The story begins when street racers called the RedSuns, a team from Mt. Akagi, come to challenge Mt. Akina's local SpeedStars team to a "friendly" race. After seeing how skilled the RedSuns are, the SpeedStars treat it as a race for pride, determined not to be humiliated on their home turf. However, the SpeedStars are left in a bind when their team leader and primary downhill driver Iketani has an accident during a practice run.
Episodes
Episode 1
The Ultimate Tofu Store Drift
April 18, 199825m8.5
High school kid Takumi works at a gas station with his buddy Itsuki. When the guys join their co-worker Iketani for a night of street racing action on Mt. Akina, Takumi’s life will never be the same.
Episode 2
Revenge! The Rumbling Turbo
April 25, 199825m7.9
When his boss reveals that the Eight-Six driver from Mt. Akina owns a tofu shop, Iketani begins to wonder if the legendary racer might have an intimate connection to Takumi.
Episode 3
Downhill Specialist Arrives
May 2, 199825m8.0
Iketani’s out of commission for the race against the RedSuns, so he tries to convince Bunta to take his place. Takumi’s working on a deal of his own - he need’s his dad’s car for a date with Natsuki.
Episode 4
The Battle Begins
May 9, 199825m8.8
The match between the SpeedStars and the RedSuns is set to begin. Just as Iketani makes the desperate decision to put Kenji up against Keisuke, the Eight-Six appears - with Takumi behind the wheel.
Episode 5
Dogfight!
May 16, 199825m8.7
When Takumi stuns everyone with his skills in the Eight-Six, Iketani and Itsuki start plotting a way to get the new hotshot to join the SpeedStars.
Episode 6
A New Challenger
May 23, 199825m8.1
Driving his new Three-Two, Takeshi goes head-to-head against Ryosuke on Mt. Akina. Meanwhile, Takumi offers Iketani a first-hand look at the thrill of riding in the Eight-Six.
Episode 7
Pride of a Racer
June 13, 199825m7.8
Takeshi is ready to take on the Eight-Six and he has every reason to believe that the car’s driver is game. When Takumi catches wind of the situation, he’s got to decide if the challenge is worth accepting.
Episode 8
Time's Almost Up!
June 20, 199825m7.7
There’s a crowd waiting for a race to start on Mt. Akina, but the Eight-Six is nowhere to be seen. Itsuki’s in a tough spot - and Takumi’s the only one who can get him out of it.
Episode 9
Battle To the Limit
June 27, 199825m8.8
The race is underway with Takumi behind the wheel of the Eight-Six. His competition, Takeshi, drives the Three-Two with undeniable skill - but he can’t seem to pull away from Takumi!
Episode 10
The Five Consecutive Hairpins
July 4, 199825m8.7
Takeshi and Takumi speed toward the finish line! Victory is at hand for the driver who can conquer the final challenges of the course - five treacherous hairpin curves.
Episode 11
Shingo Arrives
July 11, 199825m8.1
Iketani’s putting his S-13 to the test now that it’s out of the shop, but a simple practice session turns into a dangerous situation when a reckless member of the NightKids - Shingo - arrives in a red EG-6.
Episode 12
The FR Killer
August 1, 199825m8.0
Shingo arrives with the NightKids and he’s calling Takumi and the gang out. His demands: A Duct Tape Death Match against the Eight-Six.
Episode 13
First Date
August 8, 199825m7.2
Shingo’s itching to take on the Eight-Six in a dangerous race, but with nobody stepping up to accept the challenge, he takes drastic measures to get his way.
Episode 14
Evolving Drift
August 15, 199825m7.7
Takumi’s had enough of Shingo’s intimidation tactics. He agrees to take on the pushy NightKid in the most treacherous of races: A Duct Tape Death Match.
Episode 15
Takumi's Fury
August 22, 199825m8.6
Takumi and Iketani are having very different days: Takumi’s hand is taped to the Eight-Six’s steering wheel as Shingo bumps into him at high speeds. Iketani’s hanging out with a pretty girl.
Episode 16
The Angel of Usui
August 29, 199825m7.7
When Iketani takes Mako out for a good time, his friends decide to tail the duo and figure out what she’s all about. They soon discover her greatest talent: outdriving them all on Mt. Usui!
Episode 17
Sudden-Death Death Match
September 12, 199825m8.3
Takumi’s upcoming race at Usui is creating friction among his friends. One reason for the tension: he’s never driven the course. A bigger reason: his opponent is Mako.
Episode 18
Hot Winds and Furious Driving
September 19, 199825m8.7
Mako and Sayuki are having their way with Takumi and the Eight-Six on Mt. Usui. As Takumi himself questions his ability to pull out a win, the racers approach the course’s toughest curve.
Episode 19
Super Drift!
September 26, 199825m8.6
The finish line is in sight on Mt. Usui! Mako and Sayuki know the course like the back of their hands; Takumi might need a miracle if he is to claim victory against the girls.
Episode 20
The End of Summer
October 1, 199825m7.8
When the gang heads out to a water park, Iketani sees signs that it could actually work out with Mako - until he finds photographic proof that her heart might belong to another guy.
Episode 21
Challenge From the Superstar
October 17, 199825m8.1
Takumi’s growing rep has attracted the attention of Ryosuke, who’s ready to face the Eight-Six on Mt. Akina. Takumi better get his head on straight - this will be his greatest challenge yet.
Episode 22
Fierce Uphill Battle!
October 24, 199825m8.2
At Itsuki’s behest, Takumi heads out to watch an uphill race between two of his former foes - Takeshi of the NightKids and the RedSuns’ Keisuke.
Episode 23
The Rainy Downhill
November 7, 199825m8.3
Kenta, a member of the RedSuns, challenges Takumi to a downhill race in the pouring rain. With the increasingly wet course conditions, neither driver is guaranteed victory.
Episode 24
Akagi's White Comet
November 14, 199825m8.4
Ryosuke may already be a local legend, but he still drives like a man with something to prove. He’s determined to beat the very best racers Mt. Akina has to offer - and Takumi’s next on his list.
Episode 25
Last Great Battle
November 28, 199825m8.6
Veteran racer Ryosuke’s a mastermind behind the wheel, and he’ll be pulling no punches in the match against rising rookie Takumi. The drivers are ready and only one can be the best.
Episode 26
The New Downhill Legend
December 5, 199825m9.1
The drivers fly toward the finish line, with only one curve to go. Ryosuke and Takumi have earned their reputations - but the winner of this race will go down in history.