FDORLANDO:SCORCHED

The Formula DRIFT PRO Championship Round 3, known as “SCORCHED,” takes place on May 30-31, 2025, at Orlando Speed World in Orlando, Florida. This high-adrenaline event features top professional drifters, including rising stars like 15-year-old Hiroya Minowa, who made history as the youngest-ever winner in 2025, alongside veterans like Jhonnattan Castro and Aurimas Bakchis. Held at 19164 East Colonial Drive, the two-day spectacle includes solo qualifying runs on Friday and intense tandem battles on Saturday, where drivers showcase precision and style on a challenging figure-8 track

The top drivers competing in the Formula DRIFT PRO Championship Round 3, “SCORCHED,” on May 30-31, 2025, at Orlando Speed World in Orlando, Florida, include a mix of seasoned veterans, international stars, and rising talents. Based on recent performances and championship standings, key names to watch are:

• Hiroya Minowa (Japan): At just 15 years old, Minowa made history as the youngest-ever Formula DRIFT winner in Round 3 of 2025, driving the Enjuku Racing / BC Racing / Jerry Yang Toyota GT86. His 50-point haul in Orlando propelled him to third overall in the PRO standings, showcasing his aggressive style and precision.
• Jhonnattan Castro (Dominican Republic): A veteran since 2012, Castro achieved his first career podium in Orlando, finishing second in Round 3 with the Metaldom GR86. His consistent performance, including a fourth-place finish in Round 2, has him ranked fourth overall, carrying significant momentum.
• Aurimas “Odi” Bakchis (Lithuania): A consistent podium contender, Bakchis secured third place in both Rounds 2 and 3 of 2025, driving the Feal Suspension / GT Radial Nissan. Tied with Minowa in points for third overall, he’s a serious threat for the 2025 championship title.
• James Deane (Ireland): A four-time FD PRO Champion (2017-2019, 2024), Deane won Round 2 in Atlanta with the AutoZone Mustang. Despite an early exit in Orlando’s Top 16, he remains a top contender, tied for first in the championship standings.
• Fredric Aasbo (Norway): A three-time FD PRO Champion (2015, 2021, 2022), Aasbo won Round

Chris Forsberg (USA): A three-time FD PRO Champion (2009, 2014, 2016), Forsberg remains a formidable force with his Nos Energy Drink Nissan 370Z. His experience and technical precision make him a consistent threat, though specific 2025 Orlando results are not detailed in available data.
Daigo Saito (Japan): Returning to Formula DRIFT in 2025 with Jerry Yang Racing, Saito is a drifting legend and 2012 FD PRO Champion known for his 1,200-horsepower Lexus SC430. His aggressive style and international pedigree could shake up the Orlando competition.
Tommy Lemaire (Canada): The 2024 PROSPEC Champion, Lemaire steps up to the PRO Championship in 2025 as a rookie. His promotion, alongside his strong PROSPEC performances, marks him as a driver to watch for potential upsets in Orlando.
Conor Shanahan (Ireland): Known for his bold driving, Shanahan made a splash in 2024 and continues in 2025 with his aggressive style. His performance in Orlando will build on his growing reputation in the PRO series.
Jack Shanahan (Ireland): A rookie in 2025, Jack, a multiple Irish and British drift champion and two-time Drift Masters runner-up, joins his brother Conor in the PRO Championship. His debut in Orlando is highly anticipated for its potential to disrupt the field.
Adam LZ (USA): A popular YouTuber and drifter, LZ is focusing exclusively on Formula DRIFT in 2025 with his LZMFG BMW E36. After competing part-time in 2024 to focus on Drift Masters, his full commitment could lead to a breakout performance in Orlando.
Connor O’Sullivan (USA): Another 2024 PROSPEC standout promoted to PRO for 2025, O’Sullivan finished 22nd in Atlanta’s Round 2 but leads the Rookie of the Year race with nine points. His Orlando performance will be crucial for his rookie campaign.
Austin Matta (USA): A veteran promoted from PROSPEC for 2025, Matta brings experience and consistency to the PRO field. His debut season in the top tier will test his ability to compete with the sport’s elite in Orlando’s figure-8 track.