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D1 driver profile: Takahiro Ueno

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Posted on 04.25.2009 18:00 by Terence
Filed under: | 2009 | drifting | D1 Grand Prix

Takahioro Ueno is another one of the senior drifters competing in the D1GP professional drifting championship. Ueno has taken his love for the Toyota Soarer (Lexus SC300 in America) very seriously. In 1996 he founded the tuning shop Car Make T&E, owners of Vertex Aero parts. Using his Soarer as a test bed for the company’s body kits he uses the D1 competition to showcase the simplistic and elegant designs they create. He has entered the same model Toyota in every round of D1 competition since he began drifting professionally in 2001. Ueno had great success in his debut year, winning round 4 at Ebisu and finishing 3rd in the overall point’s championship. Unfortunately he has not been able to recapture his original success but devoted to the JZZ 30 chassis he is back competing in the same red Toyota Soarer for the 2009 D1GP Championship.

Profile after the jump.

Takahiro Ueno

Born: November 5, 1971 Kanagawa, Japan

Drifting since: 2001

Highlights: 2001 3rd place D1GP Championship

1996 Founded Car Make T&E makers of Vertex aero parts

Drift Team: Car Make T&E

Drift Vehicle: Toyota Soarer JZZ30

Power: 650 PS

Weight: 1370 Kg

13 comments

13 comments: D1 driver profile: Takahiro Ueno

reneered (183)
Posted on
04.27.2009 @ 08:41

I think that it’s very rare for a drifter for to use a Toyata Soarer but if it suits his style, then I don’t have further questions.

grandprix (182)
Posted on
04.27.2009 @ 08:24

I have somehow followed the career of Takahiro Ueno and I knew, from the very start, that he will succeed.

vett6r (78)
Posted on
04.27.2009 @ 03:09

Ueno it a drifting master in his own right. That’s the credit due for him and his company whose always trying to make to a good effort to tune up the Lexus for the series.

forda (79)
Posted on
04.27.2009 @ 02:21

That philosophy is very oriental, I think thats how Japanese drifter see themselves.

saleenas (116)
Posted on
04.27.2009 @ 01:49

Drifting for the Japanese is like using your own Samurai in the battle, it is your identity, your name and yourself—the car and the driver have no difference.I hope this answers the question why Ueno keeps the Lexus.

joebar (177)
Posted on
04.27.2009 @ 01:25

You a right there Taladega pal. Drifting is not just about driving a car made for drifting it is also selecting the one that will fit your own temperament and style. But of course, as we always say drifting is for everyone who have the guts to do it and knows how to do. The car is a tool, the driver is the master.

taladega (289)
Posted on
04.27.2009 @ 01:21

Well every drifter would like to be original in their own way starting with their choice of car, remember a drifter is not only a driver he is also an artist.

gtifever (137)
Posted on
04.27.2009 @ 00:58

I would rather use a Scirocco for drifting that the Soarer, but who cares it’s Ueno’s choice and trademark as a drifter.

evo10 (318)
Posted on
04.27.2009 @ 00:41

He is driving a Lexus, I am driving an Evo, what is the difference? Drifting is for mid weight cars. Lexus is rather tough in terms for this sports he is exerting too much for something he could do better with a more suitable car.

whitemamba (231)
Posted on
04.27.2009 @ 00:22

I have nothing much to say about Ueno, I like Immamura, the Monkey Man and Kuma of course. Although his use of Lexus in the series is also something. Hope he does repeat his past performance.

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