“I want to go for rookie of the year”: Toni Breidinger’s new NASCAR teammate sets ambitious stage for debut season

NASCAR driver Toni Breidinger recently secured her spot in the Truck Series as a full-time competitor. Breidinger is set to pilot the #5 Toyota Tundras for Tricon Garage starting from the 2025 season. Recently, her future Tricon teammate Gio Ruggiero shed light on his expectations from his full-time move to the Truck Series.

Gio Ruggiero started his professional racing career with Late Models and won his first championship competing in the Show Me The Money Pro Late Model Series. Soon After, the Massachusetts native moved up the ladder to the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) Series, where he secured his first NASCAR win in the Pensacola 150 earlier this year. Moreover, the 18-year-old has amassed 19 top-ten finishes and three starts from pole, in 23 races.

Recently, Toni Breidinger's new Tricon teammate reflected on the Truck Series opportunity and outlined his expectations from running a full-time season in one of NASCAR's top three divisions. As reported by NASCAR Insider Matt Weaver of Sportsnaut, Ruggiero said: (via X)

“It’s super awesome. I’m really excited for it. I think we will have a chance to run really well. I’m really fortunate and excited to be able to do this with a good team too." Ruggiero said

“I definitely have high expectations for myself. I want to go for rookie of the year. That’s goal number one. But really, it’s about the process, just trying to put together good races, run up front and learn as much as I can.” he added

Ruggiero will replace Taylor Gray at Tricon Garage, who recently climbed up the NASCAR ladder, joining NASCAR giant Joe Gibbs Racing's Xfinity Series program. He will pilot their #54 Toyota GR Supra full-time in the 2025 Xfinity Season.

Toni Breidinger is also set to embark on her first full-time season in the Camping World Truck Series after a strong performance with Venturini Motorsports in the ARCA Series. With an impressive Instagram following of 2.7 million, Breidinger has secured key sponsorships with brands like CELSIUS and Sunoco, which will bolster her NASCAR journey.

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"I’m definitely expecting the season to be tough": Toni Breidinger reflects on upcoming breakthrough season in NASCAR

Toni Breidinger recently reflected on her new opportunity with Tricon Garage for the 2025 NASCAR Truck Series season. Despite having only three prior Truck Series starts, Breidinger acknowledged the challenges ahead, emphasizing the "learning curve" she anticipates while embracing this pivotal step in her professional racing career.

“I’m definitely excited for that next step. Obviously, there is going to be a learning curve with it but Toyota’s been super supportive, and I’ve been preparing and like, grinding pretty hard during the offseason.” Toni Breidinger said (via On3)

"I’m excited for the offseason and this coming season. I feel like this is a good time for me to prepare and get dialed in and be ready to go when the season starts. " she added.

The Truck Series is set to return for the season opener at Daytona Ion Valentine's Day for the Fresh From Florida 250. The race, scheduled for 7:30 PM ET, will be available on FOX Sports 1, MRN, and SiriusXM.