In a sport long dominated by men, Toni Breidinger is breaking barriers and rewriting the narrative. The rising star, recently signed to race in the 2025 NASCAR Truck Series with TRICON Garage, is proving that a successful balance between her passion for racing and her burgeoning modeling career can open new doors in the motorsport world.
A Unique Path to NASCAR Stardom
Breidinger’s journey to becoming NASCAR’s next female sensation isn’t just about her on-track talent—though her stellar performances in the ARCA Menards Series, including a P4 finish in the 2024 championship standings, certainly turned heads. Instead, it’s her ability to leverage her modeling career to secure high-profile sponsorships and garner mainstream attention that sets her apart.
In a recent interview with Forbes, Breidinger shared how she’s defied skeptics who insisted she choose between the racetrack and the runway. Instead, she’s found a way to make the two worlds complement each other, boosting her profile and career prospects in both arenas.
Breidinger on balancing careers:
“It’s kind of funny, cause everyone’s like, ‘Oh, you have to do one thing. You have to be a race car driver or a model, you can’t do both.’ They kind of work perfectly for me because I do leverage my modeling to help me get behind the wheel. They kind of really go hand in hand for me. And I feel like I’m able to balance them really well.”
Sponsors That Believe in Her Vision
What makes Breidinger’s story even more inspiring is the support she’s garnered from sponsors outside the traditional motorsport ecosystem. Her modeling career has given her the opportunity to work with brands that value her authenticity and commitment to breaking barriers, even if they’re not deeply entrenched in the racing world.
Breidinger on her sponsors:
“Some of my partners say, ‘Hey, I’m in the Truck Series,’ and they’re like, ‘OK, cool, we really don’t know what that is, but we’re going to support you no matter what.’ … It’s exciting that they not only believe in me but also female athletes. It’s very empowering to work with brands that kind of have the same morals as me.”
This outside-the-box approach has helped Breidinger secure valuable partnerships, ensuring that she has the resources to compete at the highest levels of NASCAR.
Paving the Way for Future Female Drivers
Breidinger’s success isn’t just a personal triumph—it’s a beacon of hope for aspiring female drivers. By combining her visibility as a model with her prowess behind the wheel, she’s opening up new avenues for women in motorsport, proving that talent, hard work, and smart branding can overcome traditional barriers.
With a seat at TRICON Garage and a growing fan base, Breidinger is poised to make a lasting impact in NASCAR. As sponsorship continues to play a vital role in sustaining racing careers, her ability to attract non-traditional partners could become a blueprint for future drivers.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As she prepares for her NASCAR Truck Series debut, Breidinger is ready to prove that she’s more than just a marketable face—she’s a competitor. Her journey from ARCA to Trucks is one to watch, and her unique blend of talent, determination, and marketability could make her a household name in motorsport.
The pressure is on, but if anyone can thrive under the spotlight, it’s Toni Breidinger.