Hiroya Minowa Takes Orlando by Storm in Formula Drift Round 2!
Hiroya Minowa https://www.formulad.com/drivers/hiroya-minowa
If you weren't among the thousands of motorsport enthusiasts who turned out for Round 2 at Orlando Speed World, brace yourself—you missed a legendary battle on the asphalt. Hiroya Minowa secured his first-ever Formula Drift PRO Championship victory, becoming the youngest winner in the series’ 22-year history.
Weekend Recap: Minowa’s Road to Victory
Top 32: Minowa vs Dmitriy Brutskiy
Minowa faced the experienced PROSPEC champion Dmitriy Brutskiy, quickly showing that experience wouldn’t overshadow youthful talent. Minowa executed his runs with exceptional precision, advancing convincingly.
Top 16: Minowa vs Conor Shanahan
The intense battle saw Minowa stay composed against aggressive pressure from Shanahan. Minowa's tight proximity and precise mimicry secured his advancement.
Top 8: Minowa vs Fredric Aasbø
Minowa met his toughest challenge yet in three-time Formula Drift Champion Fredric Aasbø. Despite Aasbø’s formidable skill, Minowa matched every drift and clinched a critical victory in a tight decision.
Top 4: Minowa vs Aurimas Bakchis
Facing another seasoned competitor, Minowa capitalized on Bakchis’ minor error to move into his first-ever final battle.
Final Battle: Minowa vs Jhonnattan Castro
In the final showdown, Minowa executed a flawless lead run, while Castro faltered at a crucial clipping point. Minowa secured a decisive victory, capturing his first-ever Formula Drift round win.
Key Highlights
Winner: Hiroya Minowa (Toyota GT86, Enjuku Racing / BC Racing)
Runner-up: Jhonnattan Castro (Metaldom GR86), his first podium finish since 2012.
Third Place: Aurimas Bakchis, continuing his strong season.
This victory was historic not only for Minowa's young age—just fifteen—but also because it was achieved in only his 11th PRO competition. He now holds the record as the youngest winner in the history of Formula Drift.
Championship Implications
Minowa’s victory dramatically altered the championship standings. His performance earned crucial points, launching him from eighth place into third overall behind seasoned pros Fredric Aasbø and James Deane.
An Unforgettable Crowd in Orlando
Having attended almost every Formula Drift event at Orlando Speed World, I’ve personally witnessed many memorable moments—but this weekend was unlike any other. From start to finish, the crowd energy was unprecedented, reaching a peak at the final battle. The moment Minowa’s victory was announced, fans erupted with a roar louder than ever before. I remember a time where all you could hear were engines revving and a few claps from the small amount of spectators in the stands. When Minowa won, Orlando Speed World erupted into a roar like I’ve never heard before. Formula Drift’s legacy has come a long way in it’s 22 years, and Hiro is just getting started on his.
What’s Next for Minowa?
Following his monumental win in Orlando, Minowa looks ahead to Round 4 at Englishtown Raceway (June 19-21). With the momentum firmly on his side, he’ll be a driver to watch closely as the season progresses.
Final Word from RUNNIT
Minowa’s historic victory wasn’t just a win—it was a powerful statement in drifting. For the motorsport community and for RUNNIT, it’s about pushing limits, making history, and celebrating passion in its purest form.
Dream it. Build it. RUNNIT.