FORMULA DRIFT – DAI YOSHIHARA

ENEOS continues its partnership with Daijiro Yoshihara in Formula DRIFT – a relationship which began in 2017.

Dai was the 2011 Formula DRIFT champion, and has been a consistent points scorer since the series began in 2004. In fact, Dai is considered a mainstay in the sport and is one of only four drivers who has competed at the highest level since the series’ inception.

In addition to his drift career, Dai recently competed in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia series, regularly participates in Time Attack events and even offers driving instruction. In 2019, ENEOS supported Dai’s ambitions to conquer the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. After suffering transmission problems at his first attempt, he would return in 2020 and win the Unlimited Class title.

Dai has a lengthy association with ENEOS. As a young man in Japan, he worked at one of the company’s gas stations, with his earnings helping to fund his driving career. We are proud to continue our partnership and we’re confident of more great moments ahead!

 

Entering the series in 2004, the Japanese-born drift driver is one of only four drivers to have remained in the series throughout its meteoric global ascension to become the best drift series in the world.

As the 2011 Formula DRIFT Champion, Dai has a loyal following and continues to win new fans with his smooth, precise driving style. Unfortunately, the interrupted 2020 season saw him drop to 13th in the overall standings, with a best result of fourth place at the Seattle round.

For 2021, Dai will continue to compete in his Turn 14 Distribution / Falken Tire / ENEOS Oil Subaru BRZ. This is the eighth year in the same car, which has been consistently developed throughout its competition career. It is fitted with a turbocharged 454ci Chevrolet LSX engine boasting almost 1000hp at the wheels, and more than 850 lb-ft of torque. As is essential in drift, the power is transferred to the rear wheels via a G-Force GSR four-speed transmission and Winters 10″ quick-change rear-end. Dai continues to focus on making improvements in the off-season focusing on power, handling and overall durability.

As for the ENEOS sponsorship, Dai has been excited to continue our relationship. “Growing up in Tokyo, I actually worked in an ENEOS gas station. The money I earned enabled me to start my racing career. Ever since then I’ve been trying to work more closely with ENEOS and so I’m honored to finally be part of the ENEOS Motorsports family. This is more than just a regular oil company for me; it is very well respected and makes great product. I look forward to again contributing to ENEOS Motorsports history in 2021.”

More about Daijiro Yoshihara // More about Formula DRIFT