I watched the entire Fast and the Furious franchise, including the most recent one, F8.
But never have I imagined being close to one of the casts until yesterday during the first leg of Vios Cup 2017.
He is Keiichi Tsuchiya, a.k.a. Drift King. He is a professional race car driver. He also appeared in the movie Fast and the Furious 3: Tokyo Drift.
Here’s a short video to jog your memory:
For those who do not know him, Keiichi has raced in NASCAR-sanctioned exhibition and 1999 NASCAR Grand National Division. As elaborated in his biography, DK started his career through the Fuji Freshman series in 1977.
Tsuchiya started from the bottom up. Unlike other drivers who were really in the motoring industry, DK developed his skills from street racing, as mentioned in Wikipedia.
Hence, his appearance in F3.
As luck would have it, we were able to interview the DK himself, Keiichi Tsuchiya, thanks to the Mr. Takai Arai for allowing us to have a one on one interview with him.
Are you excited? Here we go:
When In Manila Cars: Hi, DK! How are you?
DK Keiichi (though his translator, VP Takao Arai): Good. Excited about tomorrow’s race.
When In Manila Cars: First, thank you very much for your time. We really appreciate it. So, you made a cameo appearance on Fast and the Furious 3, how did it feel working with Bow Wow, Lucas Black, and the rest of the cast?
DK Keiichi: It was a great experience. Surprisingly, they were quick to pick up the points I shared with them.
When In Manila Cars: Wow! So, you taught them how to drift?!
DK Keiichi: Yes, I did! I was the one who did all the drift stunts! But, the cast learned the basics in drifting. So, they really enjoyed it.
When In Manila Cars: What’s your favorite car?
DK Keiichi: Of course, the Waku Doki, also known as, the Toyota 86.
When In Manila Cars: Yeah, I know. I was able to test-drive that and it was amazing.
DK Keiichi: Do you know how to drive? You drove this?
When In Manila Cars: Yes! But, I got scared because it’s such a responsive car!
DK Keiichi: Do you want to learn how to drift?
When In Manila Cars: Of course, yes! But, not now! (laughs out loud)
DK Keiichi: Come back later. Let’s go drifting!
Don’t be fooled guys. I still looked presentable here. But, wait for my video whilst inside the car, drifting with the DK himself. My poise (and my gum) went out the window!
When In Manila Cars: Lastly, what can you say about this year’s Vios Cup?
DK Keiichi: It’s exciting. I love the people as they all look excited with cars and the driving. Filipinos love cars.
I agree, DK. When In Manila, people are surprisingly enthused about fixed up cars, car shows, and events such as this.
This is DK’s third Vios Cup.
I still couldn’t believe I was able to meet and greet DK! Thank you for this great opportunity.
How about you? Are you a Fast and the Furious fanatic? Join the discussion here.
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