Toni Breidinger is navigating the challenges of her NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series rookie season while building a high-profile modeling and influencer career. Throughout 2025, Breidinger continues to rise in the racing world, drawing attention for her multifaceted pursuits both on and off the track.
A Year of Growth and New Experiences
This season has presented a steep learning curve for Breidinger, who joined the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series after winning 19 races through the USAC ranks and gaining experience in ARCA and other development series. Entering 2025, Breidinger has taken major steps not only in her racing career but also through work as a model and social media influencer, often balancing cross-country travel with her demanding schedule.
Before competing at North Wilkesboro, a small town in North Carolina, Breidinger graced the red carpet in New York City as a participant in Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue. With 10 races behind her this season and a key weekend at Charlotte approaching, she continues to adapt to the heightened level of competition, noting how the series has grown even over recent years. The field has become more competitive, and for the 25-year-old rookie, that means a continuous stream of new lessons.
In a recent interview with 5GOATs, Breidinger reflected on this period of rapid growth and the realities of learning at the top of stock car racing:
“Like, after every race, I’m like wow, I feel like a new driver because I’ve learned so much. So, yeah, almost the unknown of I didn’t know how much new stuff I was going to learn. In so many different areas, from the tracks and the truck and the aero. Yeah, I’ve been learning a lot, and I’m like, I can’t believe I’ve been learning this much. Kind of crazy, but yeah.”
—Toni Breidinger, NASCAR Driver
Outside the driver’s seat, Breidinger’s presence resonates with millions of fans across her social media accounts. She has recently expanded her off-track profile, securing sponsorship deals with well-known brands such as 818 Tequila, created by Kendall Jenner. Another sponsor, 811, known as “Call Before You Dig,” will partner with her later this year during an event at Lime Rock Park. These endorsements highlight the importance of financial backing in motorsports, even for drivers who have strong brand appeal and off-track careers.
Celebrating the Rise of Women in Racing
The 2025 season has placed a spotlight on several accomplished women in NASCAR and ARCA, including Breidinger, who earlier received sponsorship from the Women’s Sports Foundation. She has been encouraged by the visibility and recognition female drivers are gaining, both among fans and within racing organizations.
Asked about talented contemporaries like Isabella Robusto, Lanie Buice, and Jade Avedisian, Breidinger expressed her enthusiasm for the momentum building behind women racers. She also referenced Katherine Legge’s experience and Cup Series starts as significant milestones contributing to the broader narrative around women in motorsports.
“Like you said, it is tough being a female in this space, obviously male-dominated. That comes with some negatives, but I am inspired watching those girls navigate their way through the sport. So, it’s been really cool to watch.”
—Toni Breidinger, NASCAR Driver
Breidinger continues to focus on improvements behind the wheel, with her best finish this season being 18th place. All the while, her Tricon Garage teammates—especially championship contender Corey Heim—have provided meaningful guidance and camaraderie. Support from seasoned colleagues proves invaluable as she adapts to the nuances of racing at this level.
The Road Ahead: Impact and Possibilities
As Toni Breidinger’s rookie journey in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series unfolds, her dynamic career illustrates the evolving face of motorsports. With major sponsors, a significant media profile, and the backing of both fans and teammates, she represents not just an up-and-coming driver but a model for navigating multiple high-intensity worlds at once.
Breidinger’s presence signals continuing progress for women in stock car racing and sets the stage for future generations of racers to gain more opportunities. Her trajectory through the remainder of 2025 promises more milestones on the track, new brand partnerships, and a lasting impact on fans as she shapes her place in the sport.
