Double Podium for AE Victory Racing to Kick Off 2026 Season at Barber

Shift Up Now Athletes Hannah Grisham, Michele Abbate, Sally Mott, Sarah Montgomery and Ashley Freiberg, along with AE Victory Racing (AEVR) Shootout winner Brenna Schubert, brought home a pair of podiums for AEVR in the 2026 World Racing League (WRL) season opener at Barber Motorsports Park on February 26 - March 1, 2026.

The race weekend would mark AEVR’s first-ever competition as a two-car, all-female-lineup team. Both entries were Toyota Supra GT4s, with Montgomery, Freiberg and Schubert piloting the No. 119, and Grisham, Abbate Mott driving the No. 120.

For the first time ever at Barber, max track time was available on Thursday for WRL teams. However, intermittent rain throughout the day meant minimal laps run. The AEVR teams used the time to focus on driver-change practice and initial car evaluation.

On Friday, the first practice session ran under damp track conditions, but by the second session and qualifying later that day, it had dried out, allowing for a highly-competitive qualifying session.

Strategic tire management and traffic decisions made the difference for the AEVR teams. At the end of the qualifying session, the No. 119 was third with a lap time of 1:32.59, and the No. 120 was fifth, with a lap time of 1:33.05. However, post-session penalties for another car advanced each car one spot, to second and fourth on the starting grid.

The first eight-hour race of the season began on Saturday, with Freiberg behind the wheel of the No. 119 car on the outside of row one in class, and Grisham in the No. 120 car on the outside of row two.

Both cars had strong first stints, with Freiberg leading laps through the pit stop cycles, and Grisham keeping the No. 120 in the top five for her entire stint, running as high as third. On lap 80, a full-course caution flew, just two hours into the race. Both AEVR cars elected to do their next stop and driver changes. Freiberg handed the car over to Schubert in second place, and Grisham handed it over to Abbate in fourth.

Schubert and Abbate continued the clean, strong run before the final driver changes happened on lap 174. Montgomery and Mott got behind the wheels to drive the final stints full of fast- paced laps. During the last hour of the competition, Mott advanced the No. 120 team into fourth place, while Montgomery held position to give the No. 119 their first podium finish of the season.

On Sunday, the seven-hour competition took place under blue skies, and included a one-hour break for church services. Once again, Freiberg would start for the No. 119 team, with Grisham taking the green flag in the No. 120. Each drove a triple stint to take their teams into the top five before the enforced break.

At the restart, Mott was behind the wheel for a huge stint, putting in almost three hours as she drove to the front of the field in the No. 120, taking the lead before handing the car over to Abbate.

In the No. 119 Supra, Schubert continued to execute in her first-ever GT4 weekend. The two teams were on different pit strategies but Schubert moved herself into the final podium position before Montgomery took the wheel for the final time.

Abbate in the No. 120 dropped back to second place behind the BMW GT4 car and was hoping for a code 35 as she saved fuel, but ultimately had to stop for a splash to make it to the checkered flag. This promoted the No. 119 to second place, giving AEVR a second-third finish, with both cars on the podium, to end the weekend.

“What a first weekend for AE Victory Racing,” said Montgomery. “Very grateful for all the team’s preparation and hard work including all of the drivers. Thank you to TeamOne Logistics and Erin Vogel for making this possible!”

Freiberg commented, “For both cars to earn podium finishes on our first race weekend is an incredible accomplishment and a testament to the strength of this entire team. I’m so proud of how everyone executed, especially with the rain washing out our first day on track and adding an extra layer of challenge. Every single team member stepped up and the results truly reflect that effort.”

Schubert said, “I am so thankful to be a part of this team. I would say it’s hard to believe we scored three podiums on our debut weekend, but after seeing the top notch that Erin has put together in action, it’s not hard at all! Everyone worked so hard and put in effort needed to get us results. I am honored to be a part of it and I can’t wait to come back even stronger at Thunderhill, striving for the top step this time!”

