Meet the Athlete: Loni Unser

Shift Up Now fans and supporters, it's time for another round of our “Meet the Athlete” series!

Our goal is to tell the Athletes’ stories in a fun Q&A format, so you can get to know each one. That way, you’ll have even more reason to cheer for them, and show your support by being a Shift Up Now Member.

So without further ado, meet Loni Unser!

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I always knew I wanted to work in motorsport. Although deep down I wanted to be a driver I never thought it would be possible, so it was my dream to somehow have a job in motorsport, no matter the role.

Where and how did you get started in racing?

When I was a senior in high school my Dad came to me with the opportunity to go to a high performance driving school. He said that it would make me a better/ safer driver on the road, and I jumped at the opportunity. After the first day of the school I begged and pleaded asking my Dad if there was any way I could go racing. Although at the time he said there probably was no way, I think it was at that moment he knew how bad I wanted it. So, a couple weeks later he agreed to help me and we started to put together a program to race in Spec Miata!

Describe how you progressed through your early days to where you are now.

As a kid my ski team would occasionally go to an indoor go kart track as a team building activity, and I was always able to go pretty quick and beat all of my teammates. I always really felt like I was meant to do it. When I started racing spec miata at 19 years old it came easier to me than some and I was able to contend in the top 10 (30 car fields) my first year racing spec miata. Although, I do feel like I understood motorsport pretty well from the get-go I still have to work very hard at it to achieve the results that I desire. It's a sport where talent can certainly help you, but I firmly believe it's those who work hard get the furthest.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced?

How much time do we have? Haha! Motorsport is not any easy sport in any way shape or form. My family always told me that the highs in motorsport are extremely high, but the lows are extremely low, and I have certainly learned that first hand! I think in order to have a successful career in motorsport you have to give it 110% effort at all times or it's not possible. If I had to pick one thing that is the hardest it's the funding, racing is extremely expensive and finding funding is not easy. Most seasons I have been able to squeak by with just enough to get myself through the season, but that means that crashing really isn't an option. I have been in the position time and time again that if a crash occurs it could mean the end of my campaign. It sounds rough, and believe me it is. It's extremely stressful, but it's made me a much better driver. It has taught me to not make mistakes and be sure of my driving and skills. So, for that I am forever grateful! I want to remind people that their struggles can turn into their greatest strength!

What are some of your greatest achievements so far, or the things you’re most proud of?

I am so proud of myself that I was able to take this dream of mine and turn it into reality. I am proud that despite all the hurdles (I know you're probably thinking, "but she's an Unser there couldn't have been many hurdles!" trust me when I say I REALLY never thought that I would be sitting here today) I was able to blindly trust myself that I could do it. I think the chasm between you and your dreams is the ability to take a chance on yourself and believe in yourself. It's the ability to trust yourself even when things aren't going as planned. That is what I am most proud of myself for doing.

What are you most looking forward to this upcoming year?

I am looking most forward to working on progressing my career and seeing what's possible!

What’s your favorite hobby, or way to spend your free time, outside of racing?

Because I grew up in the mountains of Idaho I love all things outdoors. Mountain biking, skiing, hiking, running, and now recently surfing and free diving! I suppose just getting outside in nature and moving my body!

What’s your “cheat meal” of choice?

A juicy grilled cheese with tomato soup with a cake donut for desert! Now I'm getting hungry!

Where are you racing next?

You'll just have to stay tuned ;)!

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Meet the Athlete: Michele Abbate

Shift Up Now fans and supporters, it's time for another round of our “Meet the Athlete” series!

So without further ado, meet Michele Abbate!

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Growing up, I had a few wild dreams of what I wanted to be when I grew up. My youngest memory comes from elementary school where I really loved Killer Whales. At that time I wasn't really into sports yet, and I really wanted to be a whale trainer! Once I got into Junior High, I was very dedicated to basketball and I wanted to play for Duke, and eventually make it to the NBA. This was all before I was introduced to racing and motorsports.

Where and how did you get started in racing?

