Toni Breidinger, rookie driver in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, addressed concerns that her modeling career and brand deals detract from her focus on racing. She emphasized that her involvement in off-track business ventures actually supports her performance on the track by helping fund her racing efforts.
Driving the #5 Tricon Garage Toyota, Breidinger explained in an interview with Motorsport.com that the high costs of competing today make it essential to explore sponsorships and partnerships beyond racing. She rejected the notion that brand deals reduce her effectiveness as a driver.
“When people say that doing brand deals affects my performance, I’m like, ‘No, you know what affects my performance? Not being able to race because I can’t afford it.'” — Toni Breidinger, NASCAR Driver
Building Unique Connections Through Female-Focused Brands
Breidinger’s sponsorship portfolio includes prominent companies such as Coach, Dave & Buster’s, Raising Cane’s, Victoria’s Secret, and 818 Tequila. Some of these partners cater specifically to female consumers, which Breidinger considers a distinctive advantage as one of the few women competing in NASCAR.
The California native embraces her femininity and views collaborating with female-oriented brands as a way to authentically connect with a female audience, which is underserved in the male-dominated racing world. These partnerships are strategic for expanding NASCAR’s reach among women fans.
“I like leaning into the female-focused brands and products that I use myself, because they’re often things that my male teammates don’t use. I might as well leverage that and build partnerships with brands that are authentic to me and tap into [the female] demographic.” — Toni Breidinger, NASCAR Driver
Breidinger’s Current Performance and Career Progression
Toni Breidinger races full-time with Tricon Garage in the 2024 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series season. After 15 races, she holds 22nd place in the driver standings with an average finish position of 24.4. Her best race finish to date was 18th place at Rockingham back in April.
Before moving full-time to NASCAR, Breidinger competed in the ARCA Menards Series, where she achieved 11 top-10 finishes in the 2024 season and secured fourth place in the overall points standings. Her previous success laid the groundwork for her current opportunities in NASCAR.
Behind the Scenes: A Lighthearted Moment at the Airport
Beyond the racetrack, Breidinger recently shared a humorous moment from her travels. At a Delta Airlines airport, she posted pictures of herself carrying two suitcases and a large stuffed teddy bear, which she jokingly thanked Delta for allowing without counting it as a third carry-on item.
One photo even showed the teddy bear seated on an airplane seat, showcasing her playful approach to the travel challenges that come with being a professional racer.
“thank you for not counting him as my third carry-on item.” — Toni Breidinger, NASCAR Driver
The Impact of Toni Breidinger’s Approach on NASCAR
Toni Breidinger’s ability to combine her racing career with brand partnerships challenges stereotypes about female drivers and highlights the financial realities of the sport today. By embracing her individuality and forming connections with female-focused brands, she contributes to broadening the representation of women within NASCAR.
Her approach may encourage other drivers to explore diverse income streams, making the racing world more accessible while also expanding the sport’s fanbase. As her career progresses, Breidinger’s balance of glamour and grit could inspire a new generation of racers who see success as multi-dimensional.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Toni Breidinger the first Arab female NASCAR driver?
A. Toni Breidinger makes history by being the first Arab-American woman to drive in a NASCAR national series. In Daytona Beach, Florida, she is leading the way for others.