My name is Alana Carter. I’m a Canadian racing driver and most recently - the winner of the AE Victory Racing (AEVR) Shootout! My introduction to motorsports actually started on the oval track, having grown up doing a bit of paved oval and dirt oval racing up until my switch over to circuit racing a few years ago. It’s been an incredible journey and a steep learning curve so far, but I’ve loved every minute of it.
Similar to other drivers, budget has been the most limiting factor in my racing career. As a result, I’ve raced random, one-off events here and there with whatever funding I could scrape together. However, last season I became the first woman to compete in Radical Cup Canada, my first full championship! I’m forever grateful for Robert and April Burgess of Radical Canada East for that opportunity.
When I first saw the social media posts about the AEVR Shootout, I didn’t waste a minute in applying. I was the first person to submit an application because I had pulled over into a random parking lot on a drive home from Pittsburg to record the application video. I was NOT going to miss out on this opportunity.
A few weeks later, I was absolutely elated to receive the email from Erin Vogel letting me know that I was one of the four drivers selected to attend the shootout. I knew that this was my time to buckle down and make the most out of this experience. I pushed hard with my physical and mental training over the holidays, and on the simulator.
Although shootouts are typically stressful, this one from AEVR was genuinely so much fun. In my opinion, the positive environment they created allowed them to see everyone at their best.
When we arrived at Inde Motorsports Ranch, we received a warm welcome from the team and checked into the cutest trackside casitas. We got to meet everyone and enjoyed a lovely team dinner before the two days of evaluations.
The first day started with a seat fitting in the morning, followed by warm-ups with some autocross, and then we got acquainted with Claudia Fulga, our mental performance coach. That afternoon, we were out on track for two sessions in the Audi R8 LMS GT4 (Sophie). We received some valuable coaching, and did some media work as well.
On the second day, we had longer track sessions to test our consistency and endurance. It was evident from the start that the team sought to make the event a positive learning experience for everyone. Although there would only be one winner, Erin was adamant that everyone gained something from the experience, and she was absolutely successful in that.
I knew choosing a winner would be a hard choice for the AEVR team considering how amazing the other candidates were. It was even hard for us as we had become such close friends over
the span of two days. I knew I was going to be happy for whoever won the spot, as everyone was deserving of the opportunity.
Prior to the announcement, I felt confident in my performance but knew that I was up against tough competition, so it was hard to know where I stood. When the decision was announced, I was thrilled to find out that I was the driver selected for the team.
Winning this seat is such an incredible feeling. For the first time in my career, my full season is on the calendar, eliminating the stress of scrambling to get funding and last-minute planning. This means I now have the capacity now to put that extra energy into training and ensuring that I make the most out of this opportunity.
It’s also very special to be working with two drivers that I look up to, and a team that is in it for all the right reasons. It’s already clear to me how genuine everyone at AE Victory Racing is in wanting to support and uplift female drivers. I’m excited to have Erin, Sarah, Claudia and everyone else on the team as mentors and role models, to help me navigate this unique industry. And I think we’re going to have a TON of fun along the way.
I’m confident that 2025 is going to be an incredible year for the AE Victory Racing team and I can’t wait to show the world what we’re made of!
Make sure you're following @ae.victory_racing, @alana.carter, @sarahmontgomery124 and @erin.vogel.racing on Instagram, and other social media platforms, to follow their 2025 season.
