Local Heroes, Worldwide - TINKER Drift Team Osaka

Team TINKER & KAZUYA BAI: Legends of Drift

Founded in 1992 with Mr. SHIOTA as its inaugural leader, Team TINKER has carved an undeniable legacy in Japan's vibrant drift scene. Among its storied members, KAZUYA BAI shines as a truly exceptional talent. BAI joined Team TINKER in 1999, becoming a protégé of KUROI. His immediate impact was clear, as he was granted the prestigious "01" team jersey upon entry, second only to KUROI who adorned "00" — a testament to his rapid rise.

Alongside his mentor KUROI, BAI dominated drift contests across Japan throughout the early 2000's, showcasing his flair at numerous events including the BM Cup, Car Road Cup, and the All Japan Pro Drift Championship. During this time BAI would also have his breakthrough moment as a driver for the illustrious Signal Auto Team, becoming the first ever Japanese driver to compete across the pond in the United States.

BAI’s momentum never slowed. He continued to compete at the highest level of professional drifting for years, making his mark in elite series such as D1 Grand Prix and D1 Lights. Now, he channels his passion into representing his own shop, B-WEST, a name that remains influential in the Kansai automotive scene. Far from retirement, BAI remains an active member of TINKER and proudly holds a D1 license. What the future holds for BAI and B-WEST is uncertain, but one thing is clear: his journey in the world of drifting is far from over.

As a tribute to the enduring legacy of Bai and TINKER, we’re proud to unveil TINKER drift team's officially licensed merchandise (including limited edition goodies!). More than just apparel, each piece carries the spirit of friendship, passion, and the journey that defined an era of Kansai drifting.

This collection was created not only to honor the friends who stood beside Bai—past and present—but also to invite you, the community, to carry that spirit forward. Whether you've followed the story from the beginning or are just discovering it now, this is your chance to own a part of it.