Kenda Tire Extends Formula DRIFT Partnership & Reveals 2025 Driver Roster
Yesterday, Kenda Tire officially extended its partnership with Formula DRIFT for another three years, reaffirming its commitment to the sport. The tire brand, which finished third in the 2024 Formula DRIFT Tire Cup, has also unveiled an impressive 2025 driver lineup, featuring some of the biggest names in drifting.
With new tire technology and a roster stacked with champions and rising stars, Kenda is coming in hot for the 2025 Formula DRIFT season.
Want to catch all the action? Check out the RUNNIT 2025 Racing Schedules to follow the season.
📌 Table of Contents
🏁 Kenda Tire Extends Formula DRIFT Partnership
Kenda Tire has signed a three-year contract extension with Formula DRIFT, ensuring its continued role as a key tire supplier in the sport.
✔ Kenda finished 3rd in the 2024 Formula DRIFT Tire Cup
✔ Expanded commitment to both PRO and PROSPEC series
✔ New tire development to enhance performance
Formula DRIFT President Ryan Sage praised the continued partnership:
"We’re delighted that Kenda Tires is leaning into its commitment to the sport of drifting, and we can’t wait to see what their impressive driver roster can do on the new MAX+ tires."
🏎️ Kenda’s 2025 Formula DRIFT Driver Lineup
Kenda is rolling into 2025 with a powerhouse lineup, adding top-tier talent alongside their returning drivers.
New Additions for 2025:
✔ Fredric Aasbo (Norway) – 3x Formula DRIFT Champion
✔ Ryan Tuerck (USA) – Papadakis Racing teammate & veteran contender
✔ Simen Olsen (Norway) – Consistent title challenger
✔ Daniel Stuke (USA) – The contraversal star in Formula DRIFT
✔ Austin Matta (USA) – PROSPEC graduate making his PRO debut
Returning Kenda Drivers:
✔ Ken Gushi (Japan) – Drift veteran
✔ Jhonnattan Castro (Dominican Republic) – Fan favorite
✔ Nick Noback (USA) – Exciting young talent
✔ Jonathan Hurst (USA) – Experienced driver
✔ Derek Madison (USA) – Consistent performer
This stacked lineup puts Kenda in a strong position to contend for the 2025 Tire Cup.
🔥 New Kenda VEZDA UHP MAX+ Tires for 2025
Kenda’s newly developed VEZDA UHP MAX+ tire will be the official tire for all Kenda-backed drivers in 2025.
✔ Upgraded compound for better grip & durability
✔ Main tire size: 305/35 ZR18
✔ Engineered for both professional & grassroots drifting
Brandon Stotsenburg, Vice President of Kenda’s Automotive Division, highlighted the significance of the new tire:
"Competing on Kenda tires gives these drivers an incredible opportunity to build on their legacy, while allowing us to develop the next generation of VEZDA products."
🔊 Official Statements from Kenda & Formula DRIFT
Brandon Stotsenburg (Kenda Tire, VP of Automotive Division):
"We fully embrace our partnership with Kenda Motorsports’ teams for the 2025 Formula DRIFT season. The new VEZDA UHP MAX+ tire represents our ongoing commitment to high-performance drifting."
Ryan Sage (Formula DRIFT President):
"Kenda’s investment in the series is a huge benefit for the sport. We’re looking forward to seeing their drivers push the limits this season."
🏆 What This Means for the 2025 Season
With an elite driver roster, cutting-edge tire technology, and an extended commitment to Formula DRIFT, Kenda is set to be a major player in the 2025 season.
✔ Can Aasbo bring Kenda its first Tire Cup win?
✔ Will the VEZDA UHP MAX+ give Kenda drivers an edge over the competition?
✔ How will new additions like Tuerck and Olsen perform?
🔥 Conclusion: Kenda is All In for 2025
Kenda Tire’s three-year extension with Formula DRIFT, powerhouse driver lineup, and next-gen tire technology make them a serious contender for 2025.