Toni Breidinger, known for her achievements as a female NASCAR driver, recently discussed the unique pressures she faces on the SpakeUp podcast with Shannon Spake ahead of the UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics, shining a light on what it’s like for women in a male-dominated motorsport. In this Toni Breidinger female NASCAR driver interview, she shared personal challenges, her racing journey, and her ambitions in a candid conversation.
Breaking Barriers in NASCAR
At just 25 years old, Toni Breidinger became the first Arab–American female of Lebanese and German descent to compete in NASCAR, an accomplishment that has made her a standout figure in the racing world. Breidinger’s interest in racing sparked early; she began karting with her father at age nine and steadily climbed the ranks over five years in the ARCA Menards Series. Her journey reflects determination and resilience, especially as she navigates an environment where female drivers remain a rarity.
The Challenge of Being a Female in a Male-Dominated Field
As one of the few women on the NASCAR circuit, Breidinger has openly acknowledged the scrutiny and heightened pressure she experiences. She spoke with uncommon honesty about the emotional toll and the expectations placed upon her.
“I definitely feel a lot of weight on my shoulders. Yeah, it’s tough. I mean, the sport is hard. I feel like, you know, when things go wrong, everyone’s kind of pointing at you, looking at you, and I’m also very self-aware. I tend to, like, I’m like, ‘Okay, I understand if this was my fault.’ But also, you think I tend to blame myself; even if I was in a wreck, I’m like, ‘Well, if I was, I had in this position, I would have been wrecked.'” [00:39 onwards]—Toni Breidinger, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Driver
She also elaborated on dealing with frustration, growth, and the steep learning curve that comes with switching from the ARCA Menards Series to racing trucks full-time. Toni Breidinger took a full-time seat with Tricon Garages after a stint as a part-time driver, and recently finished 24th at Darlington Raceway behind the wheel of the #5 Toyota. Her next challenge is the upcoming UNOH 200 at Bristol Motor Speedway on September 11, 2025.
“So I do feel like I am very hard on myself. So yeah, I know I understand that I mean it’s a very frustrating sport. And you know, a lot of people ask me to say, like, ‘Oh, how’s it going, the transition from Arca to trucks?’ And, I’m like, ‘It’s challenging, it’s hard, it’s a learning curve.’ And, you know, I would say, ‘Trust the process,’ but in terms of process, it’s hard to trust, so it’s, yeah, you just have to have that kind of fight, and that fire in you to keep going.”—Toni Breidinger, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Driver
Racing Ambitions and “Bucket List” Dreams
Beyond her current season, Breidinger has set her sights on larger goals within motorsport. Earlier in April 2025, the Victoria’s Secret model and NASCAR driver hosted a Q&A on her X account. During the session, a fan asked her about her ultimate racing dream race.
“What is your biggest “Bucket List” race to compete in?”—Fan on X
Without missing a beat, Toni Breidinger named the 24 Hours of Le Mans as her ultimate aspiration. She expressed a desire not just to compete but to further prove the growing potential of women in racings most prestigious events.
Favorite Tracks and Racing Experiences
When asked about preferred tracks, Breidinger shared a fondness for short tracks, which she believes suit her strengths. Reflecting on her experience at Rockingham Speedway, she remarked on the track‘s challenges and her willingness to take on its demanding course again in the future.
“It was a tough track. I learned a ton. was cool to see them bring it back I’d like another go at it.”—Toni Breidinger, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Driver
Despite starting 27th in the Black‘s Tire 200 qualifying after a difficult session—posting a best lap time of 23 seconds and reaching a top speed of 147.12 mph—Breidinger made notable progress to finish in 18th position. The race was ultimately won by Tyler Ankrum, who beat Jake Garcia by more than six seconds.
Looking Ahead: Significance and What’s Next
Toni Breidinger‘s journey continues to inspire as she marks milestones both on and off the track in an industry still defined by male competitors. Her openness about self-doubt, perseverance, and ongoing learning offers a compelling portrait of the struggles and triumphs faced by female racers. With upcoming competitions like the UNOH 200 at Bristol and an ambitious eye on events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Breidinger’s story is shaping the narrative for the next generation of diverse NASCAR drivers.
