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. 

AE Victory Racing Names 5 Finalists for 2026 Female Driver Development Shootout

AE Victory Racing (AEVR) has selected five finalists to compete in its 2025 Driver Development Shootout, taking place January 29–30 at inde Motorsports Park in Wilcox, Arizona. The two-day evaluation will determine the next development driver to earn a fully funded seat in the 2026 World Racing League season as part of AEVR’s female driver development program.

The finalists—Flame Airikkala, Siena Ashby, Emy Kissick, Brenna Schubert, and Reagan Thomas—will be evaluated through on-track sessions, data analysis, and team-based workshops designed to build both driving skill and camaraderie. The shootout reflects AEVR’s holistic approach to driver development, emphasizing performance, professionalism, and teamwork.

Applications for the program opened November 17 and closed December 7, drawing a record 43 applicants from around the world—more than double the number from the previous year. Following multiple rounds of application reviews, interviews, and extensive deliberation, team owner Erin Vogel, professional drivers Sarah Montgomery and Ashley Freiberg, and key members of the AEVR staff narrowed the field to five finalists.

About the Finalists:

Flame Airikkala, who will make the trip over from the UK, comes from a racing family including her grandfather and mother. In her application video, she attributes her love of racing to the fact that she loves to compete in nearly everything, playing competitive chess, netball and rowing as well as racing from the early age of 14.

Siena Ashby from Chanhassen, Minnesota has been competing in Go Karts for over 12 years and just completed her second season in wheel to wheel racing. Siena was an applicant last year and the team is excited to welcome her to her first shootout. Siena said the feedback she received last year has led her to implement new measurement tactics and work on her data analysis to give her a more competitive edge.

Emy Kissick lives in Olympia, Washington and got her racing license in 2023 and has maintained her own vehicle since then. Boasting a mechanical background and comfort in the garage, she says racing Spec Miata and MX-5 has made her a clean driver and develop a sense of calm in high traffic situations. But, as she says in her video with a smile, she maintains her sense of humor and energetic contributions to a team.

Brenna Schubert is located in Las Vegas and began karting in 2009 but also started competing in wheel-to-wheel in 2023. She said she has had to work very hard and take every opportunity to make racing her priority. Her resume certainly reflects this as she has participated in multiple shootouts, challenges and scholarships and also taken jobs and volunteer positions in various racing programs. She also recently relocated to Las Vegas from her hometown of Quakertown, Pennsylvania in an effort to find more career opportunities.

Reagan Thomas hails from Cayce, South Carolina and has been racing Spec Miatas and Spec E-46 for the last two and a half years. She is the second driver to proclaim that she learned a lot by even applying to the AEVR program last year and that it has pushed her to grow as a driver and a competitor. She is excited at the opportunity to compete in more endurance races as she says she enjoys the teamwork, energy and accountability that comes with it.

“I’m humbled and proud of the depth and diversity of applications we received this year, representing a wide range of motorsports disciplines from around the world,” said AE Victory Racing team owner Erin Vogel. “That level of interest speaks to both the talent that exists and the real need for programs that create meaningful opportunities for women in racing.”

Vogel developed the inaugural shootout in 2025 by drawing on her experience as a professional driver and adapting elements from existing development programs to create an evaluation process she believes truly serves developing athletes. What began as a competitive selection process has evolved into a collaborative environment that prioritizes learning, growth, and teamwork—an energy she is committed to building upon in 2026.

“Last year, every participant walked away with something valuable,” Vogel added. “I’m excited to see what this group brings to the program and confident the experience will be impactful, regardless of the final outcome.”

“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.

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.