• Age /Height/Weight: 41/5'6
• Nickname: Flying 86
• Car Number:  86
• Hometown: Gardena, CA
• Team:  Megan Racing/Driftpro
• Car nickname: Little corolla that could
• Car Specs:
  • Tires:Nexen N9000
  • Engine: Toyota 2AZFE Hasselgren Enginnering prototype
  • Horsepower: 550hp
  • Suspension: Megan Racing suspension with Battle Version Arms
  • Brakes: EBC Brakes
  • Wheels: RS Watanabe Wheels
  • J-blood Arero kit
• Connect with Taka Aono: facebook.com/taka.aono86

With over twenty years of experience in organized motorsports, Taka Aono has been one of the original supporters of grassroots drifting since its introduction to the US over ten years ago. After winning his SCCA Solo II and Pro-Solo National Championships, he has competed professionally in the Formula Drift Series since its inception in 2004. Competing in the iconic AE86 Toyota Corolla, Taka has always thrilled fans with his 100% full throttle high speed entries and exciting tandem battles. In between his competition schedule, Taka still devotes much of his time to grassroots drifting as Chief Instructor at DriftSchoolUSA.com and an official judge for Formula Drift Pro/Am Series

Meet Taka Aono

When and why did you start drifting? I started drifting in 2009 after a

When and why did you start drifting? Long, long time ago!

What do you like about drifting? 80-100mph wind from your side window!  priceless!!

Who is your inspiration/rolemodel (in and out of the drift scene)? Mr. Watanabe brothers and Mr. & Mrs. Haraguchi

Where is your favorite place to drift? Race Track

Why do you like using NEXEN Tires on your Drift Car? Nexen tire has great variety of tires available.  CP serise for my Drift School USA program, N3000 for practice, N6000 or N9000 for seriouse copmetition!

What is your memorable drifting moment? 2005, First time ever, Long Beach Grand Prix let us drift on Grad Prix course.

What do you like to do for fun when you're not drifting?
Formula Drift Seattle and Irwindale

What are your favorite drifting events? I really like the Formula Drift event at Road Atlanta; it’s such a fun course and the whole atmosphere is a great time.

List of accomplished motorsports awards:

• 2002 SCCA SoloII National Champion
• 2002 and 2003 SCCA PROSOLO Natinal Champion

What would you like to say to your fans? Thank you for your love to our sport of Drifting!  It is Fun to watch but It is also fun to do!

What is your favorite catch phrase? " If he can do it, we can do it too.  If we can do it,  you can do it too."

Do you have a hidden talent? I can play a cello.

What are your hobbies? Driving

What is your favorite movie? Blade Runner

What music do you like to listen to? U2