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Hiroya Minowa Becomes Youngest Winner In Formula DRIFT History At Round 3 In Orlando
Hiroya Minowa, a teenage prodigy, made history by becoming the youngest winner in the Formula DRIFT PRO Championship. During Round 3 at Orlando Speed World in Florida, the event lived up to its name with intense heat and fierce competition. The track's figure-8 layout demanded precision from drivers, leading to mistakes and record-breaking performances.
The Seeding Bracket format in the Formula DRIFT PRO Championship determines the remaining 12 spots for competition. In Orlando, 13 drivers vied for these positions, with only one facing disappointment. Connor O'Sullivan was eliminated, while Jack Shanahan secured a spot after winning the Type S Seeding Bracket.
Shanahan's path to the Final wasn't without challenges. He faced a collision with Dan Burkett and a difficult decision by judges after an incident involving the RAD Industries Mk4 Toyota Supra. Despite this, Shanahan advanced due to his precise lead run. In the Final, he outperformed Federico Sceriffo's impressive lead in a Ferrari 599 GTB.
Daigo Saito claimed third place but withdrew his damaged Toyota GR86 for repairs before Saturday's heats. His higher ranking over Tommy Lemaire secured him a podium finish. The new points system awarded Shanahan 12 points, Sceriffo nine, and both Saito and Lemaire six each.
Hiroya Minowa has been a sensation since joining Formula DRIFT PRO Championship at age 14. His talent was evident with two podiums in his rookie season. Born to drifting parents and seasoned through sim racing, Minowa quickly rose through the ranks.
In Round 3, Minowa faced Dmitriy Brutskiy in the Top 32 heats and won narrowly. He then competed against Connor Shanahan in the Top 16, where both drivers displayed aggressive tactics. Minowa's precision earned him another win despite Shanahan's efforts.
Unexpected Victories
The Top 8 saw Minowa face Fredric Aasbo, a three-time FD PRO Champion. Aasbo executed an impeccable lead run but couldn't shake off Minowa's relentless pursuit. On their second run, Aasbo struggled to maintain proximity, leading to Minowa's victory.
Minowa then faced Aurimas Bakchis in the Top 4. Bakchis initially showed speed and precision but faltered when their cars touched. This mistake allowed Minowa to advance to the Final against Jhonnattan Castro.
Final Showdown
Castro had an impressive journey to the Final after defeating several strong competitors like Ryan Litteral and Ken Gushi. However, he couldn't match Minowa's dominance in Orlando. Castro made a small error during his lead run that cost him dearly.
Minowa capitalised on this mistake and secured victory with an impeccable performance. This win marked him as the youngest winner in Formula DRIFT history at just 15 years old.
Points Standings
{TABLE_1}The new points system awarded drivers ten points per competition heat win and three points for qualifying wins. Minowa's total of 50 points propelled him from eighth to third overall behind Deane and Aasbo.
{TABLE_2}Tire And Auto Cup Standings
{TABLE_3}{TABLE_4}The next round of the FD PRO Championship will take place in Englishtown, NJ from June 19-21 alongside Round 2 of the Link ECU PROSPEC Championship.
"We saw a great conclusion to a sold-out weekend here in Orlando Speed World where we witnessed some new faces on the podium," said Ryan Sage, President of Formula DRIFT.
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