Toni Breidinger Exposes The “Toxic” Reality of NASCAR

NASCAR star Toni Breidinger revealed the toxic situation of her career as she tries to find funds to keep racing.

Toni Breidinger Exposes The “Toxic” Reality of NASCAR

Toni Breidinger (image via Pro Football Network)

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Toni Breidinger is currently one of the most influential women in the world of motorsport. She became the first Arab-American woman to compete in NASCAR when she made her Truck Series debut in 2023. Since then, Breidinger has continued to chase her racing dream, but things have not been so easy.

Historically, women have had it far harder to make their way up the racing ladder, and Toni Breidinger‘s experience was no different. On top of that, racing is extremely expensive, drivers are often forced to find sponsors just to pay for their races. This has forced Breidinger to work tirelessly with several brands, just to keep her dream alive.

Luckily, the 26-year-old has managed to bag some big deals over the years. Toni Breidinger has partnered with the likes of Coach, Victoria’s Secret, and even Kendall Jenner’s 818 Tequila. These deals have allowed her to keep funding her career. However, critics have often claimed that such marketing duties would distract her from racing.

Toni Breidinger gave a clear response to critics. She declared that the only thing that would impact her is not being able to race, and without sponsors, she would never be able to afford racing. Breidinger admitted that the situation does sound toxic, but she has gotten used to it. Even though she now needs to work almost all the time, be it on-track or at marketing events.

When people say that doing brand deals affects my performance, I’m like, ‘No, you know what affects my performance? Not being able to race because I can’t afford it.’ You need seat time to get better, and you have to pay for it…  it sounds toxic, but I’m okay with working 99% of the time right now.

Toni Breidinger told Motorsport.com.

Toni Breidinger reveals marketing strategy to attract sponsors

The lack of female racing drivers remains a concern, something that is yet to be fully fixed even today. Nevertheless, Toni Breidinger has learnt how to use her platform to her advantage and make the most out of it when it comes to signing new sponsorship agreements.

Toni Breidinger
Toni Breidinger (via X/@jeff_gluck)

The 26-year-old revealed that she tries to get in touch with more female-centric brands. Toni Breidinger is a much better ambassador for such brands as their products are usually not used by her male counterparts. Moreover, Breidinger’s presence in the field allows not only the sport but even her sponsors to attract female audiences in what has predominantly been a male-dominated viewership.

I like leaning into the female-focused brands and products that I use myself, because they’re often things that my male team-mates don’t use. I might as well leverage that and build partnerships with brands that are authentic to me and tap into [the female] demographic.

Toni Breidinger added

Toni Breidinger’s efforts are not just limited to her own career. The Arab-American understands the need to be a voice for all the aspiring girls who want to become a racing driver. Breidinger admitted that she was insecure when she was starting out racing. Now, she wants to show others like her that they too can achieve such a feat.

When I was younger, I was insecure about pursuing a career path that was out of the norm, so it’s important to be inclusive and build community to show young girls that you can have other passions and it won’t take away from your sport

Toni Breidinger stated.

Certainly, the 26-year-old is an inspiration to thousands of young girls who too love racing. However, there is still a long way to go for Toni Breidinger before she makes it to the Cup Series. She must try and improve her results, get to the front of the field in the Truck Series to prove her worth in NASCAR.

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