My brother got his first go kart when he was 10 years old (I was eight). He raced locally for about a year and this was my first time being around racing. I didn't see any other girls at the track but that was normal. For the next 10 years, I would grow to love the sport as I watched my brother win National, Grand National, and even the World Championships in go karting. In 2005 I took my first step towards racing with regional autocross, competing as often as I could, and fell in love.

Describe how you progressed through your early days to where you are now.

In my first years of autocross I learned so much. Everything from the importance of where your eyes are looking, tire importance, car set-up, brakes, etc. In addition, I learned it was expensive to race and worked towards getting sponsors - yes, even at the autocross level. I competed locally and regionally and then started participating in track days with NASA AZ. I progressed from track days to time attack in CA and AZ since there were no local events for me.

In 2011, I signed with Scion Racing and competed regionally in the TTE class. From there, I continued my relationship with Scion Racing, entering in the MPTCC Championships where I won their first road racing championship. In 2015, I moved into the Scion FRS platform and I raced in the SCCA US Majors Tour, where I won the STU Championship. In 2017, I was given the opportunity to race in the NASCAR Whelen series, where I fell in love with tube chassis V8 race cars.

In 2018, I sold my entire race program to buy an older Trans Am TA2 car. My husband and I campaigned that car in the Trans Am West Coast Series from 2019-2021. I made my first NASCAR Truck Series start in 2020. Then in 2022, I was the first female to race in the Trans Am National Tour full time. During this time I became the first female to lead laps in the TA2 class and also the first female stand on the Trans Am podium.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced?

I'm trying not to answer this with an obvious response like funding, earning respect in the sport, or dealing with social media demands. So with those aside - I'd say the biggest challenge is finding balance. Unfortunately, with my funding being cut significantly this past year, I have not had any pro races on my schedule. And although this sucks, it's allowed me to experience other things, which is a nice change. It's easy to fall into having a laser-focused life when a race schedule can be so demanding. But without that it's allowed me to invest my time in other areas as well. Sometimes it doesn't feel right, but other times it does. The balance of life, and the demands of wants and needs have definitely been a significant challenge for me!

What are some of your greatest achievements so far, or the things you’re most proud of?

Honestly, just being able to do all of the things I have really feels like a great achievement in itself. I'm proud of the range of disciplines in motorsports that I've tried - sprint racing, hill climb, endurance racing, sports cars, drifting, circle track, road course racing, etc. I am proud to have made a NASCAR start and finish. I am also proud of my podium finishes in Trans Am, SCCA RunOffs in GT1, racing in Australia, and soon to take my first stab at rally racing!

What are you most looking forward to this upcoming year?

Continuing my efforts with DirtFish and the Women in Motorsport program. This is something that is new to me and I am really looking forward to the possibility of falling in love with a new (to me) discipline of racing!

What’s your favorite hobby, or way to spend your free time, outside of racing?

I enjoy going to the gym to stay in shape so that I can eat lots of food. Haha! I also like boating with my husband and my parents on Lake Mead in Las Vegas. I truly enjoy spending time with my family and my husband, and of course Moxie (my dalmatian, for those that don't know her!)

What’s your “cheat meal” of choice?

Oh man, it's always gotta be chicken and waffles.

Where are you racing next?

My next race is October 4th in the Tour de Forest ARA Rally, then the following week I'll take on the Spring Mountain Motorsports Racing Series on October 9th-11th!

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Meet the Athlete: Sarah Montgomery

Shift Up Now fans and supporters, it's time for another round of our “Meet the Athlete” series!

So without further ado, meet Sarah Montgomery!

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was a young girl, I grew up wanting to be a dentist! My parents had my sister and I go every six months for our routine visits and I was always infatuated with everything in the dentist's office. I also remember in High School, we were allowed to shadow our “want-to-be career" for a day and I was able to shadow my dentist at the time. I thoroughly enjoyed it as that day was root canal and minor surgery day. I'll never forget the old guy on laughing gas getting a root canal and the funny things he said. Since I wanted to be a dentist, I actually started college in the biology program to pursue that. Turned out, I hated biology and chemistry, so I graduated in marketing instead!

Where and how did you get started in racing?

