At an age when most teens are still figuring out their hobbies, Bella Cañete is burning rubber on the track, focused on perfecting every drift with poise and precision. She’s not just any young driver; Bella is the Philippines’ youngest female drift driver and the youngest in Southeast Asia to make waves in the male-dominated world of drifting—and she’s just getting started.
Finding her spark early on
Long before she was old enough to hold a driving license, Bella already knew she belonged behind the wheel. “I’ve loved cars since I was super little, like four years old!” she recalled with unmistakable excitement. Her earliest memory of speed came during a go-kart ride in Tarlac with her dad. “He thought I’d be scared, but I was yelling ‘faster!’ the whole time,” she said. That thrill never left her.
Her racing journey officially began with go-karting. After initially missing the mark during her first timed run, Bella didn’t give up. “The coach said I wasn’t ready, but my mom encouraged me, and the next day I did it!” she shared. Her dedication paid off as she competed in the National Karting Series in 2020 and 2021.
But as she grew older, she also outgrew the junior karting category. Still too young for senior karts, Bella pivoted to something she discovered through YouTube and TikTok—drifting. With her dad’s approval and a newfound curiosity, she took her first spin at R33 Drift Track in 2023. “It was amazing!” she recalled. That marked the beginning of her drift journey, and the start of her rise as a trailblazer in the sport.
Racing for more than titles
For Bella, being named the youngest female drifter in the region is exciting—but that’s not the only reason she competes. “It’s honestly so cool and it is an honour!” she said. “But it’s not just about the title for me. I really want to inspire other kids, especially girls, to chase their dreams, even in things that might seem hard or impossible. If I can do it, they can too.”
Her motivations are deeply personal. On the track, she finds serenity and focus. “Everything just clicks, and it’s like nothing else matters except the car, the track, and me,” she said. Her idols in motorsports reflect the kind of attitude and discipline she’s striving for—whether it’s Daniel Ricciardo’s ever-positive demeanor or the flawless technique of James Dean and Piotr Wiecek.
A defining moment in her young career came during the IDS NewGen Category—a mixed-gender competition. Bella entered the race carrying the weight of a past traumatic experience. “I didn’t feel super confident going into it, especially after last year’s tough experience,” she said. But she came out victorious. “Winning that race felt so amazing! It really boosted my confidence and showed me that I can do it.”
Overcoming the roadblocks
While Bella’s determination is rock solid, her journey hasn’t been without hurdles. As a young female driver, she has to navigate challenges that go beyond the racetrack. “I have to deal with cramps and the worry about stains when I have my period,” she candidly shared. “I’ve learned how to push through it, but if it gets really bad, I make sure to have my meds with me.” On top of that, she manages asthma and allergic rhinitis, never forgetting to carry her medications.
Another challenge is funding. Despite her growing accolades, resources are still tight. “Sponsors are hard to find because I’m still young and building my name,” she explained. But Bella remains undeterred, backed by a strong support system. “My parents always tell me to keep going and stay focused on my goals.”
Her preparation is as disciplined as her drive. From daily study sessions to hours of simulator training, cardio workouts, and prayer, she embraces a well-rounded approach to racing. “I also take time to pray for safety and guidance before I get on the track,” she said.
Chasing big dreams, one drift at a time
Bella is not just chasing laps—she’s chasing legacy. Her goal is to make it to Formula Drift, both in Southeast Asia and North America. She also dreams of competing in the Intercontinental Drifting Cup. “I want to keep improving, get more sponsors, and compete in more countries,” she said. “I just want to get better and better and show the world what I can do.”
As part of the Akuma Drift Team, Bella is already inspiring a new generation of dreamers, proving that age and gender are no barriers when passion leads the way. Even with limited resources and little funding for media or advertising, her story is steadily gaining traction—not for the titles she’s earned, but for the courage she embodies.