Grisham added, “What a great first weekend with AE Victory Racing at Barber Motorsports Park! Both cars did well and it was an incredibly strong way to start the season. Huge credit to my teammates Sally and Michele who did an amazing job all weekend and made our P3 result possible. Proud of the teamwork and already looking forward to carrying this momentum into Thunderhill.”

Abbate said, “I am so incredibly proud of our entire team as a whole. We had a killer first event and every aspect of it was such an honor. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the season has in store!”

Mott commented, “This was such an amazing way to start the season. I couldn’t be happier with a double podium. Driving the AE Victory Racing Supra to P1 was seriously so much fun and I’m really proud of how quickly everything came together. The synergy with the team felt natural from the start. Everyone was locked in and working toward the same goal. There’s always more to find, but I think this weekend gave the team a lot of confidence heading into the rest of the season. I’d absolutely love to come back and do it again with this group.”

Next up, the AEVR teams head to Thunderhill Raceway Park for the second event of the 2026 season, taking place on April 3-5, 2026.

Hoffmann, Freiberg and Unser Announce 2026 Plans with Kellymoss

Shift Up Now Athletes Erika Hoffmann, Ashley Freiberg and Loni Unser announced today that they will be racing for Kellymoss in the 2026 Pirelli GT4 America season.

Erika Hoffmann, a Porsche Sprint Challenge rookie standout, is teaming up with Porsche Sprint Challenge USA West Cayman Pro-Am champion Jack Parriott to join the GT4 America grid. Parriott's strong progression and racecraft have demonstrated his readiness for a new challenge, while Hoffmann continues to build good momentum early in her professional career.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to compete in GT4 America with Kellymoss this season,” Hoffmann expressed. “I love this team and I’m thankful to be back with them for 2026. Continuing with Porsche while moving into open competition is an exciting challenge, and I’m looking forward to growing as a driver throughout the season.”

In the Silver class, Porsche Female Driver Program representatives Freiberg and Unser are joining forces and making their return with the highly recognizable Be Your Own Hero livery. Intentionally designed to resonate with young fans, the livery’s impact extends beyond the track through a dedicated merchandise line in which one hundred percent of proceeds are redistributed into diversity initiatives to help grow the sport for future generations.

Notably, Freiberg claimed the 2023 Porsche Sprint Challenge 991 title, and advanced to the Porsche Carrera Cup North America championship last season. As she pursues this next endeavor, Freiberg enters the season backed by longtime partners Mobil 1, Radius Drive, and WOW Carwash. Meanwhile, Unser secured third in the Porsche Sprint Challenge Cayman class standings in 2024 before going on to finish as vice-champion in 2025.

“I’m truly honored and excited to be racing with Kellymoss this season alongside Loni Unser,” exclaimed Freiberg. “Loni and I have worked together for several years through Radius Drive, and it has been incredibly rewarding to watch her hard work translate into such strong performances in the Porsche Cayman GT4 over the past few seasons. I’m looking forward to competing alongside her and building on that momentum together.”

“Victoria Thomas has been an incredible source of support and inspiration for me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to join her and the entire Kellymoss crew for what promises to be an exciting season in SRO GT4 America,” she continued. “We’re putting in the work this off-season and are committed to showing up prepared, focused, and ready to compete at a high level. I can’t wait to get started.”

"When you want to be the best, you have to surround yourself with the best,” stated Unser. “That's why I couldn't be more excited to race for Kellymoss for the third year in a row.”

“What excites me about this lineup is the balance,” stated Andy Kilcoyne, Principal and Chief Technical Officer. “ Each pairing is very intentional. We have drivers continuing to sharpen their racecraft, stepping into deeper manufacturer competition, and aligning in ways that accelerate one another’s growth. That combination creates a powerful environment for development."

The 2026 Pirelli GT4 America season takes place across a total of 13 rounds at seven different venues, kicking off at Sonoma Raceway on March 26th - 29th.

