While he will be a rookie in Formula Drift, Castro has been getting cars sideways for several seasons and has been instrumental in the development of the sport in his native Dominican Republic. Castro is a three-time Brokers Dominican Drift Series Champion (2009-2011), and recently took part in training under the tutelage of Nobushige Kumakubo at Ebisu Circuit in Japan, earning his license in D1GP. Castro is the first Latin American driver to earn a license in both Formula Drift and in D1GP.
Castro will join City Tire, driving the Nissan 350Z previously used in Formula Drift by Carl Rydquist, and will compete on Hankook Tires.
“I’m really excited to be able to compete in the Formula Drift Pro Championship this year,” said Castro. “It has been a long road to get to this point, and I consider myself very fortunate to be in this position and have the opportunity to drive in the best drifting series in the world. The drifting community in the Dominican Republic is really into what is going on in Formula Drift, and I’m excited to represent my country in the series.”
Castro’s season will begin with Formula Drift Long Beach, on April 7-8, held on the Streets of Long Beach, California. Castro knows the adjustment to the faster, longer courses in Formula Drift will take some time, but he is eager to make the jump.
“I know I have a big learning curve in front of me, so my goal is to learn as much as I can, not make mistakes, and do the best I can,” said Castro. “I have driven a lot of Nissan 350Z’s so I’m looking forward to driving City Tire’s 350Z this year. It looks like a great car with a lot of power, and I can’t wait to get behind the wheel and do some testing before Long Beach.”
About Jhonnattan Castro
The first Latin American driver to compete full time in the Formula Drift Pro Championship, Castro competes with support from Banco del Progreso, Metaldom and City Tire Online. To learn more about Jhonnattan Castro, visit jcastroracing.com, and follow him on twitter (@jcastroracing).