Toni Breidinger Poised for Full-Time NASCAR Truck Series Debut in 2025, Balancing Racing and Modeling Careers
Two weeks ago, Tricon Garage announced that Toni Breidinger will compete full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2025, piloting the #5 truck. While she has made four starts in the series before, her career-best finish was 15th at Kansas Speedway in 2023. In the ARCA Menards Series, Breidinger capped off her 2024 season with an impressive fourth-place finish in the standings.
Representing Women in NASCAR
As the only active female driver in NASCAR’s top three series, Breidinger acknowledges the weight of representation she carries. Speaking with Newsweek and other media, she addressed criticism surrounding her promotion:
“Yeah, I definitely have been making the haters a little mad lately, that’s for sure. But I mean, all good stuff on my end; everyone in my inner circle is really excited and happy. It’s kind of a new chapter for me. Obviously, easier said than done to ignore the haters.”
She further added:
“But everyone in my inner circle—my team, Toyota, and all my partners—they’re really excited, they’re really happy, and for me, that’s what counts at the end of the day. So I try not to put too much thought into comments online.”
Breidinger will officially kick off her full-time campaign at Daytona International Speedway in February 2025. She views the upcoming season as both a challenge and a critical learning experience, highlighting her commitment to preparation and growth.
Mental Strength and Performance
Discussing the pressure young drivers face, particularly as a female under scrutiny, Breidinger shared her strategies for staying mentally strong:
“So I feel like so much of it is mental,” she explained. “It’s something I’ve worked on a lot over the past few years…I’m just more mentally stable and present and able to feel confident in myself. I’m pretty good at keeping a calm head on my shoulders and everything.”
Juggling Racing and Modeling
In addition to her racing career, Breidinger is a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model and a social media powerhouse with over 5 million followers. Despite skepticism about balancing both professions, she insists they complement each other:
“It’s kind of funny because everyone’s like, ‘Oh, you have to do one thing. You have to be a race car driver or a model, you can’t do both.’ They kind of work perfectly for me because I leverage my modeling to help me get behind the wheel…they really go hand in hand for me, and I feel like I’m able to balance them really well.”
Breidinger recently celebrated being featured in the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, calling it “an honor” to be included alongside other inspiring athletes. She also strengthened her fashion credentials by participating in Victoria’s Secret’s 2023 Tour, further showcasing her versatility.
What’s Next for Toni Breidinger?
With a demanding 2025 racing schedule ahead, Breidinger’s ability to navigate both the racing and modeling worlds will be a testament to her determination and adaptability. Fans will be watching closely to see how she maintains her momentum on and off the track, solidifying her place as a trailblazer in both industries.
