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.

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.

Podium Finish Skyrockets AE Victory Racing to Third in WRL Championship

Shift Up Now Athletes Sarah Montgomery and Ashley Freiberg, together with teammate Charlotte Traynor, earned a third-place finish for AE Victory Racing (AEVR) to claim the final podium spot in the GTO class during race one of the World Racing League (WRL) weekend at Watkins Glen International Raceway on October 17-19, 2025.

The Watkins Glen event followed a history-making weekend at Utah Motorsports Campus, where the AEVR team earned the first all-female victory in the WRL GTO class, and were anxious to continue their championship bid. Fellow Shift Up Now Athlete Laura Hayes was also on the team’s timing stand once again, lending strategic expertise to dial in the car for the weekend.

Driving the No. 119 Toyota Supra GT4, Montgomery, Freiberg and Traynor ran in two of the three practice sessions on Friday morning before qualifying later that afternoon.

Temperatures for the qualifying session were the coldest of the season to date. However, despite the challenging conditions and a competitive field, Freiberg’s run on the 3.4-mile, 11- turn road course earned the team an eighth-place starting position for the first race.

Saturday’s eight-hour competition began at 9:00am ET with Freiberg behind the wheel for a three-hour stint, starting on the outside of row four. Heavy rain and incidents early on in the race made her stint chaotic, but she managed to keep the car clean before handing it over to Montgomery mid-day for a triple stint.

Two hours remained when 19-year-old development driver Traynor took the wheel to close out the competition. Her training paid off when she laid down the team’s fastest lap of the day - a 2:01.8 - and brought the car home third in class.

The following morning, Freiberg was behind the wheel again to start Sunday’s seven-hour race. This time, the AEVR team was starting from 11th place after several competitors were sidelined due to incidents from the previous day’s race.

After a solid two-hour stint, Freiberg was running fourth in class when it came time to hand the car to Traynor, who also completed a consistent and focused stint. Finally, Montgomery took the wheel to close out the race with approximately two hours left.

When the team executed a flawless pit stop, the No. 119 Supra advanced from third to second, as the trio anticipated an even better podium finish. However, when a sensor issue forced the car back to pit lane and then the garage for diagnostic checks, the team was forced to retire from the race.

When reflecting on the weekend after Sunday’s race, Montgomery noted, “Saturday was a great race in which everyone worked really hard, and today we were set up to have even better success. Unfortunately with the mechanical issue, we weren’t able to finish it up but I’m immensely proud of our development driver Charlotte, and the whole team for working so hard. It was a great weekend.”

Freiberg agreed, adding, “I’m super pumped for the team with our consistent podium finishes! Everyone executed really well. It was a bummer to have to pull out of the race on Sunday, but I know we will come back in COTA [Circuit of the Americas] stronger!”

Despite the bad luck in race two, AEVR currently sits third in the WRL National Championship standings. Shift Up Now Athlete and AEVR team owner Erin Vogel said, “This weekend really showed how far we’ve come as a team. Our drivers, coaches, and crew executed with professionalism and heart. To see AE Victory Racing move up to third in the national championship standings, even if that may change since we don’t plan to run Sebring, is an incredible achievement. I’m so proud of every single person who helped get us here. It’s a reflection of our hard work, and belief in each other.”

Next up, AEVR heads to Del Valle, TX for the World Racing League National Championship finale at Circuit of the Americas on December 5-7, 2025.

Cook Ends Porsche Carrera Cup Season with Lucky Sevens at COTA

Shift Up Now Athlete Sabré Cook had a season-best weekend with back-to-back seventh-place finishes in the finale weekend of Porsche Carrera Cup North America presented by PenFed Credit Union at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) on October 17-19, 2025.

Cook, a Hagerty-supported racer, piloted the No. 37 PenFed / privé 992 Porsche Cup Car for JDX Racing in the Pro Class.

Formula 1 headlined the weekend, which allowed just one practice session for the Porsche Carrera Cup drivers on Friday, before going straight into qualifying on Saturday. Cook ran in the top 15 for practice on the 3.426-mile, 20-turn race track.

Qualifying began at 9:45am CST on Saturday under sunny skies. Cooler temperatures provided optimal track conditions for the 30-minute session. When nearly the entire field set personal- best lap times, Cook rose to the challenge and posted the ninth-fastest time on her Yokohama tires, putting her on the inside of row five for race one.

Despite a short red flag for a car off track, Cook’s second-fastest lap was eighth-quickest of the session, so she would start race two on the outside of row four.

Later that afternoon, the Porsche Carrera Cup field was lined up for the first 35-minute race under bright blue skies with hot track temperatures. After one pace lap, they rolled two-by-two to the start.

Cook held her ninth-place spot on the inside through the notoriously-tight pinch point at turn one, and the field came through cleanly.

For the first 30 minutes of the race, green-flag racing ensued. Then, with just five minutes remaining, a single-car incident brought out the full-course yellow. Despite race officials’ best efforts, the competition ended under yellow, with Cook crossing the line in ninth. Post-race penalties were assessed to two of her competitors, advancing her to seventh.

On Sunday morning, race two brought gusty wind conditions, and drivers anticipated a challenging tail wind down the front straight and into turn one.

