Toni Breidinger, a driver in NASCAR’s Truck Series, balances her racing career with modeling ventures to support her goals. At 26, the TRICON Garage driver relies on brand partnerships to fund her passion for racing amid challenges in her rookie season.
Using Brand Deals to Sustain a Racing Career
Breidinger, who is of German-Lebanese descent, has teamed up with several well-known brands such as Raising Cane’s, Coach, Dave & Buster’s, Victoria’s Secret, and 818 Tequila. In addition to endorsements, she has appeared in high-profile publications like Glamour, GQ, and Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Edition. These ventures serve as crucial financial support for her racing ambitions.
Breidinger told the Los Angeles Times about her priorities and dual career paths, saying,
“I was definitely a racer before anything. That was definitely my passion. I’ve been lucky enough to be able to do modeling to help support that passion. But at the end of the day, I definitely consider myself a racer. That’s what I grew up doing and that’s the career I’ve always wanted to do.” —Toni Breidinger
“It’s all part of the business. It all goes back into my racing. The side hustles, I like to call them. I don’t think that takes away from me being a race car driver,” she added. —Toni Breidinger
In a recent interview with Motorsport.com, she addressed critics who suggest brand deals harm her racing focus, explaining,
“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
The Financial Realities of NASCAR’s Pay-to-Play Model
Sponsorship plays a vital role in securing seats within NASCAR’s lower-tier series. Even top drivers such as reigning Cup Series champion Joey Logano have expressed criticism of the pay-to-play system, noting the necessity of financial backing just to enter Xfinity or Truck Series races. Logano has highlighted that drivers often
“have to show up with money on the doorstep”
to compete.
This funding structure can lead to unintended consequences, such as reduced accountability for drivers’ performance and behavior on the track. Because their spots are guaranteed as long as they bring sponsors, some drivers may race more aggressively or consistently finish toward the back without risking their future opportunities. While this provides a learning environment, it may leave some unprepared for the demands of the premier Cup Series.
Despite these challenges, Toni Breidinger has effectively leveraged her visibility and partnerships to earn a full-time ride in the Truck Series by 2023, two years after her debut.
Assessing Toni Breidinger’s Rookie Season Performance
Breidinger has found it difficult to gain traction during her rookie year behind the wheel of the #5 Toyota. Across 16 starts, she has mostly finished 20th or worse, with her best result being an 18th-place finish at Rockingham Speedway. Her qualifying efforts mirror this pattern, averaging a 25th place start, with her best qualifying performance at 18th in Atlanta.
Her recent race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway saw her finish two laps down, highlighting ongoing struggles with competitiveness.
Meanwhile, her TRICON teammate, Corey Heim, has been excelling with a dominant season and currently leads the standings. Breidinger sits in 22nd place with a 535-point deficit to Heim, who is 23 years old.
With only two races remaining in the regular season, Breidinger’s playoff chances appear slim unless an unexpected victory occurs.
Looking Ahead: Watkins Glen Road Course Challenge
The next opportunity for Breidinger to improve her standing comes at Watkins Glen International, where she will compete in a 72-lap race on the road course. The event is scheduled for Friday, August 8, starting at 5 PM ET, and will be broadcast on FS1.
As she continues to navigate the difficult early stages of her NASCAR career, Toni Breidinger remains determined to leverage her diverse talents and sponsorship support. Her ability to combine racing with off-track brand deals highlights not only her adaptability but also underscores the financial realities drivers face in sustaining their dreams within motorsports.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Toni Breidinger good?
A. During the 2023 ARCA season, Breidinger achieved her first top-five finish. She got four top-five finishes overall, and her highest was third place in Kansas.