By India Bailey
Life often presents us with unexpected moments that shape our future in ways we couldn't have imagined. Some call it fate; others perhaps serendipity – or destiny. For NASCAR driver Toni Breidinger, one of those moments occurred during a family day at Sonoma Raceway when she was a pre-teen. What started as a fun outing with her twin sister and father quickly ignited a passion that would set her on a historic path.
"I tried go-karting when I was nine. It was just something random, but it clicked. I loved the independence and the speed, and from that first time, I knew I wanted to race professionally."
It's funny how an experience can positively change one life, while the same experience can send another completely off the rails. Coincidentally, I was the same age when my dad took me to a go-kart track. But instead of finding my passion, I found myself speeding out of control with faulty brakes – ending up with both my kart and my hair literally on fire. I haven't been near a go-kart since.
While my karting adventure went up in flames, Breidinger's experience ignited something big. Now 25, that deep sense of 'knowing' has her making history as NASCAR's first Arab-American female driver. Her rise shows she's not just there to compete – she's proving that women have a rightful place in a sport long dominated by men.
As part of the premier stock car racing organisation in the U.S., NASCAR oversees some of the most prestigious series, including the NASCAR Cup Series, the Xfinity Series, and the Craftsman Truck Series (formerly known as the Camping World Truck Series). Breidinger currently competes in the CTS, where fierce competition and high-speed action define the races. This series is a crucial stepping stone toward the NASCAR Cup Series, her ultimate goal.
Born in Hillsborough, California in 1999, Toni Breidinger always dreamed big, but her path wasn't easy. After high school, she took a bold leap, moving across the country to North Carolina – NASCAR's heartland – without any industry connections.
"Moving on my own was intimidating."
As a woman entering the racing space, Toni encountered obstacles that many male drivers might not face. "It's definitely tough to navigate male-dominated spaces as a female," she explains. "I didn't have any connections in NASCAR, and it was a lot of trial and error to get to where I am. But it's exciting to see more and more females getting involved with motorsports – whether behind the wheel, as reporters, or as engineers."
Her perseverance reflects the determination of female pioneers like Sara Christian, the first woman to compete in a NASCAR race in 1949, and Louise Smith, the 'First Lady of Racing,' who won 38 races between 1945 and 1956. These women, along with Janet Guthrie – the first woman to race in both the Indianapolis 500 and Daytona 500 – opened doors for future generations.
The young racer's professional journey began in 2018 when she debuted in the ARCA Menards Series with Venturini Motorsports, a Toyota Racing development team. Initially racing part-time, she quickly made her mark and transitioned to a full-time schedule. As the first Arab-American woman to compete in NASCAR's history, Breidinger achieved over 60 starts and multiple top-10 finishes. She then focused on grassroots racing at local short tracks in Pro Late Model Stock until rejoining the ARCA series in 2021.
In 2022, Breidinger advanced to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, debuting with Young's Motorsports at Kansas Speedway – a defining moment in her career. Reflecting on that race, she says:
"Kansas was intense. It was the next level up from anything I'd done before, but I felt calm. All the mental preparation really made a difference."
That composure stems from rigorous training with a mental coach. Partnering with Toyota Racing, her preparation combines physical endurance with mental conditioning. "Racing is mentally and physically gruelling. Toyota has a facility with trainers, nutritionists, and life coaches that I visit daily," she says. Her routine includes strength training, heat acclimatisation, and sensory exercises.
Given the extreme conditions inside race cars (they can reach up to 55 degrees Celsius) heat training is essential. "We spend an hour in a heat room, keeping our heart rate at 80% of max, then switch to hand-eye coordination exercises," she explains. "It's about staying sharp when the conditions are toughest."
When it comes to pre-race rituals, Breidinger keeps it simple, focusing on mental preparation and talks with her team. "I always make sure I'm hydrated and fuelled with carbs. I'll have a Celsius [energy drink] before the race for an extra boost, but it's the mental prep and conversations with my crew that get me in the zone."
It's not surprising that when asked who her fantasy race would be with, she mentions the best in the game: "I'd love to race against Lewis Hamilton and Jimmie Johnson, two absolute legends."
While physical training is vital, precision defines racing. After each race, Breidinger studies data, focusing on brake, throttle, and steering metrics to improve her performance. "I'm always trying to learn and improve. I focus on what I'm doing behind the wheel, while the engineers focus on the car." Looking back, that dodgy, wrong-side-of-the-road go-kart track I went to could have really used some engineers. It might have spared me the awful haircut post-crash and casual near-death experience.
Beyond the track, her passion for cars remains strong. "I'm always impressed by how loud a car is and how fast it accelerates," she laughs. "I love my Toyota Tundra TRD Pro that I've been whipping around this year. Having a truck is kind of nostalgic to me since I grew up in them. I've also been eyeing a Land Cruiser. I like big cars."
If a fast-paced racing career wasn't enough, the athlete has also made waves in the modelling world. Represented by IMG, she became a Victoria's Secret model in 2022, making headlines as the first NASCAR driver to model for the brand. This move highlights her versatility, proving she can seamlessly navigate both motorsport and fashion, fulfilling dreams she's held since childhood. With over 5 million followers across TikTok and Instagram, she is building a multi-dimensional brand far beyond the racetrack.
Toni also uses her social media to amplify female drivers' visibility. Her TikTok and Instagram offer glimpses into her racing world, connecting with younger audiences and giving them insight into her life with outfit checks, behind-the-scenes moments, and tutorials. By sharing everything from race day routines to personal moments, she's inspiring the next generation of racers.
When she's not racing, she enjoys activities like Pilates, hiking, and caring for her plants. "I've been really into gardening lately," she shares, as I glance over at my own wilting plants, which I've neglected to whisper sweet nothings to for what feels like over a month. "During the off-season, I want to do more of that. It's one of those things I find calming." She also dabbles in painting, appreciating the creative outlet, even if perfection isn't the goal. "I'm not great at it, but it's about chasing those little joys every day."
While these hobbies bring her peace, Toni remains focused on her racing career and the legends who inspire her drive for greatness.
"Lewis Hamilton is such a trailblazer. I've admired him for a long time – not just for his achievements on the track, but for the change he's pushing for off it."
Like Hamilton, who champions diversity and sustainability in motorsport, Toni aims to create a legacy that goes beyond her victories. Her next goal is clear: "I'm aiming for the Cup Series."
Competing professionally in a high-level sport naturally brings tough competition. For Toni, one of her fiercest rivals is Hailie Deegan, the first woman to win a race in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West. "Hailie is tough, and we push each other every time we're on the track," Breidinger says. "It's great to be part of this growing presence of women in NASCAR, but it's also about performing at your best."
Toni holds the record for the most Top 10 finishes by any female in any NASCAR's ARCA MENARDS Series. While winning and achieving strong race results are vital to her career, it's also about inspiring others to chase their passions, no matter the field.
"I hope people feel inspired to pursue careers that are 'out of the norm'. I want to show that you can succeed and excel in spaces where people might not expect you to."
Moments like these reflect the ongoing shift in motorsport, building on the legacy started by pioneers like Sara Christian and Janet Guthrie. Now, Breidinger carries that torch, proving that women belong at every level.
As the racer looks toward the future, her story is far from over. From her early days in go-karts to her NASCAR Truck Series success, she's already made a lasting mark on the sport. But with her sights set on the NASCAR Cup Series, the road ahead promises even more challenges and triumphs.
"That's the thing about racing," she says. "There's always something ahead, always something to chase."
As Breidinger speeds toward her next goal, it's clear that she's not just driving for victory – she's making history. And she's only picking up speed.
