Akira Tanahashi

Akira Tanahashi (born February 7, 1989) is a Japanese racing driver, currently driving the number 4 car, for Skacel Racing, in the WMF Formula GT Championship.

Early life
Born in Osaka, Japan. However, Tanahashi lived in Hokkaido. He is good friends with professional wrestler Ryan Westberg, who was born in Hokkaido. Tanahashi started in motor racing with 12 years of age, in go-kart racing. After an accident while racing in Japan, in 2012, Tanahashi broke both legs. He recovered, and returned to race 5 months after.

Skacel Racing (2014-present)
Tanahashi was one of the final drivers to sign with a team for FGTC in 2014. His teammate Martjin Bresler signed weeks before.

Tanahashi's debut was at the 2014 Anj Grand Prix. He won after defeating Alex Florentino with a 0.55 second gap. His win was surprising, because no one expected that a driver that signed weeks before the start of the championship, would win. But he proved the people otherwise.

Tanahashi was not exactly a lucky man. He won the 2014 Cam Grand Prix, after leading most of the laps. Still, he defeated Jonathan Ledecky with a 0.12 second gap, the shortest in the history of this series, so far. Despite only two races happening, people soon realized that Tanahashi winning was not exactly an upset. He was, and still is a favorite to win the championship.

Despite a first lap collision with Tomas Meilutis, at the 2014 FGTC USA Grand Prix, Tanahashi, who finished 5th, is still the championship leader, 7 points ahead of Jonathan Ledecky, the second place driver.

FGTC records
Country: Japan

Races: 3

Wins: 2

Podiums: 2

Current team and number: 4 - Skacel Racing

Best place finish: 1st (twice)

Worst place finish: 5th (once)

First race: 2014 Anj Grand Prix

First win: 2014 Anj Grand Prix

Latest win: 2014 Cam Grand Prix

Latest race: 2014 FGTC USA Grand Prix