Hoshino, Kouzou
Summary
Kouzou Hoshino is one half of a duo of middle-aged drivers who earned the moniker "God Foot" for his mastery of acceleration and his ability to drift his BNR34 GT-R with the ATTESA-ETS four-wheel-drive system engaged, a feat widely deemed nearly impossible. To prevent himself from becoming overly focused and losing control, he shouts exclamations during races, as silence would cause him to drive without braking. He challenges Keisuke Takahashi to a full lap race, including both uphill and downhill sections, acknowledging that the lighter FD3S would stand no chance against the heavy GT-R Nür on the ascent. Hoshino’s garage has housed four GT-Rs over the years: two R32s, an R33 that disappointed him, and the R34 used in his match against Project D. During the first run, Hoshino’s precise pedal control allows him to barely defeat Keisuke despite the FD3S’s advantage in weight. In the second run, Hoshino employs cunning tactics to overtake Keisuke at the uphill-downhill pylon, though his heavy GT-R begins to lose traction. Inspired by Keisuke’s relentless pursuit, Hoshino initiates a drift battle that further degrades his tires. Nearing the finish line, excessive drifting caused by worn tires allows Keisuke to attempt an outside pass. Although Hoshino’s car bumps Keisuke slightly, the FD manages to pull ahead and take the lead. Recognizing that his tires no longer provide sufficient grip to win, Hoshino concedes the race. Following the competition, Hoshino offers to connect Keisuke with his professional racing contacts, but Keisuke declines, preferring to resolve his remaining personal goals first. Despite his loss, Hoshino’s time attack record remains unbroken, with Keisuke unable to surpass it regardless of his efforts. His surname serves as a tribute to Kazuyoshi Hoshino, the Impul Corporation founder and professional driver renowned for competing with Skylines and other Nissan models on major Japanese circuits.
