Namita Nayyar:
As an American professional stock car racing driver, you are the all-time winningest female in United States Auto Club (USAC) history with 19 wins. What has been the catalyst in your meteoritic rise to these exceptional achievements?
Toni Breidinger:
The biggest factor in that record was really determination and not being willing to give up. I kept pushing myself to be better and the wins were a benefit that happened to come along with that.
Namita Nayyar:
You are a leading professional stock car racing driver, social media personality, and model. How do you manage such a remarkable multi-dimensional lifestyle?
Toni Breidinger:
My life is definitely pretty busy! I love using social media as a way to connect with my fans and have them experience my day-to-day life along with me and to also show my love of racing. It’s been fun to be able to teach people about what goes into training for race day and all that truly goes into it.
It’s so much more than people think. I see social media as an extension of my passion for racing. With modeling and working with brands, it’s a chance for me to share brands that I believe in and am partnering with on and off the track. Racing, social media, and brand partnership for me are all connected. It does take some careful time management, but I’m just happy for the chance to be able to do it!
Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine you may wish to share?
Toni Breidinger:
I have a trainer that I do racecar driver specific workouts with during the week. We do anything from cardio to strength to cognitive to heat training. For example: we’ll get my heart rate up to 90% max heart rate for an extended period of time and then go straight into hand eye coordination training and repeat that process.
It’s difficult to make accurate and precise movements when your mind and body is fatigued but it’s crucial to train for it since we need to be able to do that in a race. I’ve found it to be really helpful on the track.
Namita Nayyar:
How do you train your abs? One secret to your toned body.
Toni Breidinger:
My trainer has me do a lot of static core exercises (like planks) to simulate the demand on my core when I’m in the driver’s seat. Many people don’t know how much you use your core while racing! Even though we are in a tight custom fitted seat, the g forces really take a toll on your core so those static core exercises are important and they’ve been very beneficial for me.
Namita Nayyar:
Do you take a special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?
Toni Breidinger:
My diet lately has been mostly pescatarian (a person who does not eat meat but does eat fish) but I don’t hold myself to a certain diet. I kind of go through phases depending on how I’m feeling. I think balance and listening to your body is important to making sure it gets what it needs so you’re feeling your best.
Disclaimer
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