chasing.

Can Oba close in on Shibasaki?

Shibasaki's driving a four-door. Oba's is in a two-door.

Technically, two-door coupes are generally faster.

That's an advantage for Oba.

Both cars get away well.

Shibasaki in the lead, Oba is the chase.

Oba is right on target with a steady eye on Shibasaki.

Both cars are lining up for the final corner.

But there's a gap opening up.

With no need to, Shibasaki taps his brakes.

Shibasaki's brake lights have thrown Oba off!

Shibasaki initiates.

Oba is accelerating earlier than usual to keep up.

Oba is rushing in way too fast. Can he maintain control?

Oh no! Oba is out of control.

The Nikko Circuit's wide safety zone has saved Oba from total disaster.

Shibasaki steps on the gas as he passes the judges' table.

He's confirming to them that it's his win.

That's poor sportsmanship.

You don't like how Shibasaki pulled a fake brake?

That's a cheap trick.

Oba has an eSports background, he's still new to racing.

But Oba will definitely improve.

With Oba going off course, Shibasaki's victory has been confirmed.

He brake-checked on purpose.

That's part of the game.

Sure, it's a dirty trick, but Shibasaki drove better.

All in all, it's not too shabby for a first race.

You did well.

Okay, that's all for today.

Time for a review. Tamura, get the hot pot ready.

Natsumi.

Tell Koichi to come down.

Hey, all-Japan champion. Come be our world champion!

Koichi, let's eat.

Koichi.

Come down.

Until the Silvia maintenance is done, drive the Chaser.

You need more time at the wheel.

But...

I'd rather use the simulator until the Silvia is ready.

Why?

I want to compare the various simulator settings.

Are you serious?

You've mastered gaming, but you need real driving experience.

What's this all about?

You just prefer gaming.

Did you two have a fight?

Should I take the Chaser, then?

No, different horsepower and setup. Maybe the simulator is better for you?

I get it.

Did what happened at Nikko scare you?

No, I'm fine.

Can't sleep, eh?

-Does real racing scare you? -No.

Well it still scares me.

If you can sleep well after a bad experience on the track,

you'll never improve.

This just proves you have what it takes to win.

Keep dwelling on it until you master it, lad.

Good night.

The long awaited drift racing season has begun!

This contest will decide this year's champion drift racer.

Held at the Ebisu Circuit's fabled South Course.

Long regarded as the holy of holies by drifters worldwide.

Top drifters from all over Japan are hoping to stop the champ,

Soichiro Kobayashi, from winning four consecutive championships.

Including Nikko Challenge Cup winner, Kai Shibasaki.

And promising MVP award winner, Koichi Oba.

Despite losing his debut race, he impressed the judges.

Both are aiming to win this year.

Oba is a talented driver with a background in eSports.

How will he perform today against the world's best drift racers?

Test runs are about to begin.

I got it.

Both in Japan and overseas, e-gamers are switching to track racing.

What's wrong?

Hey, Kasai.

He doesn't need a test run. Just let him race.

How come?

If you're trying save money on tires, it's game over.

What am I missing?

I'm sick and tired of always being broke.

Swap out those tires.

Koichi, go take a leak while you have time.

What's going on here?

Hey kid.

You look like you've already lost.

Did Shibasaki's win turn you into a coward?

You kept up with me. Don't lose to him.

Soichiro.

Aren't you scared?

I don't race by myself. I have a team behind me.

Trusting them, lets me reach my full potential.

Go ahead, win today.

I'm not done with you yet.

Koichi.

What did Soichiro say to you?

You didn't do a test run. What's with you?

I'm on your team. Show some respect.

You talk to Dad and Soichiro, but not to me?

You need to learn to trust me, too.

If you want to go back to gaming, then talk to me.

I saw the offer you got from eSports.

From that overseas team.

Sorry.

But I...

I'm afraid you'll go back to playing games.

Then I'd lose all trust in you, Koichi.

After the spin at Nikko, I wanted to quit drifting.

But now I believe in the team, I believe in the machine.

And I believe in you, Natsumi.

I'll drive my heart out.

The Ebisu Circuit's South Course, site of many famous drifting races,

will be closing its doors for the last time today.

This year's Drifting Festival is dedicated to Ebisu South.

What great events will mark its final history?

Now for the final 16. It's here!

Daigo Saito, the worldwide drift racing champion.

His GR Yaris now sports a 2JZ turbo.

It's been converted from 4WD to FR to improve drifting.

Opposite him is rookie Koichi Oba, who's already impressing judges.

Oba will take the lead, with Saito driving the chaser.

With Oba coming from the world of eSports, how do you see this contest, Tsuchiya?

Daigo has driven on the world stage, that puts Oba at a disadvantage.

Can you tell us more about the champion Daigo Saito?

I liken him to a hunter.

He loves to chase, I'm sure he'll come on strong.

Can rookie Oba outrun the seasoned veteran hunter Daigo Saito?

Leading the way is Koichi Oba in his 2JZ 800 horsepower S15 Silvia.

Following close behind is Daigo Saito with his GR Yaris, with a 1000 HP 2JZ.

Light rain has left the course with wet weather conditions.

