If you think NASCAR is wild, wait until you see Formula Drift. Unlike the door-to-door battles of oval racing, drifting is all about style, precision, and control. Drivers have to push a car sideways at insane speeds while keeping it barely in check. It’s an art form as much as it is a motorsport, and only the boldest dare to master it.
But what happens when a NASCAR driver used to tight corners and calculated moves gets tossed into the unpredictable world of drifting? That’s exactly what Toni Breidinger found out when she teamed up with drifting legend Ken Gushi for an adrenaline-fueled ride in a Toyota GR86. The experience? Let’s just say she went from skeptical to hooked in a matter of seconds.
Breidinger’s wild ride with Ken Gushi at Formula Drift
Formula Drift is back, kicking off the 2025 season in Long Beach, and what better way to celebrate than with an unexpected crossover? NASCAR Truck Series driver Toni Breidinger got a firsthand taste of the sideways lifestyle when she teamed up with drifting veteran Ken Gushi for an electrifying ride in a Toyota GR86.
Breidinger, who’s used to the high-speed precision of stock car racing, admitted this was completely out of her element. “I’ve never been to anything like this before. So, I’m super excited to check it out,” she said before strapping into Gushi’s race-prepped drift machine. The difference? While NASCAR is all about maintaining grip, drifting is the complete opposite—controlled chaos at its finest.
Gushi, one of Formula Drift’s most respected drivers and the first Japanese-born event winner, was the perfect guide. With over two decades of experience and a history of pushing Toyota’s performance cars to their limits, he made sure Toni Breidinger’s introduction to drifting was unforgettable. “I trusted Ken. He’s good, he’s experienced, and it was really fun… I’ll do it again,” she admitted after the ride, still buzzing with excitement. Could this mean more drift adventures for the rising NASCAR star? With her fearless attitude and Toyota’s backing, this might not be the last time we see Breidinger swapping stock cars for sideways action.
The ride wasn’t just about thrills; it also hinted at Toyota’s push to bridge the gap between different motorsport disciplines. Toyota GAZOO Racing, which has a strong presence in both NASCAR and Formula Drift, made sure this crossover got fans talking. With Breidinger’s growing presence in motorsports, her experience at Long Beach could signal more collaborations in the future.
Outside of her career on the track, Toni Breidinger boasts 2.5 million Instagram followers and numerous brand deals, such as Victoria’s Secret, Celsius, and Sunoco, among others. She is also a professional model and recently appeared in Sports Illustrated’s 2025 Swimsuit feature and Victoria’s Secret’s 2023 Tour, and Toyota sees this as marketing gold.
Her contract with Toyota was recently revealed to be not through the driver development program, but as an influencer from a driver’s standpoint. Paul Dosehal, group manager in motorsports of Toyota Motor North America, said as per Autoweek, “Breidinger is one of Toyota’s drivers contracted through the manufacturer’s marketing department instead of its driver development program. Her large social media following was one thing that attracted Toyota”
For now, Breidinger is focused on her NASCAR journey. Making her full-time debut in the Truck Series in 2025, this is the start of a long-awaited NASCAR career for the driver cum fashion model.
Toni Breidinger – A look at the racer without limits
Toni Breidinger’s motorsports journey began at nine years old when her father introduced her and her twin sister to go-karting. A random billboard advertisement led them to Sonoma Raceway, sparking Toni’s passion for racing. “I didn’t even think about being a race car driver,” she recalled, but the competitive nature of go-karts ignited her ambition to excel.
Initially drawn to open-wheel racing, Breidinger transitioned to stock cars after watching late model races at Madera Speedway in 2017. Her time in midget cars helped develop her skills, but stock car racing captured her heart. This decision marked a turning point in her career as she shifted focus to NASCAR and ARCA competitions.
Toni Breidinger made her ARCA Menards Series debut in 2018 with Venturini Motorsports, steadily building her reputation. Over 65 starts, she earned 25 top-10 finishes and achieved a career-best sixth place in the standings in 2022. Her 2024 season was particularly strong, with 11 top-10 finishes and fourth overall in the championship.
In addition to ARCA success, Breidinger debuted in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2023, finishing 15th at Kansas Speedway. This was the best debut by a female driver in series history! She competed part-time for two seasons before announcing her full-time Truck Series campaign for TRICON Garage in 2025. So far, her season is not off to the greatest start, with 21st at Las Vegas being her best result, but she has a long way to go, and clearly Toyota sees the potential in her.
Toni Breidinger’s career reflects versatility and determination as she breaks barriers in motorsports. From go-karts to NASCAR trucks, she continues to inspire future racers while shaping the sport’s future with her trailblazing achievements on and off the track. Now, with her recent Formula Drift experience, Breidinger proves she’s open to new challenges. Whether it’s stock cars, open-wheel, or drifting, she embraces every opportunity. Could she be the next great multi-discipline racer? Only time will tell.
The post Watch: “I’ll Do It Again”- Toni Breidinger Takes On New Passenger Princess Role Amidst Wild Toyota Ride appeared first on EssentiallySports.
