Toni Breidinger On Balancing Swimsuit Modeling, NASCAR Truck Racing, And TikTok: Interview…
Toni Breidinger is redefining what it means to be a modern athlete, seamlessly balancing her roles as a professional NASCAR driver, swimsuit model, and social media influencer. At 25, she has made history as the first Arab-American woman to race in NASCAR and the first active NASCAR driver to appear in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
Breidinger’s racing journey began at age 9 with go-karting, eventually leading her to the ARCA Menards Series, where she achieved a historic fourth-place finish in the 2024 championship—the highest ever for a female driver. In 2025, she advanced to a full-time position in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with Tricon Garage, driving the No. 5 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro.
Parallel to her racing career, Breidinger has cultivated a successful modeling portfolio, working with brands like Victoria’s Secret, Coach, and GAP. Her modeling endeavors are not just a passion but a strategic avenue to secure sponsorships essential for funding her racing pursuits. “I do leverage my modeling to help me get behind the wheel…they kind of really go hand in hand for me,” she explained.
Managing these dual careers requires meticulous time management. Breidinger often compartmentalizes her day, dedicating time to content creation before shifting focus entirely to racing. “I kind of like separate it so I don’t have to keep switching my mind between and try to get into my race mode and focus,” she shared.
With over five million followers across Instagram and TikTok, Breidinger leverages her substantial social media presence to attract sponsors and engage a diverse fan base. Her authenticity resonates with fans, allowing her to bridge the gap between the racing and fashion worlds.
Despite facing skepticism from those who struggle to reconcile her dual identities, Breidinger remains steadfast in her commitment to both passions. “Racing came first, and I’ve had so many amazing opportunities because of it. It’s always my number-one priority,” she affirmed.
Breidinger’s journey exemplifies how embracing multifaceted interests can lead to groundbreaking achievements, inspiring a new generation to pursue diverse passions without compromise.