Alana Carter Announces 2026 Season with Radical Academy Canada

Shift Up Now Athlete Alana Carter announced today that she will be part of a two-car, all-female lineup for the 2026 season with Radical Academy Canada for the 2026 FEL Motorsports Emzone Radical Cup Canada season.

The team will field two Radical SR3 entries driven by Alana Carter and Sydney Cassels. The 2026 season represents another step forward in the Academy’s mission to develop drivers while expanding female representation in Canadian motorsport.

Returning for the full season, Carter continues her progression as one of Canada’s most versatile drivers. In 2024, she became the first woman to compete with Radical Academy in the Radical Cup Canada, and went on to secure a class podium in her TC America debut at Barber Motorsports Park. Her career includes success in competitive driver shootouts, participation in historic all-female podiums and an overall win in World Racing League GTO competition with AE Victory Racing. Carter returns not only as a contender, but as a mentor within the program.

“I’m incredibly excited to be back racing with Radical Academy in the Emzone Radical Cup Canada this year,” said Carter. “Radical Academy played a huge role in the development of my career back in 2024 and it’s super exciting to return to a team and series I know and love. Being involved as a mentor for Sydney and the other girls this year gives me purpose beyond my own racing program, and I’m thrilled to help the next generation of racers.”

Carter will be joined by seventeen-year-old Cassels of Coldstream, British Columbia, who will make her first full-season car racing debut in 2026. Currently completing her senior year of high school, Cassels transitioned into a Radical SR3 in 2025 and now steps into her first complete championship campaign in national-level competition.

Team Principal April Burgess believes the two-car lineup reflects the Academy’s broader purpose, “We’re proud to field Alana and Sydney in our Radical sister cars this season,” said Burgess. “Alana brings leadership and experience, while Sydney represents the future.

Radical Academy Canada is about more than results. It’s about creating real opportunity for women in motorsport.”

As the only all-female team on the Emzone Radical Cup Canada grid, Radical Academy Canada continues to combine competition with community, building meaningful pathways for young women in racing.

AE Victory Racing Selects Brenna Schubert as Development Driver Following Successful 2026 Female Driver Shootout

AE Victory Racing is proud to announce that Brenna Schubert has been selected as one of the team’s Development Drivers for the 2026 season following the conclusion of its highly successful 2026 Female Driver Shootout at Inde Motorsports Ranch in Willcox, Arizona.

The two-day Shootout took place January 29th and 30th and brought together five standout finalists —Reagan Thomas, Siena Ashby, Emy Kissick, Flame Airikkala, and Brenna Schubert — for an intensive evaluation program designed to assess on-track performance, coachability, mindset, and team fit.

Participants took part in a full schedule of track walks, short and long on-track stints, in-depth data review, PR training, mindset coaching, and team meals that emphasized connection and collaboration.

The all-female competition took place at Inde Motorsports Ranch, a demanding 2.75-mile, 21-turn road course known for its technical complexity and constant challenges for drivers. The team benefited from sunny, crisp spring weather and exceptional hospitality from the staff at the Ranch and the local Willcox community. The finalists bonded with each other while learning from an accomplished coaching staff that included AE Victory Racing team owner Erin Vogel and professional drivers Sarah Montgomery, Ashley Freiberg, Laura Hayes, and Hannah Grisham.

After careful evaluation, the team unanimously agreed that Brenna Schubert had earned the Development Driver seat.

“The shootout is really about getting to know each candidate and seeing who would be the best fit for the entire team,” said team owner Erin Vogel. “Brenna was consistent as a driver, coachable as a student, and a team player all around. She seemed really present with her coaches and thoughtful about her learning experience. We’re thrilled to have her with us.”

Brenna Schubert began her racing career with karting in 2009, eventually competing in The STARS Championship Series and Northeast Karting Challenge in KA100 and X30 until 2022. In 2023 she won the PT Autosport Aspiring Driver Shootout and started focusing on wheel-to-wheel racing, attending Skip Barber Racing School and competing in various shootouts and scholarship competitions over the last three years. Brenna also recently relocated to Las Vegas from her hometown of Quakertown, Pennsylvania in an effort to find more career opportunities. Reflecting on the experience with AE Victory
Racing, Schubert shared her excitement and gratitude.

