KISA AWANO

The Inspiring Journey of Kisa Awano: From Race Queen to Professional Drift Driver

When it comes to high-octane sports like drifting, few names inspire admiration and excitement as much as Kisa Awano. Known for her incredible skill behind the wheel and her determination to break barriers, Kisa has carved out a name for herself in a sport dominated by men. Her story is one of passion, hard work, and relentless pursuit of her dreams.

Early Life and Passion for Motorsports

Born on February 9, 1988, in Osaka, Japan, Kisa Awano grew up with a deep appreciation for mechanics and engineering, influenced by her father’s work in the airline industry. While her early years didn’t directly involve motorsports, this background sparked her curiosity about vehicles and how they worked. She began to see cars not just as modes of transportation but as machines capable of exhilarating feats.

From Race Queen to Racer

Kisa’s journey into motorsports began when she became a race queen after graduating from high school. Race queens are models who promote motorsports events, teams, and automotive brands. For years, Kisa dazzled audiences trackside, but it wasn’t long before she realized she didn’t want to remain on the sidelines. Her heart was on the track, behind the wheel.

A pivotal moment came when she attended a drift competition at Tsukuba Circuit. Watching the cars glide sideways with precision and power ignited a dream in Kisa. She decided to trade in her modeling career to pursue her passion for driving.

Building Her Drift Career

Kisa began her drift journey by purchasing a Toyota Cresta (JZX100), a car renowned for its drifting potential. She modified it to meet the demands of competitive drifting and quickly obtained her racing license. With hours of practice and dedication, Kisa entered her first drifting competition in 2014.

By 2015, she was competing in the D1 Ladies League, a drift series designed for female drivers. Her performances steadily improved, and by 2016, she earned a respectable eighth-place ranking in the league’s series standings.

Not content with limiting herself to gender-specific competitions, Kisa aimed higher. In 2018, she made her debut in the mixed-gender D1 Lights division, proving her skill and determination to compete with the best drivers in the sport.

Achievements and Current Role

Today, Kisa Awano competes in prestigious events like Formula Drift Japan’s J2 class and continues to participate in the D1 Lights series. She has become known for her mastery of the Toyota Cresta, showcasing her ability to handle powerful cars with finesse and precision. Her fearless driving style and ability to execute complex maneuvers have earned her the respect of fans and competitors alike.

Beyond her competitions, Kisa is active on social media, sharing her drifting experiences, car builds, and insights into the motorsports lifestyle. Her posts often highlight the behind-the-scenes work that goes into preparing for events, from modifying cars to endless practice sessions. She uses her platform to inspire others—particularly women—to pursue their passions, no matter how challenging or unconventional.

Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Others

Kisa Awano’s story is about more than just drifting; it’s about breaking stereotypes and pursuing dreams. As a former race queen turned professional drift driver, she’s defied expectations and demonstrated that hard work and determination can lead to extraordinary achievements. Her journey has paved the way for other women in motorsports, showing that the world of high-performance driving isn’t just for men.

What’s Next for Kisa?

As she continues to compete and hone her craft, Kisa Awano is undoubtedly a rising star in the world of drifting. Whether she’s perfecting her technique on the track or inspiring the next generation of drivers, Kisa’s impact on the sport is undeniable.

For fans of motorsports and drifting enthusiasts, Kisa Awano is more than just a driver—she’s a symbol of passion, perseverance, and the limitless potential of following your dreams.