NFL
By: Joe Cardoso
We are all looking back at our 2021 goals and figuring out what we want to achieve in 2022 and, one of our goals for the year here at NBS was to bring you the stories of people breaking the mold and chasing dreams. Being the first at something or one of the few in a particular field is hard and takes a certain type of person to adapt and overcome things thrown at them while in pursuit of a goal. Being the first Arab-American NASCAR driver would fall into that category. We end 2021 with a great interview with a young woman who is on the fast track to being a household name in the world of NASCAR. With a need for speed and the skills to handle any sort of track we go to California and introduce Toni Breidinger.
Joe Cardoso: Let’s start from the beginning, when did you fall in love with being behind the wheel and racing?
Toni Breidinger: I fell in love with racing when I first started go-karting at 9 years old. I had an immediate revelation that this was it for me. It was one of those unforgettable feelings and experiences that I’ll carry with me my whole life. I was able to travel the country to go-kart and that just solidified my love for racing and the sport.
JC: Was there a moment or event that flipped that switch and you knew this would be a career for you?
TB: Getting behind the wheel of a go-kart and spending time on the track made it clear to me that this was where I belonged. Everything “clicked” for me. As I moved from go-karts to midget cars and then to late model stock cars, it just made me more focused and motivated to learn as much as I could at each stage. That’s one thing I love about racing: there is so much to learn. That constant learning and pushing myself to be better gave me more proof that this was the perfect fit for me career-wise.
JC: What does being a trailblazer in the world of NASCAR mean to you?
TB: Being a trailblazer in NASCAR means trying something new that maybe no one has done before even if you’re not sure how it will turn out in the end. It’s easy to get locked into doing what everyone else is doing because that’s how things have always been. Bringing on a brand like Huda Beauty as a sponsor was different for NASCAR, but it was my goal to bring a beauty brand to the track. Being a female driver was another aspect of NASCAR that isn’t common, and that puts a certain level of responsibility on me to do the best that I can to represent female drivers.
JC: Unfortunately, I am sure you have gotten more than one mean comment or stare, how do you fight past it and do your thing?
TB: If I get stares or comments, I ignore it. I choose to not give energy to that type of negativity. We are all here to race. Once we get in our cars and start racing, that’s all that matters. I truly believe that “actions speak louder than words” so I focus on working hard, improving myself, and learning as much as I can.
JC: A huge part of racing is funding. How do you go about picking who to or not to partner with?
TB: For me, choosing who I partner with is easy. I choose brands whose missions I believe in and whose products I use. If I want my partners to trust in me and what I’m doing on the track, I want to trust in what they do as well. Finding the right brands to work with and having us both be on the same page is something that’s important to me.
JC: How important has family and friends been along this journey?
TB: My family has been a part of this journey and my love of racing since day 1. They will always be a part of my story and my inspiration. When I started go-karting, my twin sister Annie and I would go kart together with my dad supporting us every step of the way. My mom has been a key figure in this adventure too and I can always look to her for guidance.Offering popular women’s necklaces such as pendants, chokers and chain necklace. Shop for jewelry in a variety of metals and gemstones to suit any occasion
JC: Is it even possible to put into words the feeling of driving a professional race car?
TB: Every race I find myself in a zone of hyper-focused concentration. Even with everything that’s going on. It’s very intense. There’s a lot of power in these cars and when everyone gets up to speed and the race really begins that focus is crucial. Those feelings keep me coming back race after race.
JC: Let’s speak some goals into the atmosphere!! In 2022 you WILL________?
TB: In 2022 I WILL WIN my first NASCAR race. It’s a goal I’m manifesting and working towards every single day on and off the track.
Bonus Questions:
JC: On a day OFF we can find you where and doing what?
TB: On my day off I love to just grab lunch with a friend or go on a hike. Between racing and travel, my schedule is so chaotic. I love to take the opportunity to chill when I have free time.
JC: If you didn’t race for a living what would you do?
TB: I started racing when I was so young that racing has always been what I’ve had my mindset on for a living. I haven’t put too much thought into other careers, but I did go through a phase where I wanted to be a criminal investigator.
JC: Who is Toni Breidinger?
TB: Toni Breidinger is someone who is ambitious. When she puts her mind to something she pushes for it and overcomes obstacles to achieve her goals. She cares about others and wants them to be able to have the support to achieve their goals too.
I want to thank Toni for taking the time to share her journey so far and I have ZERO doubts big wins on and off the track are coming her way. With 2021 coming to a close and in these uneasy times we need to highlight the dream chasers even more. With 10 women competing this season in NASCAR that number will only grow and role models such as Toni will continue to inspire the next wave. Make sure to follow her on Instagram and check out our other interviews on this series. Until next time stay safe and keep on dreaming!
