Driving History: Keiichi Tsuchiya
Born January 1956
1977 Debut in Fuji Freshman series.
1977-1984 Ran selected entries in All Japan Touring Car championship.
1984 Fuji Freshman series race (Toyota AE86)= 6 wins
1985 All Japan Touring Car championship (Toyota AE86) 1st in Class 3
1986 Corolla Sprinter Cup-2 podium places
1987 All Japan Touring Car championship (Honda Civic)-1 win
1988 Toyota Cup-1st overall
All Japan Touring Car championship (BMW M30)-3rd in Class 2
Macau Guia race (BMW M3)-4th overall
1989 All Japan F3 championship
All Japan Touring Car championship (Ford Sierra Cosworth)-1 win
1990 All Japan Touring Car championship (Ford Sierra Cosworth)
Macau Guia race (Ford Sierra Cosworth)
New Zealand Touring Car series (Toyota)
1991 All Japan F3 championship (Ralt-Mugen)-10th overall
All Japan Touring Car championship (Nissan Skyline GT-R)-5th overall
1992 All Japan Touring Car championship (Nissan Skyline GT-R)
1993 All Japan Touring Car championship (Taisan Nissan Skyline GT-R)-1 win
Japan Endurance series (Honda Prelude)-2nd Tsukuba 12 Hours
1994 All Japan GT championship (Porsche 911T)-1 win
All Japan Touring Car championship (Honda Civic)
Suzuka 1000kms (Porsche 911T)-1st in class, 2nd overall
Le Mans 24 Hours (Honda NSX)-18th overall
1995 All Japan GT championship (Porsche911TRSR)
All Japan Touring Car championship (Honda Civic)
Suzuka 1000kms (Honda NSX)-5th overall
Tokachi 12 Hours (Honda NSX)-1st overall
Le Mans 24 Hours (Honda NSX)-1st in class
1996 All Japan GT championship (Honda NSX)-13th overall
Entered NASCAR Thunder Special race at Suzuka
Le mans 24 Hours (Honda NSX)-3rd in class
1997 All Japan GT championship (Porsche 911/Dodge Viper)
Fuji InterTec race (Toyota Chaser)
Suzuka 1000kms (Lark McLaren F1 GTR)-9th overall
Entered NASCAR Thunder Special race at Suzuka
Le Mans 24 Hours (Lark McLaren F1 GTR)-qualified 10th, retired from race
1998 All Japan Touring Car championship (Toyota Chaser)-7th overall
All Japan GT championship (Toyota Supra)-8th overall
Le Mans 24 Hours (Toyota GT-One)-9th overall
NASCAR at the California Speedway.
1999 Japan Touring Car Championship(Advan Altezza Touring car).
2000-2001 he joined team ARTA racing a NSX once again in the All Japan GT championship.
Keiichi Tsuchiya Drive by Drift It is easy to make plans but difficult to carry them out
Oh yeah... Keiichi Tsuchiya retired from professional racing.
At 47 years old racing driver Keiichi Tsuchiya announced his retirement from professional racing. This day marked his retirement from any form of professional racing but now officially instates him as a legend in the Japanese motorsports world and beyond. Keiichi started his racing career back in 1978 at the Fuji freshman race series. From here his career flourished racing in formats such as F3, GT, in many different Touring car series and the famed 24 hours of Le'Man race. Along with pro-racing he also hosted many video series, magazine columns, TV shows, and a popular radio show that many non-racing groups such as women loved because of his wise knowledge of life in general. His character is witty and always upbeat. This is a big reason why he is a racing icon, because of his great attitude. On November 15th and 16th the last round of the Japanese GT championship was held at Suzuka circuit. This day marked the last professional race for Keiichi Tsuchiya with team ARTA driving the Honda NSX. Keiichi is a hero among young racing drivers and car enthusiasts across Japan. Though we may never witness him again in a major racing series he will still continue to host his video series Hot Version, keep his roll as D1 Grand Prix judge, and do guest appearances at many automotive related events for now. Many will wish him the best of luck in his retirement. Keiichi Tsuchiya "Drive by Drift"