NASCAR Truck Series driver Toni Breidinger has made a remarkable impression, not only on the racetrack but also in the world of sports modeling with her featured appearance in the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. This milestone highlights Breidinger’s expanding influence and growing brand, marking her as a trailblazer in motorsports and beyond.
Toni Breidinger’s Rise in NASCAR and Brand Growth
Throughout 2025, Toni Breidinger has secured several prominent sponsorships that have elevated her profile inside and outside racing circles. Recently, she partnered with major brands like Coach and 818 Tequila and gained additional fan attention by unveiling a Sunoco-themed paint scheme scheduled for her upcoming race this Friday. As the first Arab American woman competing in NASCAR, Breidinger continues to break barriers and cultivate a strong personal brand through these collaborations and her distinctive car designs.
Joining the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Rookie Class
Well before the current season commenced, Breidinger was invited to join the rookie class for the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition. Recognizing the magnitude of this opportunity, she eagerly accepted, becoming one of the standout athletes in the issue. Her photoshoot took place in Boca Raton, Florida, and proved to be a successful introduction to the Swimsuit franchise. Breidinger reflected on the experience with pride, saying,
It’s an honor to be featured in the 2025 issue,
Breidinger said.
It’s very surreal to be in this issue alongside so many inspiring athletes. Thank you a million to everyone who made this dream of mine come true.
Positive Reactions from Fans and Fellow Athletes
The response to Breidinger’s Sports Illustrated feature has been overwhelmingly positive. NASCAR supporters nationwide have applauded her inclusion, and her peers in the rookie class have expressed admiration. WNBA star Cameron Brink described her as “Absolutely stunning,” while Olympic gymnast Suni Lee exclaimed, “you are UNREALLLL.” Fans also voiced their praise online, with remarks like “So beautiful” and “ABSOLUTELY PERFECT GORGEOUS.”
Facing Challenges in Her First Truck Series Season
Despite the excitement around her modeling debut, Breidinger remains focused on her racing career, where she acknowledges the challenges of her rookie season. She admitted to 5GOATs that the learning curve has been steep as she adapts to different aspects of driving and competition.
Yeah, there’s honestly quite a bit of things that I was kind of surprised by this year,
Breidinger shared.
I knew the learning curve was going to be steep, and I knew that I had a lot to learn. But I don’t think I realized how much I was going to learn, how much I’m taking away.
Like, after every race, I’m like wow, I feel like a new driver because I’ve learned so much. So, yeah, almost the unknown of I didn’t know how much new stuff I was going to learn. In so many different areas, from the tracks and the truck and the aero. Yeah, I’ve been learning a lot, and I’m like, I can’t believe I’ve been learning this much. Kind of crazy, but yeah.
Looking Ahead to Pocono Raceway
As Breidinger prepares for this Friday’s race at Pocono Raceway, she aims to secure her first top-10 finish in the NASCAR Truck Series. This goal reflects her determination to continue improving and making history in the series. Her dual success on and off the track demonstrates the increasing crossover appeal of NASCAR athletes in mainstream culture and media.