“DEI hires never work”, “Hopefully she’s a better racer than Hailie Deegan”: NASCAR world reacts to Toni Breidinger’s latest move

Toni Breidinger will race full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series next year but many fans are unsure about her success.

It was announced on November 26 that Breidinger will drive the No. 5 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro for TRICON Garage with sponsorship from Raising Cane’s, CELSIUS, and Sunoco in 2025.

The 25-year-old driver has raced in the Truck Series part-time over the last two years. With a 15th-place finish at Kansas Speedway in 2023, Breidinger is the highest-placing female debut driver in series history. She also holds the record for the most (27) top-10 finishes by a female driver in any NASCAR series.

Nonetheless, NASCAR fans on X (formerly Twitter) were not impressed with the latest move.

"DEI hires never work," wrote one user.

"Massive W! A Fast Toyota that won't be competitive because it's a DEI hire," commented another.

"Yet another dei pick," wrote another.

Many compared her to Hailie Deegan, who competed in the Truck Series for three years. This year, she moved to the Xfinity Series after AM Racing replaced her mid-season.

"Hooefully shes better racer than Deegan," wrote one user.

"Same what happened to Deegan gunna happen to her," wrote another.

"Haley deegan 2.0," replied yet another.

Deegan will switch to open wheel in the Indy NXT next year.

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"It’s been a 15-year process" - Toni Breidinger on racing full time for TRICON in NASCAR

Toni Breidinger will join TRICON teammates Corey Heim and Tanner Gray in the Craftsman Truck Series next year.

Breidinger had a solid 2024 season in the ARCA Menards Series after she finished fourth in the final standings with 11 top-10 finishes, driving for Venturini Motorsports. She has earned four top-five and 27 top-10 finishes in the series over 65 starts since 2018.

Before NASCAR, she won 19 races in the USAC Racing Series.

"Racing full-time with TRICON is a dream for me. It’s been a 15-year process to get here but I’m so excited for this moment and ready to capitalize on it. I wouldn’t have this opportunity if it wasn’t for Toyota, Raising Cane’s, CELSIUS, and Sunoco. I’m beyond grateful to have these partners and team in my corner to take this next step in my career," said Toni Breidinger.

The California native has also worked as a model for brands like GAP, Victoria’s Secret, and Free People. She was named one of the athlete models, including Cameron Brink and three-time Olympic Gold Medalist Gabby Thomas, for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit in 2025.

Toni Breidinger has over five million followers on all her social media combined.