Toni Breidinger is making history on two fronts. The NASCAR Truck Series driver, who broke ground as the first Arab-American female racer, is now turning heads with her debut in the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue.
Her journey blends high-octane competition with the glitz of high fashion. With an impressive racing career behind her and years of modeling experience for brands like Victoria’s Secret, GAP, and Free People, Breidinger is challenging stereotypes while paving a new path for women in motorsports.
Toni Breidinger’s SI Swimsuit Debut Besides Racing Achievements
NASCAR Truck Series driver Breidinger appeared in the 2025 Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. Flaunting a green bikini on the Boca Raton beaches in Florida, the Arab-American model captivated her 44.6k followers on X.
“It’s an honor to be featured in the 2025 @SI_Swimsuit @SInow issue,” Breidinger wrote. “It’s very surreal to be in this issue along side so many inspiring athletes. thank you a million to everyone who made this dream of mine come true!”
it’s an honor to be featured in the 2025 @SI_Swimsuit @SInow issue. it’s very surreal to be in this issue along side so many inspiring athletes. thank you a million to everyone who made this dream of mine come true!! pic.twitter.com/IHuHKmZPsh
— Toni Breidinger (@ToniBreidinger) November 18, 2024
Breidinger’s SI Swimsuit debut coincides with her first full season with TRICON Garage in the Craftsman Truck Series. On the track, she has steadily built her reputation with impressive performances that highlight her determination and skill.
“Racing full-time with Tricon is a dream for me,” Breidinger said after landing the deal. “It’s been a 15-year process to get here, but I’m so excited for this moment and ready to capitalize on it.”
Overcoming Barriers and Balancing Dual Passions
Being the first Arab-American woman to race presents its own specific challenges. In a sport traditionally led by men and rich in heritage, Breidinger has maneuvered through cultural norms and conservative beliefs while creating her own way. Her achievements in athletics and high fashion act as a compelling message to anyone who thinks one has to decide between passion and self-identity.
Reflecting on the balance between racing and modeling, she shared, “It’s kind of funny, cause everyone’s like, ‘Oh, you have to do one thing. You have to be a race car driver or a model, you can’t do both,’” she told Forbes.
She continued, “They kind of work perfectly for me because I do leverage my modeling to help me get behind the wheel…they kind of really go hand in hand for me. And I feel like I’m able to balance them really well.”
Toni Breidinger traded the racetrack for the beach and absolutely owned her SI Swimsuit debut. pic.twitter.com/iWpofUwfwy
— Sports Illustrated Swimsuit (@SI_Swimsuit) February 20, 2025
Breidinger’s achievements are bolstered by strong support from sponsors and partners.
“I wouldn’t have this opportunity if it wasn’t for Toyota, Raising Cane’s, CELSIUS, and Sunoco,” she said in a statement (via Newsweek). “I’m beyond grateful to have these partners and team in my corner to take this next step in my career.”
With a personal flair, she remembered the excitement of her modeling peers: “So coming to some of my partners say, ‘Hey, I’m in the Truck Series, they’re like, ‘OK, cool, we really don’t know [what] that is, but we’re going to support you no matter what,” she smiled.
Breidinger’s path reflects her strength and vision. By embracing the excitement of racing and the appeal of high-fashion modeling, she inspires a fresh generation of women to shatter limitations and pursue their ambitions without any compromise.
