GT-Channel will debut "Behind the Smoke" April 18th by releasing the premier webisode on YouTube at www.youtube.com/gtchannel. Daijiro Yoshihara, the star of this original series, will be featured in 28 webisodes that will give Drift fans a peek into Yoshihara’s life as he tries to become the 2011 Formula Drift champion. A new webisode will air each week on GT-Channel’s YouTube channel after the series launches. "Behind the Smoke" will chronicle Yoshihara’s on track challenges as well as off track antics throughout the 2011 Formula Drift season.
Affectionately known as “Dai,” the exciting Yoshihara has proven his ability to win and to perform at the top tier in a wide array of vehicle platforms. For seven years running, he has consistently placed within the top five standings for the Formula Drift Championship Series.
Yoshihara, born in Tokyo, Japan, stormed the North American drifting scene early in 2003. This year he is focused on capturing an overall championship. Yoshihara said, “I am excited to partner up with a strong supporter like Discount Tire on "Behind the Smoke." The reality series will help bring fans closer to the action both on and off the track.”
Discount Tire, a long standing North American Drift supporter, has been the primary sponsor of Yoshihara since 2009 and the exclusive tire and wheel retailer of the Formula Drift Championship Series for the past seven years.
Discount Tire also sponsors the tires.com Triple Crown, which is made up of three regular season Formula D events. The driver with the highest combined score from Road Atlanta, Evergreen Speedway and Irwindale Speedway receive a $10,000 cash prize and a custom Fender guitar.
