Toni Breidinger Predicted Her NASCAR Career at Age 9. Now, She’s Making History in the Sport (Exclusive)
At just nine years old, Toni Breidinger already knew exactly where she was headed — straight into the fast lanes of professional racing. Today, at 24, the history-making NASCAR driver is proving that childhood dreams, when fueled with passion and persistence, can speed into reality.
In an exclusive interview, Breidinger reflects on the early moments that sparked her journey. “I remember writing in a school project that I wanted to be a professional race car driver,” she says. “It felt like a long shot at the time, but I never let go of that dream.”
Breidinger, who grew up in Hillsborough, California, began kart racing alongside her twin sister at a young age. Her natural talent was undeniable, and as she moved up through the racing ranks, her dedication only deepened. By her teenage years, Breidinger had already claimed 19 victories in the United States Auto Club (USAC) series — the most wins ever by a female driver in the organization’s history.
In 2021, she made headlines again when she became the first Arab-American woman to compete in a NASCAR national series event. Representing both Lebanese and German heritage, Breidinger has embraced her role as a trailblazer in a sport historically lacking in diversity.
“Representation really matters,” she explains. “When I was younger, I didn’t see many people who looked like me in racing. Being able to break barriers and inspire other young girls — especially girls who come from different backgrounds — is incredibly meaningful to me.”
But her rise hasn’t come without challenges. Racing is a notoriously tough and competitive field, and Breidinger has had to battle both on the track and off it. Securing sponsorships, dealing with skepticism, and navigating the pressures of public scrutiny are just part of the job — and she handles it all with an impressive blend of resilience and grace.
“You have to have a thick skin,” Breidinger admits. “There have been moments where I questioned if I belonged, but then I remember
