Toni Breidinger just made history, but not on the track. The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue featured something no one in NASCAR had seen before. A bold photoshoot in Boca Raton, Florida, is now part of her growing story. Behind the camera was Ben Horton, capturing more than just fashion. The setting was calm, but the impact is still unfolding. With five standout looks and one clear favorite, this moment brings something new to a sport built on tradition.
The Historic Debut of Toni Breidinger
Toni Breidinger’s journey into the pages of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue is one of perseverance, empowerment, and barrier-breaking success. In 2025, Breidinger became the first NASCAR driver—and the first Arab American woman in the sport—to appear in the iconic magazine’s swimsuit edition. Her debut marked a milestone not only for her career but also for the representation of women in motorsports and athletics overall.
A native of California, Breidinger has long pushed the limits—both on the racetrack and in her modeling pursuits. Her selection for SI Swimsuit underscores a broader cultural shift, one that celebrates athletes who redefine what it means to be a role model across sports and fashion.
Already a trailblazer as the first Arab American woman to compete in a NASCAR national series, Breidinger holds the record for the most top-10 finishes by a female driver in the ARCA Menards Series. Her SI Swimsuit feature is further validation of her rising influence and reflects the changing face of sports media, where women are recognized not just for their talent, but for their ability to inspire far beyond their field of play.
Behind the Scenes: The Boca Raton Photoshoot
The 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue brought Toni Breidinger to the beaches of Boca Raton, Florida, where she participated in a shoot that captured her signature confidence, athleticism, and modern glamour. The shoot, photographed by Ben Horton, featured Breidinger alongside a roster of elite female athletes—including Olympians and world champions—each chosen for their empowering presence and inspiring story.
Set at the upscale Boca Raton resort, the setting offered a luxurious coastal backdrop of turquoise waters and soft sunlight. It was the perfect environment to showcase the magazine’s vision of strength, movement, and style.
Breidinger’s shoot included a range of eye-catching looks, from vivid swimsuits in bold hues to sleek, architectural silhouettes that emphasized her athletic frame. Behind-the-scenes shots quickly surfaced of Breidinger wearing an olive green bikini by Palmiza—an image that captured the shoot’s spirit: confident, unapologetic, and effortlessly chic.
The shift from fire suit to beachwear might have seemed dramatic, but Breidinger embraced it with ease. A full creative team—stylists, makeup artists, and hair professionals—worked with her to elevate her natural look and on-camera presence. The final images didn’t just highlight her beauty; they told the story of a woman confidently stepping into new territory and breaking new ground.
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Toni Breidinger’s Favorite Swim Look and Future Aspirations
When asked about her favorite look from the shoot, Breidinger was quick to respond. She highlighted a striking high-neck black one-piece from Luna B’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection. The suit, known as the Penelope One Piece, featured wide straps, side cut-outs, and a sculpted silhouette that reflected both performance and style.
“I thought that was sick, especially in the water.” – Toni Breidinger
Breidinger’s enthusiasm for strong, bold fashion comes as no surprise. Off the track, she has made major strides in the modeling world. Signed with IMG Models, she has appeared in national campaigns for brands like Victoria’s Secret, GAP, and Free People. Her seamless ability to transition from racing gear to editorial fashion speaks to both her adaptability and her sense of personal identity.
Her SI Swimsuit feature isn’t the finish line—it’s just one step in a growing journey. As she continues her racing career and builds her presence in the fashion industry, Breidinger remains focused on being a source of inspiration. She’s determined to motivate the next generation of female athletes and models, proving that it’s possible to chase multiple dreams—at full speed.
News in Brief: Toni Breidinger’s Swimsuit Photoshoot
Toni Breidinger made history in 2025 as the first NASCAR driver and first Arab American woman featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. Her photoshoot in Boca Raton, Florida, highlighted her athleticism, style, and confidence, captured by photographer Ben Horton. From bold swimsuits to a favorite black one-piece, she blended sports and fashion with ease. As a successful racecar driver and model signed with IMG Models, Toni Breidinger continues to break barriers in and out of racing.