I started racing at the young age of about 12 in the heart of Cajun Country in Lafayette, LA. When I was around 10, my dad was given free tickets to an IndyCar race, so off we went on a family vacation. To be honest, I had no interest in racing or going to a racetrack when I would have rather been at Disney World. Little did I know, it was about to become an obsession. I remember watching qualifying and being enthralled by Danica Patrick. It was one of her first races in the states, and to be a young girl watching this female kick a** was absolutely amazing to me. At that point, I threw my heart and soul into racing by watching it every weekend and finding ways to get my butt in a race car!

Describe how you progressed through your early days to where you are now.

It took about two years to convince my parents to let me race after attending that Indycar race when I was 10 years old. They reached a point of being tired of me begging and bringing them my piggy bank and asking to start racing. That's when they bought me my first dirt oval go kart. I was - and still am - lucky to have very supportive parents that helped me achieve my goals in the motorsports world and always pushed me to follow my dreams.

Once I succeeded in go karts, from winning multiple championships around the southern part of the United States, I then had an angel help me move into Spec Miata racing. From there, I began competing in Spec Miata before I even had my driver’s license. I started racing at the professional level in the Battery Tender Mazda MX-5 Cup Series in 2014. During my rookie year, I was the highest-finishing female and placed in the top ten in points. In 2017, I competed in the Pirelli World Challenge with Shea Racing, and in 2019, I became the first female to ever podium in the Global Mazda MX-5 Cup Series. Not only did I make history by being the first female on the podium, but I landed there four times that year.

My 2020 racing season got off to a slow start due to COVID, but I joined Round 3 Racing in a Porsche Boxster to compete in the World Racing League. That year, I qualified the car on pole at four separate events and took a win at the final race of the season.

For the 2021 season, I competed in the highest class of WRL in a Porsche GT4, where I led many laps in each race and claimed a win at the 24 Hours of Sebring in October. The 2022 season saw me behind the wheel of a BMW M4 GT4, where I earned multiple podium finishes and two wins.

At the end of the 2023 season, I joined a new team—AE Victory Racing—in an Audi R8. I continued with AE Victory Racing in 2024, still competing in the World Racing League in the Audi R8. For the 2025 season, we introduced a brand-new car: the Toyota Supra - and we just became the first all female driver line-up to stand on the podium in the GTO class at our last race at Road Atlanta. It was our first podium as a team, and hopefully it's our first of many!"

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced?

This is the answer that's most obvious; money. I will say, it has been a blessing to have to work this hard in the industry because it has made me much more grateful and appreciate every opportunity I've been given. Yes, with more funds I would have been able to climb the ladder quicker and maybe race in a few of the series that have been my dream as a kid, but I am so grateful for all I’ve been able to accomplish with what I've been given.

Social media is also my arch-nemesis. I love the social aspect of it, but otherwise I wish it would burn to the ground, LOL. It takes so much time away from the present, from scrolling aimlessly, to having to post. Don’t get me wrong, I understand why it's so important, but I wish it would disappear.

What are some of your greatest achievements so far, or the things you’re most proud of?

Hands down, being the first - and still the only - female to stand on the Mazda MX-5 Cup podium. I have done other things I'm proud of in my life, but this one takes the cake. It was the most proud I've ever felt of myself, and to have my Dad and team owner there with me at the time, was one of the most incredible, heart warming feelings ever. I was able to do this four different races in 2019 and I'm proud to still hold that title.

What are you most looking forward to this upcoming year?

Being a driver with AE Victory Racing has shifted me into a different role than I have been used to in previous years; being a driver coach. I have loved being able to pass on my wealth of knowledge to my newer teammate and be a role model for someone who deeply deserves it. Even though we are already halfway through the year, it has been so much fun to watch my teammate grow tremendously from where we started. It's been fun to take her under my wing and show her the ropes of the World Racing League series. Being in a new car has also been very exciting because it has made us much more competitive. I love this sport so much because I love winning, so this has brought in my favorite aspect to driving again.

What’s your favorite hobby, or way to spend your free time, outside of racing?

