The world of Indonesian drifting has found a rising young star. Firenze Akello, better known as Firo, has proven that age is not a barrier to chasing big dreams in motorsport. At a remarkably young age, he has already made history as one of Indonesia’s youngest professional drifters and has become a symbol of the country’s new generation of racing talent.

Born in Bandung on February 22, 2010, Firo grew up surrounded by motorsport. His passion for cars was heavily influenced by his father, Wahyu Kumoro Wreksoatmodjo, known as Mimo, a racer who has been involved in Indonesia’s drag racing and drifting scene since the early 2000s.

Born Into Racing Culture

Motorsport was part of Firo’s life from an early age. Before he was even one year old, he had already experienced the atmosphere of a racetrack while accompanying his father during drifting activities.

At first, Firo was more interested in off-road driving because he found the adventure and challenges exciting. However, after discovering karting, his competitive spirit began to grow. Around the age of five, he started racing karts and quickly showed his potential in national competitions.

Through karting, Firo developed essential racing skills, including vehicle control, racing discipline, and competition experience. Those foundations later helped him transition into the world of professional drifting.

From Simulator Racing to Real Drift Battles

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 became an important turning point in Firo’s career. When real-world racing events were temporarily halted, he began practicing drifting through simulators, using games such as Assetto Corsa to understand car control and drifting techniques.

From virtual racing, Firo learned the fundamentals of drifting — including steering control, maintaining drift angles, and understanding vehicle balance. However, he wanted to experience the real challenge of controlling a drift car on an actual track.

With support from his father, Firo began training at J99XAR Drift School, founded by Indonesian drifting star Akbar Rais. His skills improved rapidly, allowing him to enter professional drifting competitions at an unusually young age.

At just 11 years old, Firo competed in the Indonesian Drift Series (IDS) and immediately attracted attention by competing against much older and more experienced drivers.

Becoming a National Champion at 14

Firo’s journey was not just about being a young talent — he continued proving himself through results.

In 2021, he became known as one of the youngest competitors in Indonesian drifting. A year later, he earned the Top Qualifier of the Year award, showing that his performance was based on skill and consistency rather than simply his age.

In 2023, Firo stepped up to the Pro class and achieved a second-place finish in the overall Indonesian Drift Championship category.

His biggest achievement came in 2024 when, at only 14 years old, Firo became the National Drift Champion in the Pro Overall Class. Competing against Indonesia’s top drifters, he proved that his talent and determination were capable of matching drivers with far more experience.

The Nissan Silvia S15: Firo’s Drift Weapon

In drifting, the relationship between driver and machine is crucial. Today, Firo competes with a 2002 Nissan Silvia S15 Spec R, one of Japan’s most iconic drift platforms.

The Silvia S15 is famous for its excellent chassis balance, rear-wheel-drive layout, and strong tuning potential, making it a favorite among professional drifters around the world.

Before moving to the Silvia S15, Firo began his professional drifting journey with a modified Nissan Cefiro, a car that played an important role in his early development as a competitive drifter.

More Than Just a Young Racer

Despite his achievements, Firo continues to balance his racing career with his education. His father has always emphasized that school remains a priority, while motorsport is a passion that requires discipline and responsibility.

Firo also shares his automotive journey through social media, showcasing his drifting activities, simulator racing, and experiences in the motorsport world. His story has inspired many young Indonesians who dream of becoming professional racers.

The Future of Indonesian Motorsport

Firenze Akello’s story is not only about speed, tire smoke, and podium finishes. It is a story of dedication, passion, and the courage to chase a dream despite his young age.

From following his father to racetracks as a child, to becoming a national drifting champion, Firo has shown that talent combined with hard work can create extraordinary achievements.

With the title of “The Youngest Pro Indonesian Drifter,” Firenze Akello represents the future of Indonesian motorsport and could become one of the country’s biggest names on the international drifting stage.