Toni Breidinger, the NASCAR Truck Series driver and professional model, showcased a striking outfit as she prepared for the 2025 ESPYS awards. Wearing a bold red gown by Versace, Breidinger shared her fashion-forward look on social media ahead of the event, highlighting her unique crossover between racing and modeling worlds.
The racing driver posted several photos on her official Instagram account, dressed in the eye-catching Versace ensemble, marking her presence at the Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards, an event that honors outstanding athletic achievements across individual and team sports. Alongside her post, she tagged key collaborators including Diane Buzzetta, Isabel Alysa, Jamie Bruce, Cherilyn Farris, Molly Dickson, and CoverGirl to credit those involved in her look.
Toni Breidinger competes full-time in the NASCAR Truck Series, driving the #5 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro. She is notable for being the first Arab-American female to race in NASCAR and is of German and Lebanese heritage. Over the course of more than three years, Breidinger has raced in 19 NASCAR Truck Series events, building her reputation steadily within the motorsport community.
Before her full-time NASCAR career, she took part extensively in ARCA racing, including the ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East, and ARCA Menards Series West circuits. Breidinger completed 65 races in the ARCA Menards Series over five years, along with 13 races in the Eastern division and six in the Western division, showcasing her versatility and commitment as a driver.
How Modeling Supports Toni Breidinger’s Racing Career
Balancing two high-profile careers, Toni Breidinger has openly discussed how modeling plays a crucial role in supporting her racing ambitions. She explained to Yahoo’s OT Diaries that her modeling work helps cover the costs associated with motorsports, which she described as an expensive pursuit requiring strong partnerships.
“No day looks the same and no week looks the same. I would honestly never call myself a model. I always call myself a race car driver, and I model on the side at times.” —Toni Breidinger
“To them, it’s like, ‘Why are you doing all that? That’s just a distraction,’” Breidinger says. But modeling — and building up her social media profile — also helps pay the bills. “I quite literally would not be racing without all this extra stuff that I’m doing. I mean, motorsports is expensive. It comes down to partners,” she further added. —Toni Breidinger
Currently signed with IMG Models, Breidinger has worked with prestigious brands and publications such as Marie Claire Arabia, Glamour, Shape, Flaunt, GQ, and appeared in Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit edition. Her appearance in Sports Illustrated marked a milestone as she became the first NASCAR driver featured in that renowned publication.
Born on July 14, 1999, in San Francisco, California, Breidinger’s growth in both racing and modeling has positioned her as a multifaceted figure bridging two distinct industries. Her presence at the ESPYS in the Versace gown highlights how she continues to merge her passions, gaining recognition for her talents both on the track and off.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Toni Breidinger’s story?
A. Breidinger grew up in Hillsborough, California, and began racing go-karts when she was nine. After five years, she advanced to the USAC Western US Asphalt Midget Series at 15 in 2014. She won the championship in this series two years later.