It's a bit cliche, but I love spending time with my friends and my boyfriend. He helps keep me in line and doing the things I love to do. We travel a LOT even if it's just weekend trips, and I love the sense of adventure we both have. I also love anything outside; hiking, mountain biking, pickleball, walking, etc. I also do not mind sitting on the couch and watching a good TV show either. Im usually always up for anything!

What’s your “cheat meal” of choice?

Is it acceptable for a cheat meal to just be chocolate chip cookies? Fresh-baked of course.

If not, I’ll save that for dessert and have a greasy cheeseburger with a delicious bowl of mac and cheese! Then cookies for dessert. haha

Where are you racing next?

Next race weekend with AE Victory Racing in the Toyota Supra is in a couple of weeks at High Plains! We just announced our third driver for the remainder of the season to be Ashley Freiberg and I’m stoked to have her as a teammate this year. Our fearless leader, Erin Vogel, announced she is pregnant and Ashley will replace her. I’m sad to lose Erin as my teammate, but will have a fantastic lineup with Ashley and Alana!

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Meet the Athlete: Hannah Grisham

Shift Up Now fans and supporters, it's time for another round of our “Meet the Athlete” series!

So without further ado, meet Hannah Grisham!

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

From a young age, racing was always my passion and life dream, as it still is. However, besides that, as a kid, I wanted to be a lawyer or work in finance.

Where and how did you get started in racing?

I got started in racing through my dad, who raced motorcycles and has actually won the Baja 1000, which is where my passion stemmed from. From a young age, my dad took me to an indoor karting center every weekend, and I loved it, which led to me starting my career in go-karts at age six.

Describe how you progressed through your early days to where you are now.

I raced go-karts for around nine to 10 years. When I was around 15, there was a team owner named James Brown who wanted to help a young female in the sport progress to cars, so I was one of three applicants. I ended up getting the seat, which was to race a Spec Miata. I spent around four years in Spec Miata when I was given the opportunity to race in the World Racing League (WRL) with Round 3 Racing. After doing this, I applied for the Heart of Racing Diversity Scholarship in 2022 and was awarded a seat, and I am very fortunate to be a part of that amazing team still.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced?

I think, like a lot of aspiring drivers, funding was a large challenge.

What are some of your greatest achievements so far, or the things you’re most proud of?

Winning my first GT3 race at Mugello Circuit earlier this year.

What are you most looking forward to this upcoming year?

Racing with my teammate Hannah Greenemier in the silver/pro class in GT4 America.

What’s your favorite hobby, or way to spend your free time, outside of racing?

Hanging with my family, or hiking, being on the water, camping.

What’s your “cheat meal” of choice?

In-N-Out

Where are you racing next?

VIRginia International Raceway for Pirelli GT4 America on July 18-20, 2025.

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Want to support Hannah and the other Shift Up Now Athletes? CLICK HERE to become a member of The Inside Track today!

Meet the Athlete: Ashlyn Speed

Shift Up Now fans and supporters, it's time for another round of our “Meet the Athlete” series!

So without further ado, meet Ashlyn Speed!

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Growing up, one of my fears was not knowing what I was going to do with my life. All throughout school, as young kids, we were told you need to go to college, but that never appealed to me. I’ve always envisioned myself having a husband and big family of my own. While that is still attainable even having attended college, it still wasn’t the way for me. To this day, even after discovering my love for motorsport and now owning my own business, specializing in Russian Manicures, that is still one of my ultimate goals in life.

Where and how did you get started in racing?

One day after school, when I was seven years old, my dad asked me if I had any homework and if I knew what a go kart was. I answered “no” to both. That day, we went to K-1 Speed, a rental electric go kart facility. After taking my first laps, I thought nothing of it. Waiting for my next session on track, a worker walked up to us and said I had one of the fastest times of the month! She asked how long I had been racing for, to which I replied it was my first time. I began competing in their monthly league night and won the championship for the two years I competed.

Describe how you progressed through your early days to where you are now.

Since the start of my involvement in racing, THE KEY I’ve found to being successful is making connections. The way I got into racing cars was through a relationship I had made six years prior to my transition to cars. When I moved from the electric to high-speed, outdoor, gas-powered go karts I got to know the Snyder family.

