Fredric Aasbo, Ryan Tuerck and Simen Olsen among big names joining Kenda in 2025

Kenda Tire is set for an epic 2025 season after finishing third in the 2024 Formula DRIFT Tire Cup after only joining the series the previous year. Its first priority was to sign a three-year contract extension with Formula DRIFT, signaling its long-term commitment to the teams, drivers and fans.

Step two for Kenda Motorsports was to announce its expanded 2025 driver roster, which sees several new names join their ranks, including headline acts such as three-time Formula DRIFT PRO Champion Fredric Aasbo (Norway), Papadakis Racing teammate Ryan Tuerck, as well as title challenger Simen Olsen (Norway), Daniel Stuke (USA), and recent PROSPEC graduate Austin Matta (USA).

The newbies will join returning Kenda Motorsports star drivers Ken Gushi (Japan), Jhonnattan Castro (Dominican Replublic), Nick Noback (USA), Jonathan Hurst (USA), and Derek Madison (USA). Undoubtedly, the new line up will create a big impression on the 2025 Formula DRIFT PRO Championship, hopefully helping Kenda to advance even higher in the Tire Cup standings.


All drivers will compete on the new Kenda VEZDA UHP MAX+ tires, with most using the 305/35 ZR18 size. The new MAX+ tire replaces the VEZDA UHP MAX, which teams were using in 2023/24 when Kenda joined the series to utilize the hardcore testing grounds for its street-legal tires.

Kenda Tire will showcase the new MAX+ technologies by positioning it as “Premium Performance at a Value Price.” And for reference, Kenda only competes with its VEZDA UHP products in series that specify DOT-approved tires. This means the benefits of its extreme competition development can be exploited both on public roads and in world-class competitive environments such as Formula DRIFT. Strong performance in open competition has allowed Kenda to demonstrate its “Podium2Pavement” commitment to its growing audience across the drift community.

“At Kenda, we fully embrace our partnership with Kenda Motorsports’ teams for the 2025 Formula DRIFT season,” said Brandon Stotsenburg, Vice President of the Automotive Division. “We believe that competing on Kenda tires gives these drivers an incredible opportunity to build on their legacy, while allowing us to continue developing the next generation of VEZDA products for both enthusiasts and grassroots competitors. More than just a “track” tire, we want drivers to know that our products can take you from cruising the streets to racing – and winning – on the track. Our Podium2Pavement philosophy is at the heart of our racing strategy. By participating exclusively in open competition for PCR and LTR with DOT tires, we not only demonstrate our performance and value compared to competitors, but also showcase the cutting-edge technology used across our products in the toughest environments.”

In response to the extended relationship, Ryan Sage, President of Formula DRIFT said, “We’re delighted Kenda Tires is leaning into its commitment to the sport of drifting and we can’t wait to see what its impressive driver roster is able to do on the new MAX+ tires. The combination of a tire company that has fully embraced drift, along with a tire developed to succeed on the road and track, and an extremely competent driver line-up should result in podiums and genuine title challenges this year.”