Takumi Fujiwara vs Shingo Shoji

The gum tape deathmatch between Takumi Fujiwara and Shingo Shoji is the eighth battle of Initial D.

Prior to the Battle
Koichiro Iketani was driving in Akina in his recently repaired S13 when a red Honda Civic approached and bumped him, causing him to get ticked off and attempt outrun, only to get overtaken. Few nights later, after he took Iketani on a ride, the driver arrives to challenge Takumi Fujiwara.

Exclusively to the anime, Itsuki encounters the same red Honda civic, only to be wrecked during his date with Saori. In the hospital, Takumi vowed to accept the challenge to avenge him despite Iketani's dissuasion.

During the Battle
At first, Takumi forgets about his handicap and tries to drift as normal, only to realize this mid-turn. However, he manages to recover. Takumi quickly realizes that he can drive faster by steering less (shifting the weight of the car). He too was amazingly able to drift without getting out of line after an incoming car came around a corner. Annoyed by Takumi's proficiency, Shingo then intentionally bumps into Takumi, allowing him to retake the lead. Takumi maintains control despite his panicked state. He is well aware that Shingo did this on purpose, and drives recklessly in fury. Soon, he catches up to Shingo, who skids when he thinks that Takumi is trying to bump him as revenge. Takumi takes advantage of this and regains the lead once more. Nearing the end of the race, Shingo realizes he can't overtake Takumi, so he tries to tie the race by forcing them both to crash. Takumi dodges this and Shingo crashes into the guardrail.

After the Battle
Takumi drives off as usual. Meanwhile, Shingo gets out of his car and inspects the damage that occurred when he crashed. Iketani and Kenji catch up to him and offer to take Shingo to a hospital, which he declines but still insisted in taking him after learning his lesson. Bunta realises Takumi is stepping up a notch being able to push the Eight-Six even faster.

First Stage

 * Don't Stand So Close - Dr. Love
 * Dancing Queen (S.K. Factory Remix) - King & Queen
 * I Need Your Love - Dave Simon
 * Rage your dream - m.o.v.e

Battle Stage

 * You're Gonna Be - Starlet

Ryosuke Takahashi's Fastest Typing-theory

 * I Need Your Love - Dave Simon

Special Stage

 * Don't Stand So Close - Dr. Love