That relationship persisted through my years of karting. Then randomly, Mr. Snyder asked me if I wanted to race his car. From that I was able to build more connections with people and eventually get the opportunity to compete at the 2024 Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup Shootout.

The shootout is held by the series annually to discover and develop drivers. After the three-day competition between 12 drivers, three are selected to receive a large scholarship to race the MX-5 Cup for the following year. In 2025, I was selected as the first-ever female ambassador for Whelen Engineering, the title sponsor of the series.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced?

Everyone knows how expensive motorsports is. It is a constant struggle to find funding for racing. As a driver I am constantly in search for sponsorship. It’s just a matter of being in the right spot and knowing the right people. Eventually a lead will emerge, but the commitment from a company is rare.

What are some of your greatest achievements so far, or the things you’re most proud of?

My greatest achievement was winning the Women’s Initiative Scholarship for Mazda MX-5 Cup at the end of 2024. This was just proof that my 10 years of hard work and constant grinding was worth it. It showed how much people believe and want what’s best for me. Now being amidst the paddock in MX-5 Cup, Mazda has shown me how much support there is. Mazda will always have a special place in my heart.

What are you most looking forward to this upcoming year?

I’m looking forward to growing my race craft and social skills. Being thrown into a professional series has forced me to learn and adapt quickly. I know that whatever I end up doing long term in life, I will be able to bring all the lessons I’ve learned through racing into that. Growing up in a competitive environment has no doubt molded me into the person I am today. I wouldn’t have been able to acquire the skills I have without my involvement in motorsports.

What’s your favorite hobby, or way to spend your free time, outside of racing?

I own my own business doing nails, specializing in Russian structured gel manicures. This involves a deep cleaning of the cuticle and preparation of the nail plate, insuring that the nails last and don’t lift. Through this, I’m able to let my creative side shine! I love making other ladies feel good about themselves.

What’s your “cheat meal” of choice?

My cheat meal of choice is ice cream. I love eating clean, as it fuels me to make me feel good and it tastes yummy. If you ask me to go get ice cream though, I will not say no!

Where are you racing next?

On June 6-8, Mazda MX-5 Cup will be racing in Mid-Ohio. I’m so excited, as it is my first time at this track. I’m enjoying my time with Hendricks Motorsports and can’t wait to see what we can do as a team in a couple of weekends.

Want to support Ashlyn and the other Shift Up Now Athletes? CLICK HERE to become a member of The Inside Track today!

Meet the Athlete: Tatiana Calderón

Shift Up Now fans and supporters, it's time for another round of our brand-new series, “Meet the Athlete.”

So without further ado, meet Tatiana Calderón!

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I was always passionate about sports, so I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be a professional athlete. I had to choose between tennis, soccer, and motorsport.

Where and how did you get started in racing?

I started racing when I was nine years old, thanks to my sister Paula. She took me to a rental go-kart track near our home in Colombia, and we both fell in love with speed and adrenaline!

Describe how you progressed through your early days to where you are now.

I was incredibly passionate and happy every time we went to the race track. None of my family members had raced before, so we had to learn everything from scratch. I won several karting championships in Colombia before moving to the U.S., where I won the Stars of Karting East Coast Championship in the JICA category. I soon aimed to transition to single-seaters, starting in the U.S. before moving to Europe to pursue my dream of reaching F1. I’ve had the opportunity to compete in F3, F2, Super Formula, IndyCar, WEC, and ELMS, and even served as a test driver in F1. Currently, I’m racing in IMSA in the GTD class.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced?

As a woman in a male-dominated sport, it hasn’t been easy to earn respect both on and off the track. Finding sponsors and visibility has been tough, and there’s also the challenge of adapting racing ergonomics and training specifically for women. There’s a common misconception that men and women are the same in this sport, but we are different in many ways. Since there have been so few women in racing, we don’t have enough data to fully understand what works best for us, which has been a significant challenge.

What are some of your greatest achievements so far, or the things you’re most proud of?

Becoming the first Latin American woman to drive an F1 car
Being the first woman to stand on the podium in British F3 and the Formula 3.5 World Series
Becoming the first woman to compete in the F2 Championship

What are you most looking forward to this upcoming year?

