Mini4WD Fighter Takashi Sugiyama is a skilled racer and commentator in the Mini 4WD community. He pilots the Shining Scorpion, a machine featuring a fully cowled body design with color-shifting highlights activated at specific speeds. Tesshin originally developed this car, gifting one unit directly to Sugiyama roughly ten years before the main events.

Sugiyama provides analytical commentary during races, offering insights into techniques and car capabilities across multiple competitive seasons. His expertise is evident when he instantly recognizes the Shining Scorpion's design after Makoto Kohiro discovers it online, confirming his ownership. He actively participates in circuits including the Great Japan Cup and World Grand Prix. His manga-exclusive machine, the Fighter Magnum VFX, is distinct from the Shining Scorpion featured in the anime adaptations.