ROCKINGHAM — When Toni Breidinger straps into her No. 5 Toyota at Rockingham Speedway April 18, she’ll be the sole female in the field for the Black’s Tire 200.
The 25-year-old California native made 34 laps around the historic track during an open test on Jan. 28, with a top speed of 152.265 mph, and best time of 24.045 seconds.
This is her third season driving in the Craftsman Truck Series, though she only ran three races in 2023 and one in 2024.
Breidinger started racing go-karts in 2009 and has competed in the three ARCA series since 2018, with six top-five finishes under her belt. She also placed in the top five four times in the Carolina Pro Late Model Series in 2020.
While Breidinger may be the only woman to run at the Rock Easter weekend — there’s a possibility of a female driver in the ARCA Menards Series East race — there are several other ladies who have paved the way behind the wheel.
Toni Breidinger zips down the front stretch at Rockingham Speedway.
William R. Toler - Richmond Observer
Janet Guthrie is the only woman to compete in the Cup Series at N.C. Motor Speedway, placing ninth in the 1977 American 500 — outpacing Richard Childress and Sanford’s J.D. McDuffie.
A former aerospace engineer, Guthrie began racing in 1970 and had 33 starts in the series from 1976-1980, according to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. She claimed five top 10 finishes, with her best being 6th at Bristol in ‘77.
Guthrie was honored in 2024 by the NASCAR Hall of Fame with the Landmark Award.
Janet Guthrie's marker at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in downtown Charlotte.
William R. Toler - Richmond Observer
Although Patty Moise competed in the top series from 1987-1989, she never drove a Cup car at the Rock. However, she did drive in 14 races in the Busch Series — now Xfinity — from 1986-1998.
Moise had top 10 finishes during her career, though none were at Rockingham. She did cross the finish line at 11th in the fall of ‘87, 16th in the fall of ‘89, and 14th in the spring of ‘95.
During the same time, Dana Patten saw similar success at the track, finishing 22nd in ‘87, 10th in ‘89 and 14th in ‘90.
Busch Series driver Shawna Robinson had six starts at the Rock, finishing 16th at both her first race in the spring of ‘92 and her last race in ‘95. While she started second in the spring ‘94 race, Robinson finished at 36th after crashing 62 laps in.
Robinson also competed in the Cup series, driving in one race in 2001 and seven races in 2002, but none in Rockingham.
Tammy Jo Kirk ran the Busch Series at the Rock in 2003, placing 32nd.
In 2009, Johanna Long competed in the ARCA Re/Max Series, placing ninth.
When NASCAR returned to Rockingham in 2012 for the truck series, Jennifer Jo Cobb failed to qualify. However, she finished 30th the following year — behind Tyler Reddick — with five drivers behind her.
More recently, Taylor Walker and Olivia Walsh have both competed in the MB Drift Series at the track.
Neighboring Rockingham Dragway has also seen its share of women behind the wheel, including the late Lizzy Musi and jet car driver Dawn Perdue.
The Black’s Tire 200 Craftsman Truck Series race is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. April 18. The ARCA Menards Series East and Xfinity races are scheduled for the following day. Tickets are still available at racetherock.com and Rockingham City Hall.
NOTE: This story has been updated. 8:32 p.m. 3-14-25.
