TONI BREIDINGER Disappointed by NASCAR’s Stagnant Female Driver Progress

September 2, 2025

by Kaamna Dwivedi // from www.essentiallysports.com

GRRL! SUMMARY:

TONI BREIDINGER isn’t sugarcoating NASCAR’s female representation problem. As the only full-time female driver in 2025, she called the situation “crazy” and “disappointing,” pointing out that progress has been “pretty stagnant” despite nearly 40% of NASCAR’s fanbase being female. With HAILIE DEEGAN scaling back to part-time due to sponsorship issues, Breidinger stands alone among more than 100 full-time drivers across NASCAR’s three national series.
But she’s not just talking – she’s building the pipeline herself. In March 2024, Breidinger returned to Phoenix Kart Racing Association where her career began, hosting 13 aspiring female drivers alongside her twin sister Annie. The event included track time, Q&A sessions, and a $100,000 donation to the Women’s Sports Foundation, proving that creating opportunities requires more than just hoping the sport will evolve on its own.
Beyond the track, Breidinger’s breaking new ground as the first female driver signed by IMG Models, paired with major sponsorships from Raising Cane’s, CELSIUS, and Victoria’s Secret. This dual platform lets her reach audiences who might never consider motorsports, subtly shifting perceptions while drivers like Denny Hamlin acknowledge that “our sport benefits greatly from having a successful female driver.” Even DANICA PATRICK, despite her controversial recent comments about biological differences, admits the sport hasn’t delivered the wave of female successors many predicted after her career.