Hiroya Minowa, a 14-year-old Red Bull athlete from Tokyo, Japan, has joined the GT Radial Formula DRIFT team as the brand prepares to defend its 2023 Tire Cup Championship.
Minowa, the newest and youngest driver in the Formula Drift 2024 Pro Season, will debut with Team Jerry Yang Racing. He will pilot their newly built Toyota GR86 engine, which boasts a 1300 horsepower VR38dett.
“We are thrilled to welcome Hiroya Minowa to the GT Radial family,” said GT Radial Motorsports Manager Mike Meeiem. “Investing in the younger generation is pivotal for the future of motorsports, and we see tremendous potential in Hiroya as a driver. His talent and dedication align perfectly with our commitment to supporting emerging talents.”
Minowa shared his thoughts on joining GT Radial: “I am incredibly thrilled to join the GT Radial team. It’s a dream come true for me to have the opportunity to work with such a prestigious organization. I’m eager to push my limits and proudly represent GT Radial on the racetrack.”
A double podium finish by drivers Nick Noback and Aurimas “Odi” Bakchis at Irwindale Speedway in the season finale powered GT Radial to victory in the Tire Cup for the 2023 Formula DRIFT PRO season.
Teams on GT Radial Champiro SX2 RS tires, which are manufactured at the Giti Tire plant in Richburg, SC, scored the most points over the eight races in the 2023 season, enabling GT Radial to best four other tire brands to claim the Tire Cup. Noback and Bakchis on the Irwindale podium marked 13 podiums and three wins for GT Radial in the 2023 season’s eight races.
The 2023 Tire Cup victory marked a steady climb by GT Radial in the Formula DRIFT
competition. GT Radial clinched second position in the 2022 FD Tire Cup after
achieving six podium finishes. After finishing fifth in its first year, GT Radial rose to third in 2021 before securing second in the final round 2022.
GT Radial has renewed its partnership with Formula DRIFT for another three-year term to provide tyres to teams in the PRO Championship. Additionally, GT Radial will remain the Official Tire of the PROSPEC series for up-and-coming drivers for another two years.
Under the guidance of Jerry Yang Racing, Minowa will join Kazuya Taguchi in
showcasing the performance of GT Radial Champiro SX2 drift tyres, renowned for their exceptional performance and reliability. Champiro SX2 tyres are also sold for street use.
