Tech Talk: Toni Breidinger, NASCAR Driver
We speak to Toni Breidinger, NASCAR’s first Arab-American female driver on her favourite tech and her thoughts on the future of cars…
What is the first app you open when you wake up and why?
My go-to is definitely Instagram. I feel like I miss so much while I’m sleeping and I have to check first thing in the morning to see what’s going on with all my friends.
Do you use any fitness apps? Which is your favourite?
I’ve used MyFitnessPal to track macros, which was helpful when I started to get serious about my nutrition. I also use MapMyRun to record all my runs so I can keep track of those as well. It’s so handy to be able to keep track of all my health goals easily all in my phone.
How did you begin your career in driving? What led you into this career path?
When I was 9 my dad took my sister and me out go-karting just for fun. I got hooked on it on Day 1. After that, I wanted to keep going. Go-karting became a huge part of my life. We were able to travel all over the country and it was an amazing experience that really laid the foundation for my passion for driving.
How has technology changed in NASCAR vehicles over the last few years?
NASCAR is always evolving on and off the track. The cars have come a long way but NASCAR limits technology to level the playing field. At the end of the day, it's just the driver and the car. NASCAR strives to always keep the focus on authentic driving and staying true to the sport.
What are your thoughts on electric cars? Tesla? Lucid?
It’s great for the environment and I’m all for them. I think that they’re great additions to the electric cars available on the market but I also love the sound of an engine and the smell of fuel. Nothing really beats that for me.
What is your all-time favourite car?
There are so many dope cars coming out that are insane but the vintage cars just hit different for me. I would love a classic corvette. That would be a dream car situation for me.
What keeps you motivated?
I am very ambitious and stubborn so I feel like I naturally keep myself motivated to reach my goals, but I also have my bad days where motivation is just a struggle. I’m lucky because the people I surround myself with are always there to lift me up and keep me on a positive mindset.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I’ve gotten so much good career advice over the years but the best one was, “Mindset is what separates the best from the rest”. I always knew a positive mindset was important but I never really applied it to my life until this year and it really has changed my life for the better. It sounds cliché but I swear by it.
What is next for you both personally and professionally?
Professionally my next big race is at Talladega Superspeedway on April 24th. I’m really looking forward to it. I think it’s going to be a great race. Personally, I’ll be focusing more on my health and ways of preparing for the track. Fitness is super important as well as is practice. I will be pushing to better myself in as many ways as I can.
What is your favourite gadget?
My phone is always my #1. For work, connecting with friends and family, having the opportunity to meet my supporters and fans. My phone is by far the most important gadget I own and use.
What is your favorite emoji?
There are so many good ones and it totally depends on my mood. My go-to’s are the hearts ♥️ or flame 🔥 . They can be used for basically anything and everything.
What's an app you would create if you could?
Hmm… I feel like the tech industry is so on top of everything that it’s hard to say what I’d create that isn’t already created. It’s impressive how they’re able to come up with app ideas that we didn’t even know we needed or wanted.