Toni Breidinger, a trailblazing figure in American motorsports and modeling, has recently made significant strides in her dual careers. Born on July 14, 1999, in San Francisco, California, Breidinger began her racing journey at the age of nine, competing in go-kart events alongside her twin sister, Annie. Over the years, she has ascended the ranks of motorsports, achieving notable milestones and breaking barriers for women and Arab-American athletes in the racing world.
In November 2024, Breidinger announced a pivotal move in her racing career by securing a full-time position with TRICON Garage for the 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season. She is set to drive the No. 5 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, with sponsorship from long-standing partners Raising Cane’s, CELSIUS, and Sunoco. Reflecting on this opportunity, Breidinger expressed her enthusiasm: “Racing full-time with TRICON is a dream for me. It’s been a 15-year process to get here, but I’m so excited for this moment and ready to capitalize on it.”
Breidinger’s journey to this milestone has been marked by perseverance and a series of commendable performances. She has accumulated 65 starts in the ARCA Menards Series, finishing fourth in the 2024 standings with 11 top-10 finishes and achieving a personal best of sixth place on two occasions. Her debut in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2023 was equally impressive, as she secured a 15th-place finish at Kansas Speedway, marking the best debut performance for a female driver in the series.
Beyond the racetrack, Breidinger has made significant inroads into the modeling industry. In November 2024, she was featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, an achievement she described as “very surreal” and an honor to be alongside inspiring athletes. This accomplishment underscores her versatility and ability to excel in diverse arenas.
Breidinger’s modeling career has not only expanded her personal brand but has also played a strategic role in advancing her racing endeavors. She has collaborated with prominent brands such as Victoria’s Secret, Gap, and Free People, and has been featured in esteemed publications including the New York Times, Flaunt, Marie Claire, Glamour, and GQ. In April 2024, she partnered with IMG Models, aiming to leverage her influence to secure opportunities in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle sectors. Breidinger articulated her vision for this partnership, stating, “I’m excited to partner with IMG Models. Their commitment to supporting women athletes and dedication to promoting gender equity in sports align perfectly with my own values.”
Addressing the interplay between her dual careers, Breidinger has emphasized the symbiotic relationship between modeling and racing. She has adeptly utilized her modeling platform to attract sponsorships and support for her racing pursuits. In an interview with Forbes, she highlighted this dynamic: “It’s kind of funny, cause everyone’s like ‘oh, you have to do one thing. You have to be a race car driver or a model, you can’t do both.’ They kind of work perfectly for me because I do leverage my modeling to help me get behind the wheel…they kind of really go hand in hand for me.”
Despite her burgeoning success, Breidinger has faced challenges and made strategic decisions to align with her career objectives. Notably, she was initially part of the Busch Light Accelerate Her program, an initiative aimed at promoting female racecar drivers in NASCAR. However, she later chose to depart from the program to focus on her existing sponsors and forthcoming opportunities. While specific reasons for this decision remain private, Breidinger’s commitment to her career trajectory is evident.
As of 2024, Breidinger’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million, a testament to her successful ventures in both racing and modeling. Her diverse heritage, with a Lebanese father and a German mother, has enriched her perspective and fueled her drive to break barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields. Looking ahead, Breidinger aims to continue her ascent in the NASCAR Cup Series, inspiring a new generation of racers to pursue their passions with determination and resilience.
In summary, Toni Breidinger’s multifaceted career exemplifies the power of versatility and strategic branding. Her seamless integration of modeling and racing not only amplifies her personal brand but also paves the way for greater representation and opportunities for women in motorsports. As she embarks on her full-time role with TRICON Garage in the 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Breidinger’s trajectory serves as an inspiring narrative of ambition, adaptability, and breaking new ground in multiple industries.