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Who Is Toni Breidinger, the First Arab American Woman to Compete in the NASCAR Truck Series?
The 23-year-old Briedinger will compete in her inaugural national series race at Kansas.
Toni Breidinger is used to people telling her no. She’s also used to proving them wrong.
Hot off the heels of a successful part-time campaign in the ARCA Menards Series where she notched an impressive nine top-10 finishes, Breidinger will now be able to add the title of NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver to her already stacked resume. Announced Wednesday, the leap into the illustrious series is history in the making as she’ll become the first Arab American woman to compete in the league.
Breidinger, who has modeled for Victoria’s Secret before in the past and was featured in the company’s 2022 Fall Collection Campaign, will be sponsored by the iconic brand when she cruises into Kansas Speedway May 6 for the Heart of America 200 in the No. 1 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro for Tricon Garage, the flagship organization for developing Toyota drivers. The jump adds to Breidinger’s packed schedule in Kansas as she’ll also race for Venturini Motorsports in the No. 55 Toyota Camry in the ARCA Menards Series over the same weekend.
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Speaking about the accomplishment, an ecstatic Breidinger spoke about why she was so excited to partner with Victoria’s Secret.
“When I was younger, I dreamed of being a race car driver and a Victoria's Secret model,” Breidinger said, according to Motorsport.com. “I was told I couldn’t do both, but here I am — I’ll be driving the No. 1 Victoria's Secret Toyota Tundra TRD Pro at Kansas.”
“I’m endlessly grateful to the Victoria's Secret team for believing in not only me, but women in sports,” she added. “A huge thanks to Toyota Racing Development and Tricon Garage for this opportunity. It’s going to be a learning curve, but I’m ready to soak up every bit of it.”
Breidinger’s career speaks for itself. In just 35 career races, she’s notched nine top-10 finishes with her career best of eighth coming last year in Indiana. She also races full-time in the Toyota GR Cup.
The Venturini Motorsports driver skyrocketed to fame when she modeled for Victoria’s Secret, tweeting why she decided to pose for the legendary brand. One of the notable highlights along her meteoric rise was appearing on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” in February 2021. Boasting nearly 273,000 followers on Instagram, the Hillsboro, California native has a twin sister who also competes in the U.S. Auto Club.
“Growing up, I struggled a lot with body confidence,” wrote Breidinger in September 2022. “This past year I focused on my mental and physical health over appearance. I’m honored to be part of @VictoriaSecret family. Thank you for letting me feel confident in my own skin!”
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