Shift Up Now Athletes Sarah Montgomery, Alana Carter and Ashley Freiberg earned two consecutive podium finishes for AE Victory Racing (AEVR) in the World Racing League (WRL) championship finale at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) on December 4-7, 2025.
As a result, the trio’s sophomore season ended by finishing third in the WRL championship, a fitting finish to what the team described as “a year defined by growth, roster expansion, and continued commitment to advancing women and emerging talent in motorsport.”
Driving the No. 119 Toyota Supra GT4, the Shift Up Now Athletes first hit the track on Thursday for the Max Track Time event, their first opportunity to dial in the car. There were mixed weather conditions during the session on the 3.426-mile, 20-turn permanent road course, so AEVR used the session for focused development work.
Freiberg set the pace early with a 2:20.96, while Carter logged her first laps at the venue and spent significant time in data review to accelerate her learning curve. Next up, Montgomery was tasked with qualifying on Friday, trying to find a gap in the typical WRL heavy traffic. She was able to use clear air to secure a sixth-place spot on the starting grid.
Saturday’s race opened with 74 cars on the grid, and Montgomery was behind the wheel for the green flag. AEVR surged forward immediately, jumping from sixth to fourth on the opening lap before a series of incidents brought extended neutralization for the first two hours of the race.
The team remained in podium contention through multiple red flags and cautions, strategizing fuel windows and driver timing while averaging consistent race pace. Extended running saw the team reach second place late in the middle stint before a restart issue on pit lane cost time. Montgomery set the team’s fastest lap of the day with a 2:22.46 on Lap 23. After eight hours of continuous pace, the team finished fifth overall.
Sunday’s seven-hour race began in crisp, dry conditions, with Montgomery once again climbing through the field early. AE Victory Racing ran as high as second mid-race through precise pit stops and determined pacing.
With approximately two hours left in the race, the team was forced to change drivers and refuel under a green flag. Several laps later, the whole field went into a full-course caution, meaning the pace car set the AEVR team a lap back. When the checkered flag fell, the No. 119 Toyota Supra crossed the line in sixth place overall, sealing valuable championship points and locking in the team’s third-place result in the championship.
Team co-founders Erin Vogel and Aaron Snair were at home preparing for the arrival of their new baby, but Vogel watched all the action and commented, “This weekend wasn’t just about results. It represented how much stronger and more capable this organization has become. To finish third in two national-level championships in only our second season is something we’re incredibly proud of.”
Montgomery said, “I’m so proud of the way this team has come together this season and fought hard for every finish. To claim third in the championship is a well deserved reward for the amazing efforts of every single person on this team. I’m proud of Alana and the growth of the development program and I look forward to continuing our efforts for next year. We certainly missed having Erin with us this weekend but I want to thank Kale and Jim for stepping in, my family for their endless enthusiasm this season and of course my sponsors Team One Logistics and Lafayette Travel for their support.”
Carter said, “Finishing the 2025 season with AE Victory Racing is very bittersweet. I’ve had the most amazing year with them and it was awesome putting together everything I learned this year for the final race of the season. The race was so chaotic and intense but honestly some of the most fun I’ve had behind the wheel. I can’t thank Erin and the team enough for the opportunity they gave me this year, it was truly a dream come true.”
Lastly, Frieberg added, “This weekend was hard fought and I think we’re all pretty pleased that we got to third in the championship. I love being a part of the passion and vision of everything Erin is building with the team and the development program. I’m glad we have the results to show for it and I’m looking forward to being a part of the shootout and continuing the momentum for 2026.”
The 2026 WRL schedule kicks off at Eagles Canyon Raceway in Decatur, TX on February 6-8, 2026. Until then, AEVR is excited to celebrate its 2025 success, knowing that it’s poised for continued expansion and a march toward the championship next season.
