But he's incredibly passionate about racing, training rigorously even on Sunday mornings in his Sileighty when not many people are out.  2nd Stage :  -"Shin'ichi Tamaki" (Shinichi Tamashiro in US & EU version), aka "Haruna Guardian" ("Guardian" in EU & US version) : After losing once to a racer that suddenly appeared out of nowhere, he realized how vulnerable his position was. He changed his machine from a Galant VR-4 to a Lancer Evolution IV and made a fresh start. His old car was a pretty nice ride, but it was nothing compared to this Lancer. And so began the pursuit of the new Haruna Guardians... -"Eiji Kurihara", aka "Lonely Wanderer" ("Eternal Wanderer" in EU & US version) : It was a long time ago, but the name "Kurihara" used to strike fear into the hearts of racers in Haruna. Then a new champion suddenly appeared, and Kurihara moved here to Akagi. Since then, countless races have made him virtually unbeatable in Akagi. His car, a Supra JZA80, is starting to show its age. -"Masaya Tendō", aka "Metal Wizard" ("Alchemist" in EU & US version) : He used to be fairly well known on the highway course at Omote Rokko, but he never really stood out. Then one day, Tendō suddenly and unexpectedly disappeared from Omote Rokko - only to reappear as the top racer in his NSX-R NA2 on the new course : Ura Rokko.  3rd Stage :  -"Shū Asuka", aka "Final Leg" ("Last Leg" in EU & US version) : Asuka is into rally racing, and he's traded in his old Lancer Evolution VIII for the more advanced Lancer Evolution VIII MR. This may not seem like a very big step up, but in the able hands of Asuka, who has always been good at handling powerful cars like this, the difference is obvious. His racing is tighter than ever. -"Chōmei Jō" ("Nagaaki Jyo" in US & EU version), aka "New Moon" : For the time being, he's the fastest racer on the new Shiga Kusatsu course. He thinks he's cool because he drives an ordinary FR 25 GT-S instead of a GT-R, but no one else seems to think so.