This year, we have a new car—driving the Ford Mustang GT3. It’s an exciting challenge to get to grips with this new machine, and I love challenges. I’m also thrilled to be racing in the U.S. and visiting the amazing tracks there!

What’s your favorite hobby or way to spend your free time, outside of racing?

I love sports in general, so I enjoy playing tennis, water skiing, and grabbing a good cup of coffee.

What’s your “cheat meal” of choice?

Pizza.

Where are you racing next?

I’ll be racing in the historic F1 race at Paul Ricard at the end of April, and my next IMSA race will be June 22nd at Watkins Glen.

Want to support Tatiana and the other Shift Up Now Athletes? CLICK HERE to become a member of The Inside Track today!

Through My Eyes: First to the Finish and the Road That Got Me Here

Written by Shift Up Now Athlete Sally Mott

Growing up as the daughter of a race car driver, our home was lined with shelves overflowing with trophies, and my weekends were filled with the roar of engines on the TV. You’d think I would have started racing go-karts as soon as I could walk. And believe me, my dad tried. His dream was to mentor the next great race car driver with the last name Mott. As his only child, I was his best shot.

At eight years old, he took me to the go-kart track, hoping to spark that same passion in me. And while I enjoyed our track days together, my dad wasn’t just letting me have fun—he was laying the foundation. He never let me practice the wrong line, just in case I ever changed my mind. Foreshadowing...

He was strategic, too. He set lap-time goals for me, turning my competitive spirit into motivation. “Whatever you want—break your record of 43.65, and it’s yours.”

As an eight-year-old, I always picked the most extravagant rewards. A massive blow-up pool for the backyard? A full day at Fun Fun City with my friends? Done deal. If I ran out of gas, we refueled and went back out until I hit my goal.

I was getting fast. Fast enough that my dad finally asked if I wanted to actually start racing, instead of just running time trials. I said no. Looking back, the only reason I can think of is that I was scared to race against the boys. I wish I could go back and say yes, but I believe everything happens for a reason.

At 15, I realized I was missing out—not just on racing, but on an opportunity to bond with my dad and do something no one else at my high school was doing. So, I told him I wanted to give this “racing thing” another shot. After some training, I entered my first race.

It was a disaster.

First lap, first corner, first green flag—I got spun out by someone who wasn’t even in my class. Not exactly a dream debut. My dad didn’t say much on the car ride home, waiting to see how I’d react. Ten minutes in, I broke the silence: “That was actually really fun, you think we could do more?”

I was all in after that.

In just a few years, I went from karts to racing in IMSA’s Mazda MX-5 Cup, the most competitive spec racing series in North America. I even landed a spot in a docuseries about my rookie season. What I thought would be a small project turned into a pretty big deal.

First to the Finish, premiering exclusively on Amazon Prime tonight (March 25th), follows myself, Heather Hadley, and team owner Shea Holbrook as we battle through the 2024 MX-5 Cup Championship while balancing life outside of racing.

At the beginning of the season, all I knew was that there would be cameras. What I didn’t know was that this would turn into an Amazon Prime series. Or that it would land us interviews with Forbes, People and national news outlets. Or that I’d get to do a media tour in Toronto with Mazda Canada.

Never in my wildest dreams did I expect Mazda to push this series to such a massive platform. Their belief in me has changed my career forever.

That belief in me also opened new doors. Last year, I got an unexpected GT4 race opportunity with AE Victory Racing. Erin Vogel, the team’s owner, trusted me to drive her Audi R8 GT4 for a World Racing League (WRL) race at Sebring. Until that moment, I had only ever raced a Miata. The leap was huge.

I was nervous. About my performance, the team dynamic, and proving I belonged. But by the end of the weekend, despite some mechanical issues, I had learned so much and earned Erin’s trust. We bonded so quickly that we ended up rooming together at the WIMNA Summit shortly after.

Spending those three days with her changed my perspective. Erin wasn’t just an incredible driver—she was a leader for women in motorsports, using her platform to help female racers get funding and opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have. That made me realize something: That’s my mission too. Maybe not today, but in the future.

