Toni Breidinger has achieved a historic milestone in 2024, becoming the first NASCAR driver to appear in the renowned Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, with her behind-the-scenes photos featuring an olive green bikini taken on the beaches of Boca Raton, Florida. The California native, who races for TRICON Garage, has made significant strides both on and off the track this year, embracing a unique moment not only for herself but for the broader world of motorsports. Photographed by Ben Horton and styled in Palmiza swimwear, Toni Breidinger’s SI Swimsuit appearance has drawn widespread attention, blending her racing career with a bold statement in modeling.
This landmark feature represents more than just a personal achievement. Toni Breidinger’s story transcends racing; as the first Arab-American woman to compete in the NASCAR national series and the winningest female driver in United States Auto Club history—with 19 career victories—her journey sets a new standard for diversity and female representation. Her social media following grew rapidly after Sports Illustrated Swimsuit shared exclusive behind-the-scenes content, further spotlighting her as a role model for aspiring young athletes and models.
Before captivating the modeling industry, Toni Breidinger established herself in motorsports, piloting the No. 5 truck in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. With four top-five and 27 top-ten finishes in the ARCA Menards Series, she holds the record for the most top-tens by a woman in that division. Since debuting in the Truck Series in 2023, Breidinger steadily progressed to a full-time seat for the 2025 season, demonstrating perseverance in a competitive field.
Expanding her horizons beyond racing and modeling, Toni Breidinger recently entered a partnership with Kendall Jenner’s 818 Tequila, becoming the primary sponsor on her truck during the NASCAR event at Nashville Superspeedway. Breidinger described the collaboration as “organic,” emphasizing the shared values of community and female leadership between herself and the brand. She noted,
“Both motorsports and the tequila industry have traditionally been dominated by men, so it feels empowering to work with another woman who’s championing change.”
The impact of Toni Breidinger’s achievements is already being felt across multiple industries. By bridging the gap between high-octane sports and fashion, she encourages a wider conversation about female empowerment and visibility in male-dominated arenas. As Breidinger continues to make history on the racetrack and beyond, her story inspires a new generation to break barriers and pursue their ambitions, regardless of the road ahead.
