Toni Breidinger Predicted Her NASCAR Career at Age 9. Now, She’s Making History in the Sport (Exclusive)

Professional racing driver Toni Breidinger is breaking barriers and making history in the NASCAR world, and she recently shared her inspiring journey with PEOPLE exclusively. From a young age, Breidinger dreamt of becoming a racing driver, and now at 25, she’s not only pursuing her passion but also shattering stereotypes in a predominantly male-dominated sport.

Breidinger, of Lebanese and German descent, is the first Arab-American female to compete in NASCAR. In 2023, she made history by securing a remarkable 15th place finish at Kansas Speedway, marking her as the highest-placing female debut driver in the Truck Series. Currently, she races for TRICON Garage in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, driving the No. 5 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro with sponsorships from Raising Cane’s, CELSIUS, and Sunoco during her rookie season.

Despite the challenges faced by females in the industry, Breidinger remains determined to succeed on and off the track. She emphasises the importance of physical and mental strength in racing while also focusing on growing her fan base to inspire a wider audience, particularly females looking to break into motorsports. Not only is she creating waves in racing, but she’s also expanding her influence by engaging with over one million followers on social media.

In a groundbreaking move, Breidinger has teamed up with Kendall Jenner’s 818 Tequila as its first-ever sports partner and ambassador. The partnership with the female-founded brand aligns with her values of authenticity and community building. Breidinger highlights the significance of working with brands that share her ethos and support her journey as a female entrepreneur in a male-dominated landscape.

Reflecting on her unconventional path to success, Breidinger acknowledges that her rise in motorsport came without any prior family background in the industry. She credits her determination and passion for propelling her towards her goals, despite the initial lack of knowledge from her parents. At 17, she presented her ambitious plan to become a NASCAR driver, ultimately moving to North Carolina to kickstart her racing career.

Away from the racetrack, Breidinger showcases her multifaceted persona as an athlete, model, and content creator. While her competitive drive shines through during races, her creativity flourishes on social media, where she shares a mix of race-related and fashion-forward content. Embracing her unique identity, Breidinger stands out as a non-traditional NASCAR driver, attracting a diverse fan base to the sport.

As she continues to pave her own way in the world of motorsports, Breidinger remains steadfast in her mission to be a trailblazer and inspire others to follow their dreams fearlessly. Her mantra of embracing individuality and being unafraid to be the first ‘you’ drives her to create her narrative in an industry where she’s a true outlier. Breidinger’s story serves as a testament to perseverance, passion, and the power of forging one’s path in a competitive arena.

The partnership between Breidinger and 818 Tequila symbolises a shift towards inclusivity and empowerment in traditionally male-centric spaces. By breaking barriers in NASCAR and collaborating with brands that align with her values, Breidinger continues to set an example for aspiring athletes and entrepreneurs alike.

Through her unwavering dedication and fearless spirit, Toni Breidinger exemplifies the essence of resilience and determination in pursuing her dreams. As she blazes a trail in NASCAR, she not only drives towards victory on the track but also empowers a generation of individuals to defy expectations, challenge norms, and carve their paths to success in any industry.