A few months later, I was confronted with a harsh reality: despite my relentless networking and tireless efforts to secure sponsorships, I didn’t have the funding to continue for another season in the Mazda MX-5 Cup. My season, my career—everything was on the line.

Out of desperation, I called Erin. “Is there any way you can help me keep racing?” That phone call changed everything. Erin stepped up in a massive way, helping me get back on the grid. Without her, I don’t know where I’d be in my career. Now, I represent AE Victory Racing proudly on my car and suit—because Erin’s mission is my mission, and Shift Up Now’s mission.

More women. More opportunities. More victories.

It’s easy to get caught up in the media hype, the fame and the success that comes with a platform like Amazon Prime. But this journey has taught me something far more important: Stay humble. Remember who helped you. And be the person who makes a difference.

Want to join the mission with me, and provide more opportunities for talented female racers? Become a member of The Inside Track for as little as $10 per month. And don’t forget to order your If She Can See Her, She Can Be Her gear in the Shift Up Now store as well!

Sally Mott is currently competing in Mazda MX-5 Cup with JTR Motorsports in a pink Iron Dames inspired livery. Her next race weekend will be May 3-4, 2025, at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, AL. Be sure to watch the first episodes of ‘First to the Finish’, debuting tonight on Amazon Prime and follow Sally on Instagram @SallyMottRacing.

Meet the Athlete: Erika Hoffmann

Shift Up Now fans and supporters, it's time for another round of our brand-new series, “Meet the Athlete.”

So without further ado, meet Erika Hoffmann!

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a CEO—I was drawn to leadership, building something meaningful, and making an impact. I didn’t know what industry I’d end up in, but that drive to create has always been part of who I am.

Where and how did you get started in racing?
I had almost no exposure to racing growing up. I assumed you had to start young, have a lot of money, and live in Europe to become a racing driver. I didn’t even realize there was racing in Canada. But I was always drawn to it, and after getting my driver’s license, the desire to get on track only grew. Eventually, I found out about Calabogie Motorsports Park and started lapping my street car. From that moment, I was determined to find a way to race.

Describe how you progressed through your early days to where you are now.
I started with grassroots lapping in 2019. After COVID, I entered the Formula Woman International Driver Search, competing against 1,000 women from 35 countries. I was inexperienced compared to many of the drivers, but I made it through all the elimination rounds, and placed 1st in the final. This earned me a spot racing a McLaren 570s GT in the UK’s GT Cup Championship in 2022. In 2023, I represented Canada at the FIA Rallystar competition and was the top North American female driver. I also co-founded Slate Racing, Canada’s first female-led racing team. Now, I’m competing in Porsche Sprint Challenge North America with Kellymoss for the 2025 season.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced?
Starting late with no industry connections, I had to learn everything from the ground up. I couldn’t afford to race on my own, so I had to figure out sponsorships to fund my career. That also meant limited testing, often going straight into races with minimal preparation. Navigating these challenges has taken creativity, resilience, and a lot of persistence. I've learned that success often comes down to persistence—refusing to quit, even when things aren’t going your way.

What are some of your greatest achievements so far, or the things you’re most proud of?

Winning the Formula Woman International Driver Search in 2022 was a turning point, especially since I had no prior wheel-to-wheel racing experience. Competing in the UK’s GT Cup Championship and representing Canada at the FIA Rallystar competition are also moments I’m incredibly proud of. But one of my biggest achievements is co-founding Slate Racing, Canada’s first female-led racing team, focused on creating opportunities for women in motorsports and helping drive change in the industry.

What are you most looking forward to this upcoming year?
The chance to race a full season in the Porsche Sprint Challenge North America with Kellymoss. I’ve never had the funding to do a full season before, so I’m excited to get consistent seat time and the opportunity to develop as a driver. I feel extremely grateful to be working with Kellymoss, they are a top-tier team and focused heavily on driver development. And everyone I’ve met on the team has been incredibly kind and welcoming.

What’s your favorite hobby, or way to spend your free time, outside of racing?
I love spending time with my family, friends, and my Australian Shepherd, Piper. I also enjoy snowboarding, surfing, and being by the water.

