Manabu Suzuki
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article does not cite any references or sources. (December 2007) Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed. |
Manabu Suzuki (Shinjitai: 鈴木 学 Suzuki Manabu?, born São Paulo, Brazil, March 20, 1963) is a former racing driver, journalist, sport announcer and radio and TV presenter for the automotive industry. He is a Japanese citizen and is nicknamed Mana-P (マナP in katakana).
Suzuki competed in the Formula Toyota and Saurus Cup until the mid nineties. When he left circuit racing behind, he became well known for working with Option as a writer and presenter for the magazine's offshoot video magazine, Video Option and Drift Tengoku.
Suzuki would be best known as one of the three original key judges (the other being Keiichi Tsuchiya and Manabu Orido, who left at the end of the 2004 season) in the D1 Grand Prix series. He adds many comic expressions during commentary to keep the crowds entertained during the races. He also hosts various issues of the Option DVD where he is discussing cars. He often exclaims "Giri Giri," which means "little little" in Japanese. This expression is used to express an instance where the "drift" is extremely close or a driver is almost in a position where he/she is going to crash.
One of the funniest moments of Suzuki's career was hosting and judging a 'Remote Control Drift Race' in Japan. He was judging it with fellow D1GP drifter/host Manabu Orido and turned it into one of the most exciting remote control car races in history.
Suzuki is also involved in car designs, appearing on a segment in Drift Tengoku on DIY graphics and even working on the paint scheme and decals for Orido's RS*R Toyota Supra JZA80.