After two full-time seasons in the ARCA Menards Series, Toni Breidinger is ready to make her full-time debut in the Craftsman Truck Series in 2025. The former Venturini Motorsports driver has joined Tricon Garage, where she will pilot the No. 5 entry. This shift opens up speculation regarding the future of Dean Thompson with the team.
The 2024 season proved to be a successful one for Breidinger, who consistently drove the No. 25 car for Venturini Motorsports. With a total of eleven top-10 finishes, she ended the season with her best result yet, finishing fourth in the championship standings. Now, Breidinger is looking forward to proving her worth in the Truck Series in 2025.
Toni Breidinger is excited to start her new racing journey
Unlike Hailie Deegan, who switched to Ford after Toyota’s backing, Breidinger has stayed loyal to Toyota Racing Development (TRD). Breidinger will now compete for one of the best teams in the Truck Series garage, Tricon Garage. While Deegan’s three full seasons in the Truck Series ended on a sour note with AM Racing, Breidinger’s journey with TRD has only just begun.
Breidinger recently made an appearance at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, not as a driver but as a model, representing brands like Gap, Victoria’s Secret, and Free People. However, with her recent announcement, she’s ready to begin a new chapter in her racing career.
“Racing full-time with Tricon is a dream for me. It’s been a 15-year process to get here, but I’m so excited for this moment and ready to capitalize on it,” Breidinger said in a statement. She will be backed by notable sponsors such as Raising Cane’s, Celsius, and Sunoco. The 2025 season will mark Breidinger’s first full-time run in NASCAR, with four previous starts in the Truck Series. Her best finish, 15th, came during her debut at Kansas Speedway.
She will join Tanner Gray and Corey Heim at Tricon Garage. While Heim was previously linked with a move to 23XI Racing, Riley Herbst from the Xfinity Series has secured a spot on the team for 2025, allowing Heim to continue his Truck Series career with Tricon Garage. Despite missing out on a potential 23XI spot, Heim still has opportunities with Toyota, potentially eyeing an Xfinity Series seat in the future.
Toni Breidinger remains a strong prospect for Tricon Garage. Having made several starts in the Truck Series, she also boasts impressive results in the ARCA Menards Series and USAC. Furthermore, Breidinger’s social media engagement and influence surpass that of many other NASCAR drivers, adding to her value off the track.
However, this announcement may signal the end of Dean Thompson’s tenure at Tricon Garage. With Breidinger now in the No. 5 entry, Thompson has confirmed his departure from the team. Thompson led the No. 5 truck for two full seasons, but despite six top-10 finishes this year, he finished 16th in the championship standings without a win.
Thompson expressed his gratitude toward the team, sharing a heartfelt message on social media: “I’m thankful to have called the 5 and @TRICONGarage my home for the past two years. As I move on from this team, I want to say thank you, David Gilliland, Derek Smith, Doug Campbell, and all the crew members for helping me grow as a driver. I can’t wait to share the next chapter of my career with you guys. #L5G.”
Rumors have circulated that Thompson may join Sam Hunt Racing in the Xfinity Series, following two starts for the team in 2024 at Charlotte and Talladega. Given the Toyota connection, this move seems plausible. Corey Heim, Jeffery Earnhardt, and Sage Karam also shared part-time duties with Sam Hunt Racing in 2024, making it possible that Thompson could join their ranks in 2025. However, without an official announcement, this remains speculation for now.
