Toni Breidinger is making history in ways few could have imagined. As the first Arab American woman to compete in NASCAR’s National Series, she’s already rewriting the playbook. But now, Breidinger is taking on a new challenge that blends racing with something unexpected. From the racetrack to the world of high fashion, she’s carving a path that is unlike any other. With a groundbreaking partnership and a major magazine feature, Breidinger is changing the way we think about female athletes.
From the Track to the Runway: A Dual Career Emerges
Toni Breidinger’s rise in NASCAR has been paralleled by her ascent in the modeling world. While she’s earned her reputation behind the wheel-becoming the winningest female driver in United States Auto Club history and holding the record for the most top-ten finishes by a female driver in ARCA Menards Series history-her presence off the track is equally commanding.
Her modeling career began to gain national attention in 2022 when she joined the ranks of Victoria’s Secret models, a move that instantly set her apart from her peers in motorsports. Since then, she has appeared in campaigns for Free People, GAP, and has been represented by IMG Models, among others. Breidinger’s ability to seamlessly transition from firesuits to fashion shoots has not only broadened her appeal but also challenged the traditional image of a race car driver.
Historic Debut in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue
In 2025, Breidinger reached another milestone: her debut in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Photographed by Ben Horton on the beaches of Boca Raton, Florida, Breidinger traded her racing gear for an emerald green bikini, joining a select group of elite female athletes who have graced the pages of the iconic magazine. Her inclusion is historic-not only is she the first NASCAR driver to be featured, but her appearance also amplifies the message that women in motorsports can be both fierce competitors and fashion icons.
2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue is finally out!!🩵 @si_swimsuit #SISwim25 pic.twitter.com/3TJNFr8Af1
— Toni Breidinger (@ToniBreidinger) May 13, 2025
Breidinger herself described the experience as “very surreal,” expressing gratitude for the opportunity to live out multiple dreams at once. She has used her platform to deliver a powerful message of empowerment, stating, “I hope when people see my photos they feel empowered”. This duality-of strength and style, grit and glamour-resonates with a new generation of fans and aspiring athletes.
it’s an honor to be featured in the 2025 @SI_Swimsuit @SInow issue. it’s very surreal to be in this issue along side so many inspiring athletes. thank you a million to everyone who made this dream of mine come true!! pic.twitter.com/IHuHKmZPsh
— Toni Breidinger (@ToniBreidinger) November 18, 2024
Breaking Stereotypes: The New Face of NASCAR
The significance of Breidinger’s modeling achievements extends beyond personal milestones. She is challenging the long-standing stereotypes that have often confined female athletes, especially in male-dominated sports like NASCAR, to narrow roles. By appearing in major fashion campaigns and the SI Swimsuit Issue, Breidinger is demonstrating that athleticism and femininity are not mutually exclusive.
Her journey is a testament to the evolving landscape of sports marketing, where authenticity and multidimensionality are increasingly valued. Breidinger’s success in both arenas is helping to normalize the idea that women can excel in high-performance environments while embracing their individuality and interests outside of competition.
Fashion, Branding, and the Business of Being Toni
Breidinger’s modeling career has opened doors to high-profile partnerships that blur the lines between sports, fashion, and lifestyle branding. Her ability to attract sponsors like Raising Cane’s, CELSIUS, and Sunoco has been bolstered by her mainstream media presence and fashion credentials. These collaborations are not just about logos on a car; they represent a strategic alignment with brands that value diversity, empowerment, and cultural relevance.
Her recent partnership with 818 Tequila, the award-winning brand founded by Kendall Jenner, is a prime example of this new era of sponsorship. The deal marks the first time a tequila brand has teamed up with a female NASCAR driver, and it’s 818’s first national sports partnership. Throughout the 2025 season, fans will see 818 branding on Breidinger’s car and race gear, with the brand taking center stage as her primary sponsor during the Nashville Speedway race on May 30, 2025.
I am thrilled to partner with 818 Tequila for my 2025 Racing Season. Let the races begin 🏁💚 #818partner @drink818 pic.twitter.com/T393d6k3I0
— Toni Breidinger (@ToniBreidinger) April 24, 2025
Kendall Jenner, founder of 818 Tequila, said, “Toni is a force both on the track and on social media. We are so excited to partner with her for our first national sports partnership”. For Breidinger, the collaboration is more than a business deal-it’s a statement about authenticity and self-expression: “I am proud to team up with a brand that is unapologetically itself and continues to uplift women”.
Redefining the NASCAR Ambassador
Breidinger’s influence is amplified by her digital footprint. With over five million followers across Instagram and TikTok, she is the most followed driver in NASCAR, leveraging her platforms to connect with fans, share her journey, and promote her partners in innovative ways. This social media presence has made her an attractive ambassador not just for racing sponsors, but for global lifestyle and fashion brands looking to reach new audiences.
Her collaborations-whether with Victoria’s Secret, Sports Illustrated, or 818 Tequila-are redefining what it means to be a NASCAR ambassador. She is not just a spokesperson for products; she is a symbol of possibility, showing young women that they can pursue their passions across multiple fields and succeed on their own terms.
The Future of Female Athletes in Branding and Sponsorships
Breidinger’s career is a case study in the power of intersectionality in sports marketing. As brands seek to engage more diverse and dynamic audiences, athletes like Breidinger-who embody both competitive excellence and cultural relevance-are becoming increasingly valuable. Her partnerships reflect a broader shift in the industry, where female athletes are seen as multidimensional influencers capable of driving engagement far beyond the boundaries of their sport.
For the future of female athletes in branding and sponsorships, Breidinger’s success signals a new era. No longer confined to traditional roles or limited endorsement opportunities, women in sports are now at the forefront of campaigns that celebrate individuality, empowerment, and authenticity. Breidinger’s journey from the ARCA Menards Series to the runways of Victoria’s Secret and the pages of Sports Illustrated is a blueprint for how athletes can leverage their unique stories to build powerful personal brands.
News in Brief: Toni Breidinger Fashion Career
Toni Breidinger’s impact goes far beyond her achievements on the track or in front of the camera. She is a trailblazer who is challenging conventions, expanding opportunities for women, and redefining the image of a NASCAR driver for the 21st century. As she continues to break barriers in both motorsports and fashion, Breidinger is not just making history-she’s inspiring a new generation to dream bigger, push harder, and embrace every facet of who they are. Her story is proof that the finish line is just the beginning.
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