Toni Breidinger isn’t just a race car driver or a model—she’s both, and she’s making history every step of the way. Whether she’s tearing up the track in the SpeedyCash.com 250 at Texas Motor Speedway or walking the runway in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, Toni is proof that grit and glamour can go hand in hand.
Who Is Toni Breidinger?
Born in San Francisco, California (born July 14, 1999), Toni is proud of her Lebanese and German roots. She became the first Arab-American female driver in NASCAR, breaking a huge barrier in a male-dominated industry. Alongside her twin sister Annie, Toni started go-karting at just 9 years old at the Phoenix Kart Racing Association (PKRA).
From winning 19 USAC midget races to stepping into national stock car racing, Toni’s rise is all about passion, persistence, and pure drive.
Racing Career: ARCA, Tricon Garage & NASCAR
Toni competes full-time in the ARCA Menards Series with Venturini Motorsports and part-time in the Craftsman Truck Series with Tricon Garage. She holds the record for the most top-10 finishes by a female driver in ARCA history (25).
She’s raced at iconic venues including Phoenix Raceway, Daytona, and the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. As she pushes toward her goal of a NASCAR Cup Series seat, she’s already showing she belongs among the sport’s elite.
Facing the Pay Gap and Lack of Funding
In racing, “pay to play” isn’t just a phrase—it’s reality. Toni often discusses how sponsorships are vital for seat time. She points out how women in sports are often underfunded, just like in basketball where Caitlin Clark earns $76,000 in the WNBA, compared to Victor Wembanyama’s $12.2 million NBA start.
Reports from ESPN, Axios, and kickinthetires.net highlight this inequality. Toni turns these challenges into motivation—seeking sponsors that align with women’s empowerment and inspire change.
Dual Life: Race Car Driver Meets Runway Star
Toni says it best:
“I would not be racing without modeling, and I honestly wouldn’t be modeling without my racing.”
She’s walked in New York Fashion Week, starred in the Coach Soho Sneaker campaign, and collaborated with Kendall Jenner’s 818 Tequila. Her look blends sporty and stylish—vintage NASCAR jackets, black trousers, oversized clothes, or a tennis skirt with her favorite sneakers.
At the Miami Grand Prix, she stunned in a yellow minidress, white handbag, and an elegant racing watch, walking the F1 pit lane with Olympic champion Suni Lee. And in Las Vegas, she rocked a vintage-inspired jersey and trucker hat—turning pit road into her runway.
She brings confidence and fashion trends into motorsports, proving you can be both fast and fashionable.
Keeping Her Private Life Private
Many fans wonder about Toni Breidinger’s husband or relationship status. While the curiosity is natural, Toni has never confirmed a partner or marriage. She values privacy and wants her fans to focus on her performance, not personal details.
Her Instagram offers a glimpse into her world—photos with friends, family, behind-the-scenes from races, and moments with fellow colleagues—without oversharing.
Mentorship & Inspiring the Next Generation
On International Women’s Day, Toni and her sister Annie—now a car engineer in the OEM industry—hosted a karting event at PKRA for 13 young girls. They answered questions, shared stories about overcoming setbacks, and encouraged girls to chase dreams in engineering and racing.
Partnering with Raising Cane’s & WSF
Toni’s partnership with Raising Cane’s and founder Todd Graves isn’t just promotional—it’s personal. She drives a Raising Cane’s-branded car and uses her platform for impact.
Together, they donated $100,000 to the Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF)—founded by Billie Jean King in 1974. As a WSF Athlete Ambassador, Toni champions gender equity and sports access for girls across society.
Other Female Drivers Making Their Mark
Toni isn’t alone in changing NASCAR:
- Natalie Decker – Part-time in the Xfinity Series, promotes Bikini Zone, and is married to Derek Lemke.
- Amber Balcaen – First Canadian woman to win a NASCAR race; races full-time in ARCA.
- Logan Misuraca – Aerospace Engineering graduate from University of Central Florida, and Pro Late Model Champion.
- Mandy Chick – Studying Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Management, she races for Team Chick Motorsports and placed 5th at Daytona in 2023.
Despite their achievements, only 134 women have raced in NASCAR’s national series compared to 19,732 men, according to Sporting News and Racing Reference.
What’s Next for Toni Breidinger?
In 2025, Toni is pushing toward a full-time seat in the NASCAR Cup Series while continuing to model and expand brand partnerships. Whether she’s mentoring, designing outfits, or building her following, she stays true to her mission:
“I have many different personalities—on track, I feel adrenaline and competitiveness. On set, I’m relaxed and creative. They balance me.”
Final Word
Toni Breidinger is more than a record-breaking driver or a model on the rise—she’s a trailblazer, a mentor, a role model, and a movement. She’s not just showing the world that women belong in motorsports. She’s showing them how to lead with confidence, style, and unstoppable spirit.
