As the TikTok ban shakes up the social media landscape, reactions across the NASCAR community have been mixed. While veterans like Kenny Wallace acknowledge NASCAR’s heavy reliance on TikTok for fan engagement, others, like Dale Earnhardt Jr., downplay its significance to the sport. But for racers like Toni Breidinger, who built much of her fanbase on the platform, the ban is more than just a headline—it’s a potential game-changer.
Breidinger, NASCAR’s most-followed personality with over 5 million social media fans—including a massive 2.3 million on TikTok—broke her silence with a cheeky Instagram story. Lip-syncing to Emma Roberts’ iconic line from American Horror Story, “Surprise, b****. I bet you thought you’d seen the last of me,” Breidinger sent a clear message: TikTok or not, she’s here to stay.
The TikTok ban: More than just a social media shift
The TikTok ban has stirred strong opinions in and out of the NASCAR world. While some drivers and fans shrug it off as inconsequential, others are concerned about the ripple effects. TikTok’s role in growing NASCAR’s global presence and connecting fans from far-flung regions cannot be ignored. For drivers like Breidinger, the platform has been a key tool in merging her dual identities as a professional racer and social media influencer.
But Breidinger isn’t all sass and stories. Her disappointment with the ban was subtly reflected in an earlier Instagram post, where she shared tennis star Coco Gauff’s viral “RIP TikTok USA” moment at the Australian Open. Even so, her confident AHS-inspired quip seemed to signal that her career, both on and off the track, remains unfazed.
From influencer to trailblazer
Breidinger’s rise in NASCAR is no ordinary story. Before becoming the first Arab-American driver to compete at the NASCAR Nationals level, she made waves as a model for IMG and Victoria’s Secret, and she’s set to appear in the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue—a first for any NASCAR driver.
In December 2024, Breidinger announced her full-time entry into the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, where she will drive the No. 5 Toyota Tundra for TRICON. Her journey from ARCA Menards Series standout to full-time NASCAR competitor has been nothing short of groundbreaking, cementing her place as a dual icon in motorsports and social media.
What’s next for Breidinger—and NASCAR?
While Breidinger’s social media savvy may help her weather the TikTok ban, the platform’s absence raises broader questions for NASCAR. How will the sport maintain its connection with younger, digital-first audiences? TikTok has been instrumental in diversifying NASCAR’s fanbase and making the sport more relatable to a new generation.
As for Breidinger, her latest posts suggest she’s more focused than ever on her racing career, leveraging her influencer roots to bring fresh energy and visibility to NASCAR. If her response to the TikTok ban is any indication, she’s ready to pivot, adapt, and thrive—both on the track and in the ever-changing world of social media.
