Toni Breidinger, a prominent NASCAR driver, has captured headlines with her official debut in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, sharing glamorous photos from her Florida shoot with thousands of followers on Instagram. Marking a milestone moment in her career and for the world of motorsports, the 25-year-old celebrated the release by posting highlights from the beachside shoot, announcing to fans that her feature is now available.
Breidinger, who made her initial announcement regarding the SI Swimsuit issue last year after a standout ARCA Menards Series season, now races full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series as a rookie. Despite her intense racing schedule, she continues to embrace modeling, weaving both passions together. For her swimsuit debut, she participated in a photography session at The Boca Raton, an esteemed resort in Florida, under the lens of photographer Ben Horton. These exclusive shots were featured alongside those of other celebrated models, such as American gymnast Olivia Dunne and Canadian model Lauren Chan.
Reflecting on the opportunity, Toni Breidinger described the feature as a lifelong dream realized. She wrote on X,
“Never thought this dream would become reality, feeling so honored and grateful for everyone who supported me on this unique journey.”
The resonance of her words echoed through the motorsports community, highlighting her unique position as both an athlete and a model breaking new ground.
Jamie Little, a respected NASCAR correspondent who has followed Breidinger’s career since her ARCA Menards Series days, congratulated the young driver on the historic achievement. Little remarked via Instagram that Toni Breidinger was the first NASCAR driver and SI model she covered on the track, underscoring the significance of this dual accomplishment. Breidinger’s previous successes in ARCA include an impressive 11 top-10 finishes in 20 races, ultimately securing a fourth-place overall finish last season.
Beyond the glamour of Sports Illustrated, Toni Breidinger is no stranger to major modeling opportunities, having worked with renowned brands like Victoria’s Secret. Notably, her Truck Series debut two years ago was in partnership with Victoria’s Secret as a title sponsor—further testament to her influence beyond racing. This season, she continues to secure high-profile sponsorships from brands such as Raising Cane’s, Celsius, Sunoco, and 818 Tequila, owned by Kendall Jenner, which is set to headline her #5 team at Nashville Speedway before serving as an associate sponsor for the balance of the year.
On the racing front, Breidinger’s momentum remains strong. She recently posted a career-best 18th-place at Rockingham Speedway and a solid 20th at Kansas Speedway, now turning her focus to North Wilkesboro Speedway where she aims for her first top-10 finish in the upcoming 250-lap Truck Series race, just ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star event.
This Sports Illustrated Swimsuit milestone is more than a personal triumph for Toni Breidinger; it marks a moment of cultural significance, opening doors for diversity and representation in both racing and modeling. As she continues to shatter expectations, fans and the wider sports community will be watching eagerly to see how her multifaceted journey unfolds, both on the track and in front of the camera.
