First Stage
(1998)
Overview
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.
Cast
as Takumi Fujiwara (voice)
as Itsuki Takeuchi (voice)
as Koichiro Iketani (voice)
Episodes
The Ultimate Tofu Store Drift 8.4
April 18, 1998
High school kid Takumi works at a gas station with his buddy Itsuki. When the guys join their co-worker Iketani for a n…
Revenge! The Rumbling Turbo 7.8
April 25, 1998
When his boss reveals that the Eight-Six driver from Mt. Akina owns a tofu shop, Iketani begins to wonder if the legend…
Downhill Specialist Arrives 7.8
May 2, 1998
Iketani’s out of commission for the race against the RedSuns, so he tries to convince Bunta to take his place. Takumi’s…
The Battle Begins 8.6
May 9, 1998
The match between the SpeedStars and the RedSuns is set to begin. Just as Iketani makes the desperate decision to put K…
Dogfight! 8.2
May 16, 1998
When Takumi stuns everyone with his skills in the Eight-Six, Iketani and Itsuki start plotting a way to get the new hot…
A New Challenger 7.8
May 23, 1998
Driving his new Three-Two, Takeshi goes head-to-head against Ryosuke on Mt. Akina. Meanwhile, Takumi offers Iketani a f…
Pride of a Racer 7.4
June 13, 1998
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…
Time's Almost Up! 7.8
June 20, 1998
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 …
Battle To the Limit 8.8
June 27, 1998
The race is underway with Takumi behind the wheel of the Eight-Six. His competition, Takeshi, drives the Three-Two with…
The Five Consecutive Hairpins 8.6
July 4, 1998
Takeshi and Takumi speed toward the finish line! Victory is at hand for the driver who can conquer the final challenges…
Shingo Arrives 8.0
July 11, 1998
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 danger…
The FR Killer 7.8
August 1, 1998
Shingo arrives with the NightKids and he’s calling Takumi and the gang out. His demands: A Duct Tape Death Match agains…
First Date 7.2
August 8, 1998
Shingo’s itching to take on the Eight-Six in a dangerous race, but with nobody stepping up to accept the challenge, he …
Evolving Drift 8.0
August 15, 1998
Takumi’s had enough of Shingo’s intimidation tactics. He agrees to take on the pushy NightKid in the most treacherous o…
Takumi's Fury 8.2
August 22, 1998
Takumi and Iketani are having very different days: Takumi’s hand is taped to the Eight-Six’s steering wheel as Shingo b…
The Angel of Usui 7.4
August 29, 1998
When Iketani takes Mako out for a good time, his friends decide to tail the duo and figure out what she’s all about. Th…
Sudden-Death Death Match 7.8
September 12, 1998
Takumi’s upcoming race at Usui is creating friction among his friends. One reason for the tension: he’s never driven th…
Hot Winds and Furious Driving 8.6
September 19, 1998
Mako and Sayuki are having their way with Takumi and the Eight-Six on Mt. Usui. As Takumi himself questions his ability…
Super Drift! 8.4
September 26, 1998
The finish line is in sight on Mt. Usui! Mako and Sayuki know the course like the back of their hands; Takumi might nee…
The End of Summer 7.0
October 1, 1998
When the gang heads out to a water park, Iketani sees signs that it could actually work out with Mako - until he finds …
Challenge From the Superstar 7.8
October 17, 1998
Takumi’s growing rep has attracted the attention of Ryosuke, who’s ready to face the Eight-Six on Mt. Akina. Takumi bet…
Fierce Uphill Battle! 8.0
October 24, 1998
At Itsuki’s behest, Takumi heads out to watch an uphill race between two of his former foes - Takeshi of the NightKids …
The Rainy Downhill 8.2
November 7, 1998
Kenta, a member of the RedSuns, challenges Takumi to a downhill race in the pouring rain. With the increasingly wet cou…
Akagi's White Comet 8.0
November 14, 1998
Ryosuke may already be a local legend, but he still drives like a man with something to prove. He’s determined to beat …
Last Great Battle 8.4
November 28, 1998
Veteran racer Ryosuke’s a mastermind behind the wheel, and he’ll be pulling no punches in the match against rising rook…
The New Downhill Legend 8.6
December 5, 1998
The drivers fly toward the finish line, with only one curve to go. Ryosuke and Takumi have earned their reputations - b…