DRIVER 002 - Nobuteru Taniguchi 
Birth Date: May 18th, 1971
Birth Place: Hiroshima
Best Position: Winner
Rank: Priority A (seed competitor)

"One of The Smoothest and Quickest Drifters "

He was the 1st place winner in Round 2 this year and continued to be a strong drifter in the following competitions. Many thought he'd be the overall winner. Unfortunately, he began losing during the middle of the season, but came back strong once again in the final rounds. 

Driver 003 - Ken Nomura
Birth Date: May 9th, 1965
Birth Place: Fukuoka
Best Position: 2nd Place
Rank: Priority A (Seed Competitor)

"The Ultimate Drifter...and Loud Mouth Talker!"
In the 2001 D1 Series, he experienced technical difficulties and ran into quite a few problems. In 2002, he accumulated a lot of points placing him 3rd in the final standings. The sedan doesn't have as much potential as the coupe, but this doesn't seem to be a problem for someone with his driving skills. He's really into smoking his tires and he's been dubbed the "Smokin' Drifter" by many. Ken Nomura is a true crowd pleaser and entertainer.

DRIVER 004 - Nobushige Kumakubo
Birth Date: February 10th, 1970
Birth Place: Fukushima
Best Position: 4th Place
Rank: Priority A (Seed Competitor)

"The Consistent, Agile Drifter"

In the 2002 championships, he didn't quite stand out as much as many thought he would. Although he didn't rank in the top 3, this year he is expected to get on the podium. He's invested as much money into this vehicle as most of the other D1 Works Machines. This vehicle had very few problems and mechanical difficulties throughout the season. This is probably one of the reasons why he's ranked so high. 

Driver 005 -- Yoichi Imamura
Birth Date: May 11th, 1976
Birth Place: Yamanashi
Best Position: Winner
Rank: Priority A (Seed Competitor)

"2002 2-Time D1Grand Prix Winner "

He entered the first stage as an Apex'I Works Machine, but with some vehicle trouble and technical difficulties, he dropped to a qualifying round. But, after switching to an FD3S from the previous Altezza, he took first place in the 4th stage at Tsukuba Circuit. He also took first place in the final stage and became the 5th place overall series winner. 

DRIVER 006 -Yuuki Izumida
Birth Date: August 6th, 1969
Birth Place: Gifu
Best Position: 2nd Place
Rank: Priority A (Seed Competitor)

"Crash King Drifter"

From the middle of the season to the final rounds, he began winning quite a bit and acquired Priority A ranking as a seed competitor. His overall standings were even better than he would have imagined. Although he's known as the Crash King, his drifting experience has actually been very consistent and quick. He's known to be a bit intimidating and acts tough, but on the inside he's all candy, flowers and teddy bears. This is probably why he has continuously gained a lot of support from his fans

DRIVER 007 - Masatoshi Asamoto
Birth Date: November 21st, 1973
Birth Place: Saitama
Best Position: Winner
Rank: Priority A (Seed Competitor)

The "Rear Chase Style" Drifter

He's like an ugly dog without a leash. There are no rules in his book, he's just an aggressive drifter…period. He comes very close to other vehicles. Some say perhaps too close. When he shows in Option Video, he's always dressed in strange camouflage costumes. To say that he is a unique character is an understatement. 

Driver 015 - Koichi Yamashita
Birth Date: September 1st, 1968
Birth Place: Kanagawa
Best Position: Winner
Rank: Priority B

"The Champion's Revenge"

He always qualifies, but within the best 16 competitors, he loses. At Round 5 Ebisu Circuit, he once again put on an amazing show and shocked the crowd us with a 1st place win. With a well-prepared vehicle, this champion is a sure shot winner.

Driver 017 -- Yasuyuki Kazama
Birth Date: February 1st, 1970
Birth Place: Nagano
Best Position: 2nd Place
Rank: Priority B

"The Drift Recovery Technique Master"

At Round 2, Ebisu Circuit, with Taniguchi in the final, the drift battle was intense! He lost though. He says that drifting isn't about power. It's about technique. When missing a drift and recovering, his technical variations are out the wazoo! 

Driver 018 -- Kazuhiro Tanaka
Birth Date: July 4th, 1970
Birth Place: Ibaragi
Best Position: 2nd Place
Rank: Priority B

"The Stable High-Speed Corner Drifter"

2002 was the first year he's driven the S15, but it wasn't very controllable. In round 4, Tsukuba Circuit, nonetheless, he attained 2nd position. His speedy, stable drifting style is very exciting to the audience. His thoughts are that drifting behind someone and with someone is much more fun than drifting by yourself. Even during practices, he performs Twin Drift Style with Kumakubo.

Driver 019 - Yoshinori Koguchi
Birth Date: February 2nd, 1969
Birth Place: Tochigi
Best Position: 5th Place
Rank: Priority B

"Drift Artist"

Probably one of the most famous, charismatic drivers of the 180sx. He doesn't care too much about ranking. It's totally an art for him. From the middle rounds to the ending final rounds, his drifting style was unsurpassable! He'll probably be one of the top qualifiers in 2003. His nickname is Tochigi Yoshinori named after his hometown. He has a crazy Tochigi country accent that you gotta hear on Option Video! 

Driver 024 --Takahiro Ueno
Birth Date: November 5th, 1971
Birth Place: Kanagawa
Best Position: 5th Place
Rank: Priority B

"Vertex Employee (High Percentage of making the Best 3)"

From the stock base, he shaved off 250 kg of weight from his car. Dry carbon panel was created for his interior originally. Even on his doors, he has dry carbon panels. How much is this guy willing to spend? Right now, he's a development driver for parts manufacturers. But, in reality, he's a tint shop owner. Nonetheless, he's also a drifter in the D1.

Driver 026 - Akinori Utsumi
Birth Date: April 11th, 1975
Birth Place: Hyogo
Best Positon: 9th Place
Rank: Priority B

The "One Drift" Wonder 

The judges give good points during qualifying rounds. But during crucial moments, he "misses" or spins out and therefore can't really get to where he wants to be. But, at the same time, this shows how aggressive he is. Without any mistakes, he can become a true winner soon.

Driver 032: - Seigou Yamamoto
Birth Date: April 16th, 1971
Birth Place: Hyogou
Best Position: 10th Place
Rank: Priority B

"High-Powered Machine"

After putting in a 2JZ engine, he is powered up crazy with over 600hp. In 4th gear, the wheels won't stop spinning. This sedan is heavy weight, but he recovers with so much power. Watching this vehicle is quite dynamic.