“Winning the AE Victory Racing Shootout is an absolute dream come true,” said Schubert. “I am so grateful to Erin and the team for this amazing opportunity and can’t thank them enough. The shootout really helped each of us grow over the two days. The coaches gave such detailed feedback and it really helped me improve with each session. The Toyota Supra GT4 was a blast to drive, and I was grateful for the attention to detail that the crew gave to us and the car. Everyone on the team was a class-act, and I immediately felt a sense of calm and camaraderie being with an all-female team. I’m so honored to be among them this year, fighting for more wins.”

AE Victory Racing congratulates all five finalists on their outstanding performances and looks forward to building on the momentum of the Shootout as the team prepares for the 2026 season.

Nicole Havrda Announces 2026 Season with Shopify Racing Powered by TWOth

Shift Up Now Athlete Nicole Havrda unveiled her 2026 racing season plans, joining Shopify Racing powered by TWOth for its full-season participation in the 2026 IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge season. This marks a major milestone for the organization with the launch of a brand-new program in partnership with Shopify and the debut of the Ligier JS P325.

Havrda will make an exciting transition from F1 Academy to prototype racing in the IMSA VP Challenge, representing a significant step in her career as she expands into sportscar and endurance competition. She will be joined by Travis Hill for the 2026 endurance races.

“After an incredible journey in open-wheel racing, stepping into LMP3 with TWOth Autosport is a dream come true,” says Havrda. “Doing it with a Canadian team feels like home!”

The 2026 season will be the first year of competition for the Ligier JS P325, the next-generation LMP3 platform in IMSA competition. Shopify Racing powered by TWOth will be among the early adopters of the new car, underscoring the team’s commitment to innovation, technical development, and long-term growth within sportscar racing.

For more information and updates, check out the Shift Up Now website and follow on Instagram @ShiftUpNow.

“The Hannahs” to Compete in IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge for 2026

Shift Up Now Athletes Hannah Greenemeier and Hannah Grisham announced this week that their Heart of Racing (HoR) team will switch from competing in Pirelli GT4 America to IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge for its female-led Aston Martin Vantage GT4 Evo effort, in the 2026 racing season.

“The Hannahs,” who have been paired up in GT4 America for the the past two seasons, brought home a podium finish in 2025 at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) and a pair of top tens at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS).

The duo will pilot the No. 26 Aston Martin Vantage for 2026 in the GS class. The new entry joins HoR’s single-car efforts with its Aston Martin Valkyrie (GTP) and Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Evo (GTD) in the WeatherTech Championship. For the four-hour season opener at Daytona International Speedway, they will be joined by Aston Martin junior driver Mike David Ortmann.

“Racing a full season in the 2026 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge is a dream,” said Grisham. “I’m excited to kick off the season at Daytona and take on some iconic tracks that are new for me, like Watkins Glen and Canadian Tire Motorsports Park. I’m really looking forward to continuing to share the car with Hannah Greenemeier. The longer race format is a bit different than what we are used to, but I think it will play to our strengths. I can’t wait for what’s ahead.”

Greenemeier shared in Grisham’s excitement, saying, “I’ve watched the series for many years and it has a lot of talent in it. Being in the IMSA paddock is truly a privilege. It’s great to be back with Hannah [Grisham] for another year, and to have Mike Ortmann with us in Daytona is something I’m incredibly excited for. I’m ready for our first race in Daytona in January; it’s track I have never driven on, but I know that we will get up to speed quickly.”

Greenemeier and Grisham will kick off the season in Daytona, FL for the “Roar Before the Rolex 24,” taking place on January 16-18, 2026 at Daytona International Speedway. Race fans can find the full 2026 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge schedule HERE.