A wet track does increase the risk of losing control.

Both drivers may have to limit any bold moves.

And they're off. Oba has made a good start.

How will world champ Daigo Saito perform today?

Can the eSports rookie Oba keep up with the veteran?

Both cars race into the notorious hairpin bend.

Koichi Oba adopts an almost perfect angle of drift.

Daigo Saito in pursuit. Oba manages to escape.

Saito is slowly gaining. But he's struggling with proximity.

On the final corner, both cars maintain their distance.

How have the judges scored it?

Five to five!

Veteran Saito was unable to trounce the eSports rookie driver, Koichi Oba.

Oba didn't allow world champ Saito to better him in the turns.

Can Saito pull off a win in the second run?

They've switched places. Daigo leads, with Oba in the chase position.

Can the rookie get the better of the veteran this time?

Both cars come flying out of the chicane.

They've switched back, now they're door to door.

And just like that, all the way over the finish line.

He snuck up inside of Daigo.

Poetry in motion!

Oba's speed and angle were absolutely perfect!

Perhaps Daigo underestimated the rookie Oba?

That kid's amazing.

Now for the scores.

Six to four!

That is absolutely stunning!

Koichi Oba's spirited run has won him the race.

I'm blown away.

Amazing!

And we witnessed it.

We sure did.

Oba, a rookie driver from the world of game consoles,

has beaten a veteran, world-renowned champion.

Japan's ultimate drifting festival is down to the final eight.

Top scorer in the best final 16 drivers

is Team TOYO Tire Drift leader, Masato Kawabata.

He faces rookie driver Koichi Oba, with a stunning victory in the 1st round.

Kawabata is a multi-title winner both in Japan and overseas.

He's driving a V8 twin turbo monster GR Supra.

The rookie Oba's car, an S15 Silvia, is tuned by drift legend Ryuji Kasai.

And they're off. Kawabata, driving lead, makes a solid start.

As he shifts up, he checks out Oba close on his tail.

Coming through the S-curve! Kawabata keeps his lead.

Close to the wall, Kawabata, maintains a textbook drift.

Both cars head into the hairpin at precision angles.

There's barely a hair's width between them,

as they power over the finish line.

The judges have scored it five-five.

Kawabata couldn't get an an advantage over Oba.

Veteran Kawabata went into a spin.

The world champ drift legend was unable to stop the rookie's momentum.

Yes!

Koichi Oba has won the quarter-final heat!

He got it!

Oba successfully beat the 2017 Drift World Champion, Masato Kawabata!

This kid is hot!

The rookie is sweeping the field.

Oba has earned his spot in the semifinals.

This year's Drifting Festival is now in its final stages.

Semifinals are about to begin!

Koichi Oba, a rookie racer from the world of gaming,

has defeated the best of the best to reach this point.

This year's Challenge Cup champion rose from the ranks of the DriftLites.

The white knight of drifting, Kai Shibasaki, will face Oba.

Shibasaki will drive lead while Oba will chase.

Tsuchiya, how do you see this battle going down?

It's a toss-up.

Oba spun against Shibasaki at Nikko just recently.

I was there, I saw it. I hope he's overcome it.

But Oba has beaten both Kawabata and Daigo.

Decisive wins, both of them.

It could go either way.

That's for sure and we're all eagerly waiting to see the outcome.

Kai Shibasaki drives lead. Koichi Oba in the chase car.

Oba wants to live down his defeat in the Nikko Challenge Cup.

The first red signal comes on.

All lights are red.

And they're off!

Shibasaki throws a textbook entry into the first turn at Ebisu South.

Oba's fighting to keep up as they reach breakneck speeds.

Shibasaki roars right into the chicane.

Damn that guy!

Shibasaki has brake-checked yet again!

But Oba swiftly corrected, and is back on track.

Oba refuses to give an inch of leeway.

Can he come through on the inside of Shibasaki?

He's done the impossible! He's on his door!

But Shibasaki's over-corrected, he's lost control.

Now his angle is way off.

This is bad! Dangerous for both cars.

Oba has maintained control! He's still in the race.

Last year's DriftLites champ Shibasaki has spun - and he's out!

Serves him right for brake-checking.

Koichi Oba inflicts a humiliating defeat on the current champion.

The one-time gamer and rookie racer has made it into the finals!

Can his opponent in the finals put a stop to his winning streak?

Are you okay?

Are you hurt?

Sorry, Boss.

The result is clear.

Give me a chance.

-I'll win the next one. -Listen.

In this business, only winners get cars, races and contracts.

Are you sure you're not hurt?

Clunky piece of crap.

Your crappy car lost me the race.

Damn your ass!

Stop. Let him go.

Back off.

Go on, hit me.

Come on.

Right here.

Sorry for our crappy car.

Let's shut it down.

Have you come to gloat?

I need a favor.

Koichi!

Great job, kid.

Hey, Natsumi.

Your turn to be spotter.

You recruited him, so this is your chance.

Now you're in charge.

Get out and win!

Koichi, you hear me?

Yes, loud and clear.

New tires, so be sure you warm them up.

He's fast, so before the initiation, hold back angle, focus on entry speed.

