Tanaka was active in automobile racing. After playing an active part in the Japanese junior formula, he fully participated in the
British Formula 3 Championship in 1990. Future F1 drivers such as
Mika Häkkinen,
Mika Salo and
Hideki Noda also participated in this race. He returned to Japan the following year to compete in Japan's top formula. When the
All Japan GT Championship was launched, Tanaka also participated in this race. He mainly participates in Toyota-affiliated teams and has also won the championship. He retired from racing in 2006 and is now the representative of an auto parts manufacturer. ==Japanese Formula 3000 Championship results==