John Hunter Nemechek’s drifting experience became reality after a simple comment on Instagram led to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at Ten Tenths Motor Club in Concord, North Carolina. The NASCAR driver, known for his on-track intensity, got the chance to fulfill a personal dream with the help of renowned drifter Ryan Tuerck and Mobil 1.
How an Instagram Interaction Sparked a Drift Adventure
John Hunter Nemechek, who competes for Legacy Motor Club, saw his casual social media curiosity turn into a significant motorsports experience. During the offseason, Nemechek posted a question on Instagram under a photo of Ryan Tuerck’s now-famous drift truck. Little did he know, that comment would open a door months later, allowing him to drive a custom vehicle he deeply admired.
Tuerck is a major force in the world of professional drifting, famously known for his performances in Formula Drift and his presence on YouTube, where he showcases custom car builds for a global audience. The Toyota Stout drift truck, one of Tuerck’s most talked-about creations, has been featured at events like the Goodwood Festival of Speed and is celebrated by car enthusiasts around the world.
Nemechek, who openly admired both Tuerck’s style and the unique drift truck, reached out on May 28, 2025, with a direct ask on social media. His connection to Toyota and Mobil 1 further aligned him with Tuerck’s circle.
“Ryan and Mobil 1 posted a drift truck that he had built on Instagram, and I’d always liked Ryan’s work — the cars and trucks that he would build — he’s a partner with Toyota and Mobil 1 as well,”
– John Hunter Nemechek, driver.
“And I commented on it and said, ‘When can I drive this?’ And didn’t really think anything of it. He’s kind of like messing around having fun with it. Definitely did want to drive it.”
– John Hunter Nemechek, driver.
The Unexpected Invitation to Ten Tenths Motor Club
For most drivers, such an interaction might not yield results, but Nemechek’s story took a surprising turn eight months later. His racing schedule remained as hectic as ever with the Cup Series and Legacy MC. However, a notification about a Mobil 1 Preseason Production Day appeared on his agenda—an ordinary-sounding event that would lead to extraordinary moments.
“Thought it was just gonna be another production day,”
– John Hunter Nemechek, driver.
Upon arriving at Ten Tenths Motor Club—a track owned by Rick Hendrick and managed with Speedway Motorsports—Nemechek discovered Ryan Tuerck, Mobil 1, and the legendary drift truck waiting under a cover. What started as an expected promotional shoot quickly transformed into an unplanned, adrenaline-filled experience.
“He asked if I had remembered that comment, and I said yes. And I thought I was just going to get to ride along with him in it and drift some, but actually being able to drive it was probably one of the most neat experiences I’ve been a part of. And it’s kind of cool comment to reality.”
– John Hunter Nemechek, driver.
Nemechek’s wish was not only granted, but he became the first non-Tuerck driver to commandeer one of these custom builds. Before sitting in the driver’s seat, though, Nemechek rode alongside Tuerck to experience the vehicle’s limits from the passenger side—a necessary step since this was no ordinary machine.
A Drifting Masterclass with Ryan Tuerck
Nemechek’s motorsport background gave him some preparation, having drifted production cars in the past. However, the Toyota Stout, powered by a robust 650-horsepower setup, posed challenges well beyond his prior experience. His initial ride with Tuerck was a whirlwind through the track’s hairpins, smoke clouds, and rapid tire wear.
“I was kind of watching his feet and what he was doing the entire time, just because I didn’t want to make a fool of myself, let’s say,”
– John Hunter Nemechek, driver.
“But the first moment when he turned it sideways for the first time in the hairpin at Ten Tenths, yeah, it was pretty amazing. Like I wasn’t expecting it. He didn’t say anything, that he was going to do it, it just happened. And it was like, ‘Man, this is freaking awesome.'”
– John Hunter Nemechek, driver.
Nemechek watched Tuerck’s every move closely, determined not to seem out of place. The demonstration highlighted just how demanding proper drifting can be, especially at speeds and angles unfamiliar to even pro racers. After burning through multiple tire sets—and with adrenaline surging—Nemechek was finally handed the keys.
Taking the Wheel: Nemechek’s Immersion in Drifting
Now fully in control, Nemechek wasted no time on the skid pad, carving his own path and trading tires for clouds of smoke. Strikingly, the transition from NASCAR-style driving, where controlling a sliding car means disaster-avoidance, to drifting, where perpetual sideways motion is the goal, marked a total shift in mentality.
“The first time hitting the throttle, getting in the RPM band, turning it sideways, I was smiling ear to ear,”
– John Hunter Nemechek, driver.
“And then there was some points where it was frustrating, where I couldn’t figure out what I was doing wrong.”
– John Hunter Nemechek, driver.
Nemechek admitted to swinging between excitement and the challenge of learning from mistakes. Unlike Cup Series cars, where correcting slides is crucial to avoid a wreck, the drift truck demanded comfort with instability and a hands-off approach, allowing the car’s orientation to be sustained by skillful use of the throttle.
“It gave me a different perspective,”
– John Hunter Nemechek, driver.
“Like, (Tuerck) makes it look so easy, and then when I get in there and try and transition, it’s like ‘S—-, this is actually really hard.'”
– John Hunter Nemechek, driver.
Looking Ahead: The Possibility of More Drifting
Nemechek’s first direct encounter with professional drifting left a powerful impression, igniting the possibility of future forays into the sport. While some NASCAR drivers, like Alex Bowman, have built their own drift cars, Nemechek remains open to exploring his new passion—whether through future events, education, or simply more thrilling rides with experts like Tuerck.
“But I definitely would love to go and drift again. It’s definitely addicting.”
– John Hunter Nemechek, driver.
For now, Nemechek’s interaction with Ryan Tuerck, facilitated by Mobil 1 and the supportive motorsports community, underscores how one social media comment can lead to a transformative personal experience. As he returns to his regular Cup Series schedule, the lessons learned and thrill of this unexpected adventure at Ten Tenths Motor Club will likely stay with Nemechek—and perhaps influence where his career and interests go from here.