Make sure you go deep into the outer zone with big angle.

Careful to not go too wide off course.

With depth and good angle, so you can stay full throttle.

Then, for the last switchback, keep it snappy.

Even if near spin, drive it full angle over the finish line.

You got that?

Roger that.

That's the plan.

Do what you do best.

The sensational eSports drifter, Koichi Oba.

He's up against the one man who can possibly stop him.

Three time consecutive champion, the legendary Soichiro Kobayashi!

Here we go!

Koichi Oba in the lead. Chased by Soichiro Kobayashi.

The first run of the finals is about to begin.

The wild card of the tournament pitted against the champion.

Can Koichi Oba avenge his team leader's defeat?

This will be an exciting contest.

Oba could win.

-Think so? -He has momentum.

Koichi Oba driving lead. Chased by Soichiro Kobayashi.

Both are driving Silvia S15's with the same power plant.

Oba drifts into the first turn. Kobayashi is right where he should be.

At the chicane, both go flat to the firewall.

Here they come, onto the home straight.

Oba positions himself for a smooth drift.

He's driving like his mentor, Ryosuke Muto.

He's good.

This hairpin turn could be the game changer for Oba.

Kobayashi has found the gap!

Precision driving!

He eases up and comes back in on the outside. Brilliant!

As they both scream across the finish line.

Veteran Kobayashi gave rookie Oba a lesson in advanced racing.

Oba drives a good, technical race, but Kobayashi's technique shines through.

He's too good.

That's how a champion drives.

The judges have made their decision. How will they score it?

Four to six!

Soichiro Kobayashi is two points ahead!

Oba's in serious trouble.

But the rookie is still managing to hold on by a thread.

Both cars are back on the starting grid.

The second run is about to begin!

Positioning themselves to start.

Can Oba turn the tables?

This second run will be the decider.

Kobayashi drives lead, Oba is now the chaser.

Both cars are in position.

After a strong first run, Kobayashi leads 6-4.

Oba has to better that performance if he wants to take the trophy.

And they're away.

Kobayashi drifts through the first turn.

Oba sits firmly behind, right on his tail.

They're approaching the first S-bend.

Both cars at maximum speed, flat strap.

Can Oba edge in closer than the champ just did?

Can they master the Ebisu South wall where Ryosuke Muto crashed?

This is the test. Both get through successfully.

Now Oba needs to position himself right on Kobayashi's tail.

Amazing.

This hairpin could be the deciding factor.

Oba is perfectly positioned to take Kobayashi.

Magnificent control.

So close that Kobayashi must be very worried.

Oba looks like he's glued to the champion's back bumper bar.

Beautiful crossover as Oba comes up on the inside.

Vehicular ballet!

Both cars in perfect position across the finish line

That was monumental driving.

Two points down, can Oba claw it back?

Judges have given Kobayashi 4 points.

Oba has been awarded 6 points.

So what are the totals now?

Koichi Oba has 10 points.

Soichiro Kobayashi 10 points.

A tie? So what happens now?

It's Sudden Death!

That's exactly right.

The first time in a long time, it goes to a Sudden Death finish.

Awesome!

That's absolutely fantastic.

It can't get any better than that.

What's Sudden Death?

-What? -One more race.

Let's cheer him on.

Both drivers will be in new cars for the deciding race.

The sun has set, so it's a night-time contest!

What are your predictions for this final battle?

It's been a while since I've seen two such imaginative drivers.

Imaginative and artistic?

These two are really good.

I didn't expect the rookie Oba

to perform so well against the seasoned champion Kobayashi.

Indeed!

I can feel Oba's enthusiasm in the air.

The Sudden Death match to decide the championship is about to begin.

From what we've seen so far, either driver could win this.

Both sit waiting for the starter's signal.

That's the signal.

The entire world of drift-racing waits with bated breath.

The sun has long since set.

The only sounds are the motors of the two 2JZs in the two S15 Silvias.

What drama will be played out in the minutes ahead?

The sun has set on the Ebisu Circuit.

A fitting tribute for this final race.

Ebisu South is known as the holy site of drifting.

The crowd waits excitedly as both drivers get into position.

First up, they gun their cars into the straight.

Oba perfectly positions himself! He's doing really well.

Kobayashi drifts smoothly to the inside position.

He slides in like a key in a lock. That angle is amazing.

Both cars enter the hairpin curve in perfect synchronization.

You won't reconsider staying?

No, sir.

Okay.

I've been doing this a long time.

It's the first time I've lost an ace driver to a video game team.

I'm sorry.

Would you rather I break the news to Natsumi?

I don't think I can handle that.

If it makes you stay, maybe I could throw in Natsumi as your wife.

That's not your decision.

She'll be furious that I couldn't hang onto you.

Thanks for everything.

Come back when you're the world champion.

Maybe it's better to change steering knuckles again?

That should definitely improve drift capability.

I prefer it has less rolling resistance on angle.

Since you're so persistent, I'll change it for you, okay?

Hey, Tamura.

Stop slacking off, Natsumi.

What are you doing?

Don't bother her now.

She's head over heels in love.

He did it.