Toni Breidinger, in her first season as a full-time NASCAR Truck Series driver, has been rapidly adapting while learning from seasoned professionals such as Kyle Busch—highlighting the unique process of Kyle Busch mentoring rookie drivers in NASCAR Truck Series competition. Through her first 10 races with TRICON Garage, her experience among veteran legends and her own milestones both on and off the track demonstrate the intense learning curve faced by newcomers in the series.
Adjusting to the Demands of a Rookie Season
At just 25 years old, Breidinger has logged one top-20 finish in the 2025 season, placing 18th at Rockingham during the event’s much-anticipated return. Despite a handful of starts in the previous two years, the challenges of a full schedule quickly became apparent. Reflecting on her season so far, Breidinger described the mix of anticipation and surprise that comes with competing at a higher level in the fiercely competitive truck division.
Yes and no,” Breidinger said on the “Beating and Banging” podcaston YouTube. “I feel like I had a good idea of what to expect going into it, but from a competition standpoint, there’s so many new things that I’ve learned that I didn’t even think was possible to learn. Because I guess you just don’t know what you don’t know. So I’ve been learning a lot more than what I expected to. It’s all exciting and it’s all good stuff and really just trusting the process.
Her approach this year has been one of openness—acknowledging that, although she came prepared, the experience offers more to learn than she envisioned. Her statement underlines the mindset many rookies bring into a series where the competition and the rate of adaptation can be relentless.
Gaining Insight by Observing Elite Drivers
Breidinger’s growth has been shaped by closely watching elite drivers, especially during moments when previous champions step into the series. Legends like Kyle Busch and Kyle Larson occasionally race in the NASCAR Truck Series, serving as formidable benchmarks for up-and-coming talent. Breidinger recently found herself directly competing alongside Busch at North Wilkesboro Speedway, using the opportunity to observe his racecraft and strategic decisions up close.
So I was trying to analyze like — okay, what’s his thought process trying to get around this person? Honestly I was like, it’d be cool to pass him, but my intention was kind of like to at least learn a little bit and kind of study a bit from him but it was very cool.
This direct exposure to accomplished drivers enables rookies like Breidinger to examine what separates veterans from the rest of the field. By focusing on the subtleties of Busch’s moves, from race positioning to overtaking approaches, Breidinger gains tools to improve her own racing acumen. Such close observation of proven competitors reflects how Kyle Busch’s mentoring—whether direct or by example—plays a crucial role in the development of new talent entering the demanding NASCAR Truck Series environment.
Breaking Ground as the Truck Series’ Only Female Driver
Breidinger’s presence on the grid carries additional significance, as she stands out as the sole female competitor among her peers. While she continues to establish herself as a serious racing talent, her profile also extends into mainstream media. Most recently, she appeared in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, attracting attention both within and outside of motorsports. Her participation in this high-profile edition drew praise, especially when considering challenging weather conditions during her photo shoot in Boca Raton, Florida.
I just knew on set, it was like really fun. Everybody made me feel so confident and everyone was so uplifting, but I knew that the wind was attacking me the entire time and my hair was attacking my face. I was like, oh gosh, what are these photos gonna be?
Despite facing a tropical storm on the day of the shoot, Breidinger’s segment received acclaim, and she expressed deep appreciation for being featured alongside notable athletes such as Olivia Dunne, Jordan Chiles, and Nelly Korda. Her modeling work has also included campaigns for Victoria’s Secret, further demonstrating her ability to excel in multiple arenas.
It was an honor,” she said. If you look at the legacy of the other women and athletes who have been in it before me and the current ones who are in this issue — to be in that lineup with them is very surreal. They’re all very successful and they all inspire me. So to be included in that is really special.
Breidinger credits the encouragement of her peers and the uplifting environment during the shoot as key to her positive experience, reinforcing her place as a prominent inspiration both on the racetrack and as a role model for aspiring young women in diverse fields.
What Breidinger’s Progress Means for NASCAR’s Future
Toni Breidinger’s experiences this season represent the exciting momentum and shifting landscape of the NASCAR Truck Series. Her willingness to learn from legends like Kyle Busch, as well as the spotlight she brings from ventures such as Sports Illustrated, shows how the series is evolving to embrace new faces and perspectives. Breidinger’s journey is not only about personal achievement but also about opening doors for future competitors, fostering more diversity and inclusivity within the sport.
With rookies learning from established stars, and with growing representation and media attention, the environment in NASCAR’s Truck Series continues to become more dynamic. Breidinger’s trajectory and the mentoring effect from celebrated drivers like Busch are poised to influence both competitive standards and the broader appeal of the sport, offering a glimpse into how future rookies may find guidance and inspiration as they pave their own paths in motorsports.