What’s your “cheat meal” of choice?
Anything carb-heavy! Processed sugar gives me migraines, so I’m definitely a savory-over-sweet kind of person.

Where are you racing next?
Sonoma Raceway on April 4-5, 2025, for the second round of the Porsche Sprint Challenge North America. I've never been to Somoma before so I'm excited to experience it.

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Meet the Athlete: Taylor Ferns

Shift Up Now fans and supporters, we’re excited to bring you a brand-new series called “Meet the Athlete.”

So without further ado, meet Taylor Ferns!

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A race car driver or a lawyer.

Where and how did you get started in racing?

I come from a racing family - my uncles raced late models and stock cars in the 80s and 90s. A neighbor of ours had Quarter Midgets and my dad thought that might be something my siblings and I would like to do. We always had quads, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, side-by-sides, etc. around, and I loved going fast. We found a car for sale in nearby Lansing, MI. When we went to check it out, I had instant butterflies as soon as I sat in it. My parents had to pull me out of the car after an hour. I started racing in 2002 at the age of six. My local track was MMRA / “Waterford.”

Describe how you progressed through your early days to where you are now.

To be honest, when I first started in Quarter Midgets, I wasn't very good. Then, as I got more seat time and experience, I became really competitive. The same thing happened when I started racing dirt Micro Sprints at nine or ten years old. I was terrible the first year. I just couldn't get a hang of throwing the car sideways, and the whole "dirt" racing concept.

The following year, I won about 12-15 races and was super-competitive from that point on. I was always very smart so it was almost as if I had to test the waters a little bit before I went all out. But after I gained experience in a lot of different race cars, I became aware of my tendencies and hit a certain level of maturity. In my opinion, that made me a strong competitor in most of the cars I raced from the age of 13 and beyond - from Focus Midgets, to full-size Midgets, Sprint Cars, Silver Crown, Late Models, Stock Cars, etc. Those early years gave me a foundation of being patient and learning to let things play out. I also worked my attrition - both physically and mentally, and really tested my love for the sport. Hard work pays off, and after chipping away at it during the hard times, it always worked out. That sentiment remained true with each step I climbed on the racing ladder.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced?

I'm sure many other drivers can relate to this, but finding sponsorship and the proper monetary backing to keep racing is tough. Without money, we can't race. I always try to come up with innovative ways to find funding but once you get the money, you also have to work to keep sponsors happy, so that's all part of it. Another challenge is finding good people to work with that you can trust, and that have the best intentions. There are so many other things that come up as a driver, and especially as an owner, so you just have to deal with them as they come. You have to be gritty in this business and willing to dig deep to get to where you want to go.

What are some of your greatest achievements so far, or the things you’re most proud of?

A few things I am most proud of include my USAC Regional Midget Championship in 2011, winning my first-ever Sprint Car start at 14 years old, podiuming in my first USAC Silver Crown race right after taking five-ish years off from racing, and winning the Joe James/Pat O'Connor Memorial Sprint Car race at Salem Speedway last fall (September 2024). The latter was super special to me, not only as a driver, but because that was my first official win as a team owner. It was a tough road to get there, even during the race itself. We overcame a lot of adversity with the car, so it was a huge relief, and just a super-proud moment overall.

What are you most looking forward to this upcoming year?

This year, I'm looking forward to:

Racing my Sprint Car and Silver Crown as much as I can.
Taking the bar exam and officially becoming an attorney.
Working on my non-profit - The Safety Bank - and getting that on its feet.

What’s your favorite hobby, or way to spend your free time, outside of racing?

I love going for walks/runs or some form of exercise, and listening to music.

What’s your “cheat meal” of choice?

Pizza!

Where are you racing next?

TBD!

Taylor is one of our Athlete's taking part in the upcoming Fan Forum presented by Callies on February 26th at 7:30pm Eastern, so if you want to meet Taylor via zoom, and learn more about her make sure you Sign up here!

If you can't make the Fan Forum, but still want to support Taylor and the other Athletes of Shift Up Now, Click here to become a member of The Inside Track today!

Meet the AE Victory Racing Shoot-Out Winner

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.