Shift Up Now Athlete Erin Vogel announced yesterday that the team she co-owns—AE Victory Racing (AEVR)—will expand to a two-car effort in next season’s World Racing League (WRL) championship, and applications are now open for the 2026 Female Driver Shootout.
AEVR is a women-led motorsport program forging new pathways for female competitors. Vogel made the decision to expand after recently acquiring a second Toyota Supra GT4 EVO2 from fellow Shift Up Now Athlete Laura Hayes’ team, Thunder Bunny Racing. The second machine means this year’s shootout could result in two or three fully-funded development seats for 2026.
“Expanding to two GT4 cars is a milestone for our program,” said Vogel,. “It allows us to create more opportunities for female drivers, more learning environments, and more meaningful paths into professional motorsport. I’m thrilled we can continue to expand this team and build on the passion of our efforts.”
The second-annual shootout will determine who will participate in AEVR’s 2026 Driver Development Program, which the team says “blends a supportive, intentional team environment rooted in communication, trust, and growth, and real-world race experience.”
An invite to the program provides each driver with a fully-funded seat in a competitive endurance racing series, along with professional driving instruction from pro-drivers like Vogel, Sarah Montgomery, Ashley Freiberg and others. In addition, drivers will complete a comprehensive professional development program that focuses on mental preparedness, communication and team building.
Applications opened yesterday at www.AEVictoryRacing.com and will close on Sunday, December 7, 2025. Drivers must be at least 16 years of age and have a full racing license from a legitimate sanctioning body. Beyond that, all levels are encouraged to apply.
Program finalists will be announced in early January 2026 in advance of the in-person shootout, taking place January 29-30, 2026 at Inde Motorsports Ranch in Wilcox, AZ. Selected drivers will participate in on-track evaluations, professional coaching sessions, and team-based assessments designed to identify talent, teachability, and long-term potential.
“This program isn’t just about finding speed,” Vogel said. “It’s about developing complete athletes—drivers who communicate well, understand their car, support their teammates, and thrive in high-performance environments. If you’ve ever dreamed of racing at this level, we want to meet you.”
