NASCAR‘s Toni Breidinger Goes Sideways with Formula Drift Legend Ken Gushi
Formula Drift’s 2025 season is set to ignite in Long Beach, and to celebrate, NASCAR truck Series driver Toni Breidinger experienced the exhilarating world of drifting firsthand, teaming up with veteran drifter Ken Gushi for a ride in a Toyota GR86. Breidinger, accustomed to the precision of stock car racing, found herself in a fully different realm, quickly going from skeptical to hooked after the experience.
From Oval to Drift: Breidinger’s Adrenaline-Fueled Ride
Breidinger admitted that the experience was unlike anything she’d encountered before. While NASCAR prioritizes maintaining grip, drifting is all about controlled chaos. Ken Gushi, a respected figure in Formula Drift and the first Japanese-born event winner, served as the ideal guide.
With over two decades of experience and a history of pushing Toyota’s performance cars to their limits, Gushi provided Breidinger with an unforgettable introduction to drifting. “I trusted Ken. He’s good, he’s experienced, and it was really fun… I’ll do it again,” Breidinger exclaimed, buzzing with excitement after the ride.
Toyota’s motorsport Crossover: Bridging NASCAR and Formula drift
The collaboration highlights Toyota’s effort to bridge the gap between different motorsport disciplines. Toyota GAZOO Racing, with a strong presence in both NASCAR and Formula Drift, orchestrated the crossover, generating buzz among fans. Breidinger’s growing presence in motorsports,combined with her Long Beach experience,hints at potential future collaborations.
Breidinger’s Rising Star Power: On and Off the Track
Beyond her racing career, toni Breidinger boasts a significant social media presence and numerous brand partnerships, including deals with Victoria’s Secret, Celsius, and Sunoco. Her appearances in Sports Illustrated’s 2025 Swimsuit feature and Victoria’s Secret’s 2023 Tour further amplify her visibility. Toyota recognizes this marketing potential, collaborating with her as an influencer, leveraging her unique perspective as a driver.
Toni Breidinger Embraces formula Drift Challenge Amidst NASCAR Ascent
NASCAR driver Toni breidinger is expanding her horizons,recently embracing the challenge of Formula Drift alongside her burgeoning stock car career. This move highlights her versatility and determination as she prepares for her full-time NASCAR Truck Series debut in 2025.
From Go-Karts to NASCAR: Breidinger’s Journey
Breidinger’s racing journey began at the age of 9,sparked by a billboard advertisement that led her and her twin sister to go-karting at Sonoma Raceway. Initially drawn to open-wheel racing, she transitioned to stock cars after discovering late model races at Madera Speedway in 2017. This pivotal decision set her on a path toward NASCAR and ARCA competitions.
ARCA Success and NASCAR Debut
Breidinger made her ARCA Menards Series debut in 2018, consistently improving and earning 25 top-10 finishes over 65 starts. In 2022, she achieved a career-best sixth place in the standings, followed by a strong 2024 season with 11 top-10 finishes and fourth overall in the championship.
In 2023, Breidinger debuted in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, finishing 15th at kansas Speedway, marking the best debut by a female driver in series history. After part-time appearances, she is set to compete full-time for TRICON Garage in 2025.
Toyota’s Backing and Social Media Presence
Toyota Motor North America recognizes Breidinger’s potential, supporting her through its marketing department. According to Hal,group manager in motorsports of Toyota Motor North America,Breidinger’s significant social media following was a key factor in attracting Toyota’s attention.
A Racer Without Limits
Breidinger’s willingness to explore different racing disciplines, from stock cars to open-wheel and now drifting, showcases her adaptability and competitive spirit.As she continues to break barriers in motorsports, she inspires future racers and shapes the sport’s future with her achievements both on and off the track. Whether she becomes the next grate multi-discipline racer remains to be seen, but her dedication and drive suggest a promising future.
how did Toni Breidinger prepare for the unique challenge of drifting with Ken Gushi, given her NASCAR background?
NASCAR’s Toni Breidinger Goes Sideways with Formula Drift Legend Ken Gushi - Q&A
Get the inside scoop on Toni Breidinger’s thrilling drift experience and rising star power!
Q&A
What exactly happened with Toni breidinger and Ken Gushi?
Toni Breidinger, a NASCAR Truck Series driver, teamed up with Formula Drift legend Ken Gushi for a ride in a toyota GR86. this was part of a promotional event to celebrate the Formula Drift 2025 season kick-off in Long beach.
What’s the difference between NASCAR and drifting?
NASCAR focuses on maintaining grip and precise control for speed and efficiency. Drifting, however, prioritizes controlled chaos, where drivers intentionally slide their cars sideways for style and performance.
Who is Ken Gushi?
Ken Gushi is a highly respected veteran drifter in Formula Drift,known for his experience and skill,and the first Japanese-born driver to win a Formula Drift event.
How is Toyota involved in this crossover?
Toyota GAZOO Racing orchestrated the event to highlight the connection between different motorsport disciplines. Both breidinger and Gushi have strong ties with Toyota, and the crossover helps generate buzz for the brand.
What is Toni Breidinger’s background?
Breidinger began racing at age 9 in go-karts. She transitioned to stock cars and made her ARCA Menards Series debut in 2018, followed by a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut in 2023. She is set to compete full-time in the Truck Series in 2025.
What is Toni Breidinger’s social media presence like?
Breidinger has a notable social media following and several brand partnerships, including deals with Victoria’s Secret, Celsius, and Sunoco. Her appearances in Sports Illustrated and victoria’s Secret further amplify her visibility.
Why is Toyota backing Breidinger?
Toyota recognizes her potential both on and off the track. Her strong social media presence is a key factor in attracting Toyota’s attention,making her an ideal influencer for the brand.
What does the future hold for Breidinger?
Breidinger is expanding her horizons, embracing the challenge of Formula Drift alongside her NASCAR Truck Series career. Her adaptability and competitive spirit suggest a promising future, potentially as a multi-discipline racer.
Want to stay updated on Toni Breidinger’s journey? Follow her on social media and watch for her full-time debut in the NASCAR Truck Series in 2025!
