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 Charlotte Traynor!
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
As a kid I never really knew what I wanted to do. I didn’t grow up in a racing family so it wasn’t until the age of 13 when I first stepped in a go kart that I realized I wanted to be a racecar driver. I had some interest in being a pilot when I was younger, since I come from a family of pilots so maybe I would have done that!
Where and how did you get started in racing?
I got started in racing through go karting when I was 13. I always loved watching NASCAR and F1 on tv. When they would show the in car cameras it was like a switch in my brain that just clicked. I thought racing looked like so much fun, so I began indoor go karting, then from there my dad and I got our own kart!
Describe how you progressed through your early days to where you are now.
Even though I only began racing six years ago, it feels like it’s been a lifetime. While I was racing go karts, I was fortunate enough to meet some incredible people to help me progress my career. One day while I was at the karting track we ran into a family that happened to be starting a Mazda MX-5 Cup team and they invited us along to check out some of the races. I quickly realized that road racing was the route I wanted to take, so to get some experience in cars I started racing a Spec Miata before I jumped into the Mazda MX-5 cup series in May of 2025. I have also had some incredible opportunities along the way to drive with Erin Vogel’s AE Victory Racing team in the World Racing League!
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced?
Some of the biggest challenges I have faced in racing include trying to learn everything at an expedited rate. Since I got into the sport a bit later than most, I have been playing a game of catch up to reach the level that others are at. It’s really hard to start in racing when you don’t come from a family of racers or when you don’t come from a really wealthy family, so the nonstop grind to try to find funds for a new year of racing is always a big challenge as well.
What are some of your greatest achievements so far, or the things you’re most proud of?
Some of my greatest achievements so far would definitely include winning the Mazda MX-5 Cup Women’s Initiative scholarship for the 2026 racing season. It was such a prestigious shootout that many drivers want to win, so to be able to add my name to the list of scholarship winners was such a surreal moment. Getting to race at Daytona International Speedway with AE Victory Racing was also a huge highlight of my career. I had always dreamed of racing on that track so getting to actually do it was incredible and a moment I will never forget.
What are you most looking forward to this upcoming year?
I am looking forward to running a full season in the Mazda MX-5 Cup and continuing to grow and learn in everything that I do. The MX-5 cup runs under the IMSA umbrella, so getting to share the track with so many other great series is really neat and I can’t wait until the season starts!
What’s your favorite hobby, or way to spend your free time, outside of racing?
Outside of racing, I love anything that involves the outdoors. I grew up in Colorado so I have always loved outdoor activities like snowboarding, hiking, and basically anything that includes the mountains!
What’s your “cheat meal” of choice?
My cheat meal of choice would probably be anything with chocolate, or pumpkin pie. I love pumpkin pie!
Where are you racing next?
My next race is on January 21-23rd in the MX-5 Cup right before the 24 hours of Daytona!
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