Toni Breidinger is set to embark on her first full-time season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with Tricon Garage, bringing with her valuable experience from four prior Truck Series starts. The 24-year-old driver, who has built a strong foundation in ARCA, is eager to apply what she has learned as she transitions into one of NASCAR’s most competitive national touring series.
Lessons from Previous Truck Starts
Breidinger made her Truck Series debut in 2023, running a limited schedule with TRICON Garage. While she didn’t have many starts, those races gave her insight into the unique challenges of the series.
“The trucks drive so much differently than ARCA cars, especially in traffic,” Breidinger said. “The air plays a huge role, and understanding how to manage that has been a big learning curve. In ARCA, you’re not as affected by dirty air, but in trucks, it’s a major factor.”
Another key lesson from her previous starts was racecraft. The Truck Series features deep, talented fields filled with experienced veterans and aggressive young drivers. Learning how to balance patience with assertiveness has been a crucial takeaway.
“In ARCA, you can sometimes take your time making a move, but in trucks, if you hesitate, you lose positions fast. Everyone is racing hard from the start to the finish,” she explained.
Anticipating the Challenges Ahead
As she prepares for a full season, Breidinger knows that consistency will be key. She expects superspeedways and mile-and-a-half tracks to be among her strongest suits, but short tracks and high-wear surfaces will present new challenges.
“In ARCA, the cars are heavier and don’t rely as much on aero. In trucks, you really have to be precise with your inputs, especially on the intermediates where speed is critical,” Breidinger noted. “Managing tire wear and pit strategy is also going to be a big adjustment.”
Additionally, she acknowledges that racing in a full-time capacity will allow her to build stronger chemistry with her team, which is crucial for success in the Truck Series.
“The biggest thing I’m looking forward to is getting into a rhythm with my team at Tricon. Running full-time means I can learn from race to race and build momentum instead of starting fresh every time I get back in the truck,” she said.
A New Chapter with Tricon Garage
Joining Tricon Garage, one of Toyota’s powerhouse teams in the Truck Series, gives Breidinger a strong support system as she makes this leap. Tricon has been a competitive force in the series, fielding race-winning trucks for drivers like Corey Heim and Taylor Gray.
“Having teammates who have experience in the series is going to be a huge advantage. I can lean on them for advice and really focus on improving each week,” Breidinger said.
As she embarks on her rookie campaign, Breidinger is focused on steady progress rather than immediate results.
“I just want to keep improving every race and get more comfortable in the truck. If we can be competitive and keep learning, the results will come,” she added.
With the 2025 Truck Series season fast approaching, all eyes will be on Breidinger as she looks to make her mark in NASCAR’s toughest development series.
