Ken Gushi is a racing driver for Team Toyota and a well-known figure in the world of Formula Drift. He has been driving for the series for as long as it has been in the United States, and he has always been behind the wheel of a Toyota.

Gushi expresses his excitement about being partnered with Toyota, stating that it is a dream come true for him. He grew up watching his father race the AE86 Corolla, and his family has always owned Toyota cars. Being able to represent Toyota as an athlete and share his story is something that still makes him feel good even after 15 years.

Gushi, who was born in Japan and now lives in Southern California, competes in Formula Drift with a Toyota GR Supra. He developed his love for drifting at a young age, learning to drive in his father’s Toyota AE86 when he was only 13 years old.

Despite coming from a family with limited financial resources, Gushi’s determination and talent led him to become the youngest competitor in the D1 Grand Prix and Formula Drift championships at the age of 16. He firmly believes that there is no dream too big to pursue.

Throughout his more than a decade-long partnership with Toyota, Gushi has become one of the most recognizable figures in drifting and has played a crucial role in the sport’s growth. He attributes his success to the support he has received from fans and the dedicated team members who have been with him throughout his journey.

The Drift Difference

Drifting is a unique form of racing in which drivers maneuver their cars through a marked course while deliberately sliding sideways at high speeds. Unlike other motorsports that focus on speed or time, drifting is judged based on the execution and style of the slides.

In a Formula Drift event, drivers compete in tandem battles in a single-elimination bracket format. The drivers are ranked and placed into a bracket based on their qualifications, determining the pairs for the competition. Each driver competes one-on-one against another, and they are judged on their ability to complete the course with a high angle while maintaining fluidity and forward momentum.

Although drifting originated in Japan, Formula Drift is the first official drifting series in North America, established in 2003. Gushi has been involved in drifting for over 17 seasons and has witnessed the growth of the sport in the United States from its early days. He started his professional career in 2004, competing in the inaugural Formula Drift Championship in the U.S.

For Gushi, drifting is not just a job but a hobby that he is fortunate enough to get paid for. He feels a sense of accomplishment and joy when participating in the sport.

A Series Leader

Gushi has achieved multiple top-three finishes in the Formula Pro Championship standings throughout his career. His first victory was in 2005, which he remembers as a significant accomplishment and a moment of great happiness.

In 2019, as the owner-driver for Ken Gushi Motorsports, he finished 11th in the final standings and secured his first victory since 2005 in the series finale at Irwindale Speedway. His most recent win was in Salt Lake City in 2022.

During the Irwindale event, Gushi began the race in second position with his Toyota 86 and advanced to the Final Four after competing against several other drivers. In the final series, he faced a tough battle but ultimately emerged as the winner at the “House of Drift” in front of his home crowd. The victory holds a special place in his heart and is a moment he will never forget.