SHERIDAN, WYOMING – August 7, 2025 – In the adrenaline-soaked world of drifting, there’s no room for compromise — and the Red Bull Driftbrothers are proving just that with their latest move. The iconic duo has chosen ZC Rubber’s Westlake Sport RS tires to support their twin 1,000-horsepower BMW M4 drift machines. If that sounds like a bold statement, it is — and it was put to the ultimate test at the legendary Nürburgring 24h race.
When tire trust means everything
Drifting isn’t just about smoke and style — it’s about split-second control, precision under pressure, and absolute confidence in your gear. That’s why the Red Bull Driftbrothers’ decision to officially partner with ZC Rubber is more than just a branding move; it’s a message to fans and fellow pros alike that performance starts from the ground up.
The announcement was celebrated in style at the 2025 ADAC Ravenol 24h Nürburgring, where the team delivered an electrifying show drift that pushed both man and machine to the limit. With soaring track temperatures testing every inch of rubber, the Westlake Sport RS tires didn’t just survive — they shined.
A partnership built for extremes
Behind the tire smoke and media buzz lies a serious technical alliance. This isn’t a sticker deal — it’s a collaborative development partnership that benefits both sides. ZC Rubber, one of the world’s top tire manufacturers, gains real-world performance data from elite drift drivers. The Driftbrothers, in turn, get a custom-engineered tire that meets their specific, brutal demands.
Henry Shen, deputy general manager of ZC Rubber, made it clear: “We’re proud to be the tire partner of Red Bull Driftbrothers. Their trust in Westlake, especially the performance of our Sport RS on the demanding drift circuit, is a powerful endorsement. This partnership is built on a shared drive to push boundaries, and we’re excited to support their passion with our technology on the global stage.”
And from the drivers’ seat, the verdict is just as strong. Elias Hountondji, driver and engineer of the team, explained:
“We are very excited about the partnership with Westlake Performance Tyres and ZC Rubber. Tires are crucial for our sport. They have to withstand extreme abuse while providing a consistently high level of grip right to the end. The Westlake Sport RS is the perfect choice for this. It is extremely stable across the entire temperature range and the entire tread depth. Even with a very low tread pattern, you still have complete confidence as a driver.”
Why this matters for everyday drivers
Sure, you may not be doing tandem drifts at Nürburgring — but the tech being tested by pros like the Driftbrothers often finds its way into the tires you can buy tomorrow. By pushing Westlake tires to the edge, this partnership helps improve durability, safety, and performance in real-world conditions.
Editorial Extra: What makes a drift tire different?
Most of us look for tires that last longer, handle rain, or improve fuel economy. Drift tires, though? They're designed for:
- Extreme lateral grip at high slip angles
- Thermal stability under rapid heat cycles
- Predictable wear even when burned down to the cords
- Balanced feedback to give drivers precise control mid-drift
In short: if a tire survives a Driftbrothers session, it can probably handle your road trip just fine.