Toni Breidinger, celebrated for her role in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and her growing modeling career, appeared recently in New York City, marking another milestone in her dual pursuits. As her experience as both a driver and model garners attention, the intersection of her sporting achievements and fashion endorsements has made Toni Breidinger NASCAR career and modeling a unique story in contemporary motorsports.
Breidinger Steps Out in Style After a Demanding Race
Following a challenging competition in Bristol, where Breidinger qualified in the 28th position and finished 26th, she was seen walking the busy streets of New York, confidently dressed in a tailored white jacket and black pants. Despite the physically and mentally demanding world of racing, she manages to maintain a polished presence off the circuit, offering glimpses of resilience and poise.
Continued Growth in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
Currently racing full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for Tricon Garage, Breidinger’s season has been defined by consistency and gradual progress, even as she competes against established talent at acclaimed venues like Darlington, Watkins Glen, and Indianapolis. Though she has not yet secured a victory or top-five finish, her more than 30 starts and steady presence among the competing drivers resulted in a 22nd-place performance in the overall series points. Each event offers vital lessons in racing dynamics, qualifying, and strategy, as she adapts to the intensities of the Truck Series environment.
A Model Both On and Off the Track
Parallel to her driving career, Breidinger’s growing modeling portfolio has brought her into the limelight of international fashion. Represented by IMG Models, she has featured in prominent campaigns for major labels such as GAP, Victoria’s Secret, and Coach. Notably, her inclusion in the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition marks a rare achievement not only for herself but for NASCAR drivers as a whole, highlighting her status as a multi-dimensional talent bridging sports and entertainment.
Her reach extends beyond the racetrack and the runway. With over five million followers on Instagram and TikTok, Breidinger has harnessed her platform to blend content on racing, style, and activism, advocating strongly for representation and opportunities for women within motorsports. Her energized online presence keeps fans engaged while spotlighting gender issues and personal narratives within a traditionally male-dominated field.
The Emotional Challenges of Racing at the Top Level
The 2025 NASCAR season marks Breidinger’s full-time transition in the Truck Series, piloting the No. 5 Toyota Tundra for Tricon Garage. Shifting from five years in the ARCA Menards Series, where she recorded a record 27 top-10 finishes for female drivers, the step up has brought both excitement and pressure. On the Spake Up Podcast, she openly discussed her internal struggles and high expectations:
“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.’”
—Toni Breidinger, NASCAR Driver
“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,”
she further added. —Toni Breidinger, NASCAR Driver
Her recent finishes, such as 24th at Darlington and improving to 18th in subsequent events, underline her ongoing quest to master new tracks and truck aerodynamics. These efforts, combined with her candid self-assessments, reflect the immense determination required to thrive amid demanding competition and the scrutiny that comes with being one of the few women in the sport.
Impact and Future Outlook for Breidinger
Breidinger’s journey across racing circuits and fashion runways not only signals her personal ambitions but also inspires a generation seeking to break traditional barriers in sports. With major campaigns, a growing fan base, and steady performance in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, she continues to shape her identity as an influential athlete and public figure. Her resilience in facing high expectations—both internally and from the motorsport world—suggests her trajectory will remain a focal point in discussions about diversity and achievement in competitive racing.
