Takumi Fujiwara, an 18-year-old high school student, works part-time at a Gunma Prefecture gas station. He moonlights as the delivery driver for his father Bunta's tofu shop, utilizing a Toyota Sprinter Trueno GT-APEX (AE86) for pre-dawn runs to Mount Akina's resorts. This daily task began at age 13, secretly honing his skills through his father's calculated assignments, though Takumi initially perceived it only as a job, unaware of its true purpose. His driving expertise stems from five years navigating Mount Akina's treacherous roads daily, forging an instinctive ability to visualize the course and execute precise cornering in any condition. This includes mastering specialized methods like the gutter technique (mizo otoshi), positioning the AE86's tires in roadside gutters to counteract centrifugal force during high-speed turns. Despite his proficiency, Takumi shows no initial interest in cars or racing culture, remaining indifferent to technical specs and dismissing his own talent. Reluctantly drawn into street racing after defeating Keisuke Takahashi's Mazda RX-7 in an impromptu encounter, Takumi earns the moniker "White Ghost of Akina." Victories against skilled opponents—including downhill races against Takeshi Nakazato's Nissan Skyline GT-R and a perilous "duct tape deathmatch" against Shingo Shoji's Honda Civic EG6—ignite his competitive drive. During the Nakazato race, Bunta covertly modifies the AE86's suspension for enhanced stability, enabling Takumi to overcome grip racing techniques. Takumi's relationship with his father is defined by tacit understanding; Bunta strategically tunes the AE86 to challenge his son's abilities, later gifting him full ownership while acquiring a Subaru Impreza WRX STI. Takumi trains with both vehicles, expanding his expertise in rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive dynamics. His personal life involves a tumultuous romance with classmate Natsuki Mogi, complicated by her secret involvement with a wealthy older man, leading to their separation after graduation. He later marries Mika Ueno, a professional downhill cyclist, bonding over shared athletic dedication. After graduation, Takumi joins Ryosuke Takahashi's elite racing team Project D as its downhill specialist. Competing across Japan, he develops advanced techniques like the "Blind Attack" (switching off headlights to vanish before overtaking) and enters the "Fujiwara Zone," a state of heightened focus linking him intrinsically with the AE86. His final Project D race concludes with the AE86's engine failure, yet he salvages victory by coasting backward after pressing the clutch. Post-series, he transitions to professional circuit racing in Europe and mentors protagonist Kanata Rivington in the sequel series *MF Ghost*.