“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.

AE Victory Racing Finishes Third in Championship After Back-to-Back Podiums at COTA

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.

AE Victory Racing Announces Expansion and Opens 2026 Female Driver Shootout Applications

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.”

A Night with the Shift Up Now Foundation Raises More Than $100,000 in Grants for Female Racers

The Shift Up Now Foundation is thrilled to announce that its second-annual, in-person fundraising event - A Night with the Shift Up Now Foundation presented by PenFed Credit Union and Tom Wood Porsche - raised just over $100,000.

More than 175 people showed up to the Tom Wood Aviation Hangar in Fishers, IN, for an unforgettable evening with an electric feeling in the air. Surrounded by race cars and airplanes, guests were treated to amazing food catered by Cunningham Restaurant Group and craft cocktails from Simplicity Cocktails, while listening to live music from local artist Kenna Loren and panels featuring Shift Up Now Foundation grantees and other special guests.

The event also included a massive assortment of silent auction items, in addition to a diamond pull from Master Jewelers and high-end whiskey raffle from West Fork Whiskey.

The best part about A Night with the Shift Up Now Foundation was that the entire event was focused on the Shift Up Now mission: Providing opportunities to female racers believed to have the talent and aptitude to succeed in motorsports, giving them access to more competitive equipment, seat time for testing and practice, and resources to help grow their careers.

In 2024, the inaugural “A Night with the Shift Up Now Foundation” raised more than $80,000, which went toward grants for the 2025 season. The Athletes made full use of the help they were given, winning races, podiums, pole positions and championships.

Not only did this year’s event exceed expectations by raising more than $100,000 - including just over $20,000 from silent auction items - the Shift Up Now Foundation is honored to announce that co-title sponsor PenFed Credit Union has committed to return for 2026.

PenFed Credit Union President/CEO James Schenck commented, “PenFed is honored to stand alongside the extraordinary women who are trailblazers in motorsports. Their drive, talent, and determination set new standards of excellence and inspire others to pursue greatness. By continuing our support, we help pave the way for these remarkable athletes to break barriers and redefine what is possible in racing, while encouraging the next generation to follow in their footsteps and champion excellence in all they do.”

Shift Up Now CEO Pippa Mann added, “As I take a moment to reflect on this year’s ‘A Night with the Shift Up Now Foundation,’ there are so many people to thank who made it possible. From our co-title sponsors - PenFed Credit Union and Tom Wood Porsche - to our friends in motorsport - M1 Concourse, Lucas Oil, Mazda Motorsports and Polaris Talent - to our event committee, RB Consulting, and all of the other amazing donors and sponsors.

“I also want to thank everyone who attended, bid in our silent auction, volunteered or participated in whatever way they could to help us make our first event of this scale so special.

“Thank you also to Tom Wood Porsche for providing such a unique event location at the Aviation Hangar, to Cunningham Restaurant Group for the delicious catered food, and West Fork Whisky, Simplicity Cocktails, Alma de Agave Tequile and Lemba Rum for the amazing cocktails. We loved seeing everyone turn out in their favorite shades of blue as we celebrated, and raised funds for the next generation of talented female racers.”

A photo album recapping the evening is now available for viewing HERE.

For those that missed the event or simply want to be involved in joining the Shift Up Now mission moving forward, you’re invited to make a donation at www.ShiftUpNow.org.

In addition, sponsorship options are already open for the 2026 event. This is a great opportunity for businesses to network, build brand awareness while supporting a worthy cause at the same time. Please reach out to foundation@ShiftUpNow.org to learn more.

Pair of Top Ten Finishes for “The Hannahs” in Season Finale at Indianapolis

Shift Up Now Athletes Hannah Greenemeier and Hannah Grisham earned back-to-back seventh-place finishes overall during the season finale of Pirelli GT4 America at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) on October 16-19, 2025.

Driving the No. 26 navy blue and yellow Aston Martin GT4 for the Heart of Racing Team, Greenemeier and Grisham took to the track Thursday for two practice sessions. They ran in the top 15 for the first, then bested their performance by moving into the top ten for the second.

Friday’s qualifying took place at 2:45pm ET under sunny skies, with temperatures in the mid- seventies. Both of the Hannahs set personal-best times on the 2.439-mile, 14-turn road course. Greenemeier was behind the wheel first, qualifying ninth overall for the start of race one. Then Grisham, who previously won her first race in class at IMS for Heart of Racing, took over and qualified seventh overall for the second race.

Saturday morning dawned cool and sunny for the start of the first one-hour competition. Greenemeier lined up on the inside of row five, and rolled side-by-side with the field to the green flag, which flew at 9:50am ET.

Heading into turn one, Greenemeier got squeezed but kept the car clean when a large, multi- car incident in the first turn brought out the full-course caution. Cleanup was lengthy, leaving 36 minutes on the clock at the restart.

Greenemeier was in 11th when the green flag flew again and had a clean restart, immediately completing the pass to move into the top ten. She then went straight to pit lane for the mandatory pit stop and driver change.

Grisham took over and cycled up to ninth overall after the field’s pit stops were completed. She spent the rest of the competition setting fast times and making additional passes to bring the Heart of Racing Aston GT4 home in seventh-place in the Pro Class - and overall - at the checkered flag.

On Sunday morning, the weather painted a completely different picture. A torrential rain swept through the area before the race, leaving a wet race track in its wake. When race two began at 9:45am ET, overcast skies and windy condition remained for the one-hour competition.

All cars went out on wet tires, and after one pace lap, race control elected to start the field behind the safety car due to standing water on track and poor visibility. Grisham was behind the wheel for the single-file start, running in seventh.

She held position through the first few corners as substantial “rooster tails” from the leaders severely limited visibility for the rest of the field. Grisham did her best with the tricky conditions

for the first half of the race, then advanced a few spots when the team elected to leave her on track past the opening of the pit window. As a result, she pulled into pit lane in fifth for the mandatory pit stop and driver change.

Greenemeier took the wheel as the racing line began to dry for the second half of the race. Once the cars all cycled through after the pit stop, Greenemeier was running seventh overall, and fifth in class. By the time the checkered flag flew, she crossed the finish line in seventh overall, and fourth in class, just one place off the podium to close out the season.

"It was a good weekend in Indianapolis, we had some of our strongest pace of the season," said Grisham. "Sunday made for an interesting race in mixed conditions and saw us finish one step short of the podium. Overall, our first year competing in the silver class has been a challenge, but a great learning experience. Huge thank you to The Heart of Racing and everyone who makes it possible for us to race."

The 2026 Pirelli GT4 America schedule kicks off in just 156 short days, when the series heads to Sonoma Raceway for rounds one and two on March 27-29, 2026.