Cook was lined up on the outside of row four for the 35-minute race. After one pace lap, the field ran side-by-side to the green flag. The expected tail wind caused higher top speeds and an earlier brake point for turn one, but Cook had a strong start and advanced around the outside.

In the melee of the first few corners, she dropped back to ninth but stayed focused on making the pass for eighth. In a bold, side-by-side move that put her on the inside for several corners, she was able to complete the pass.

By just the second lap, she had made another pass to run in seventh. From that point forward, she defended her position, swapping places several times with the car behind. She crossed the finish line in eighth but was once again awarded a position after post-race penalties were assessed. This gave Cook her second consecutive seventh-place finish to cap off her best weekend of the season.

“I’m really pleased to end the Porsche Carrera Cup North America season on a high note,” said Cook. “Having our best qualifying yet really set us up for success, and it paid off with two solid results. The close racing was so much fun - I only wish we had more coming up!

“I’m so grateful for everyone that has supported my program this year. I couldn’t have done it without so many incredible people and companies behind me.”

The 2026 Porsche Carrera Cup North America presented by PenFed Credit Union schedule has not yet been announced. More information will be released soon at www.PorscheCarreraCup.us.

Back-to-Back “Top Finishing Female” Races for Mott at Road Atlanta

Shift Up Now Athlete Sally Mott earned two consecutive “Top Finishing Female” awards when she finished 13th then 12th in rounds 13 and 14 of the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta on October 9-10, 2025.

Fellow Shift Up Now Athlete Ashlyn Speed was out due to a concussion, while AE Victory Racing driver Charlotte Traynor was making her third start in the Mazda MX-5 Cup series at Road Atlanta.

In addition to being the final rounds of the points-paying season for MX-5 Cup, the weekend featured Petit Le Mans on Saturday. As a result, Mott and the rest of the 31-car field had two sessions on Wednesday, followed by qualifying and race one on Thursday, and race two on Friday.

Driving the No. 15 pink Iron Dames livery for JTR Motorsports Engineering, Mott is a Collision Careers supported athlete. Collision Careers was on site in the Fan Zone at Road Atlanta, giving Mott the chance to meet her fans and educate them about careers in collision repair.

On Wednesday, track conditions were damp for the morning practice but dry later that afternoon. Mott ran in the top 20 for both sessions on the 2.54-mile, 12 turn natural terrain road course.

Qualifying began at 8:00am ET on Thursday. A pair of red flags plagued the session, with several calls missing the maximum lap time by running slow laps as they looked for a tow. Mott qualified 13th, earning her fourth top-15 qualifying in the last five races.

That afternoon, the first 45-minute race began at 2:10pm ET. Because of the melee in that morning’s qualifying, several of the fastest cars were starting from the back. Mott was lined up on the inside of row seven, and ran two-by-two with the field to the green flag.

Just a few minutes into the race, the top 15 began to break away from the rest of the pack as Mott set her sights on the 12th-place car ahead. When a mid-pack car suddenly spun and sent a competitor into the concrete wall between turns five and six, a full-course yellow emerged.

Thirty-two minutes remained after the cleanup and the field ran single-file on the restart. Mott maintained her 13th-place spot, running with the front pack. As the field approached turn six, she was hung out to dry on the outside and dropped back to 16th.

Shortly thereafter, she made a pass to claim the 15th-place spot and was promoted to 14th after a contact penalty was assessed to a car ahead. Then with five minutes to go, she lost a tow from the front pack and crossed the finish line in 14th. An incident at the checkered flag

caused another penalty, moving Mott up to 13th and continuing her top-finishing female streak.

The following morning, race two began at 9:35am ET. Mott started on the outside of row 10 under sunny skies with cool track temperatures. After two formation laps, the field had a clean start and Mott moved up to 18th by the end of the first lap.

Just one lap later, she had gained two additional positions, running in 16th and focused on making a pass for 15th, which she accomplished a couple laps later.

With 30 minutes remaining in the 45-minute competition, the car ahead of Mott spun on the high-speed Road Atlanta esses. She was able to avoid major contact and continue, but during the ensuing full-course caution, she had to assess the damage from the impact to the right front of her race car.

The cleanup was lengthy and left only 19 minutes at the restart. Mott had advanced to 12th place and took off with the lead pack, gaining an additional spot by the end of the first lap.

Another incident brought out the full-course caution again with eight minutes left in the race. Then when just over a minute remained on the restart, the green and white flags flew together.

Mott was forced to defend into turn one but held her spot in the top ten all the way to turn ten. As the field went into the chicane on the final lap, she was shuffled back to her 12th-place finishing position, still claiming yet another top-finishing female award.

The finish also put her 12th overall in the 2025 points standings for her sophomore season in the Mazda MX-5 Cup.

“My second year in the Mazda MX-5 Cup has been such a valuable step in my growth as a driver,” said Mott. “I’ve really refined my race craft and car control, and I feel so much more confident and composed behind the wheel, compared to my rookie season. It’s amazing to see how far I’ve come in just two years competing in this series.

“None of it would have been possible without the incredible support from my partners - Coble Commercial Properties, Collision Careers, AE Victory Racing, Shift Up Now, the Shift Up Now Foundation, and everyone who’s believed in me this season.”

The Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin series has one final, non-points race to finish the season, taking place at Martinsville Speedway - a 0.526-mile oval in Martinsville, VA - on October 23, 2025.