The Shift Up Now Foundation is proud to announce that four female racers - Laura Hayes, Loni Unser, Michele Abbate and Sabré Cook - have been awarded grants for the 2024 season.
The foundation, which lives alongside the Shift Up Now for-profit business, strives for gender equality for female athletes in motorsport, and furthers the mission by accepting tax-deductible gifts, donations and grants. Funds raised are used to award opportunities to 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.
Laura Hayes will race in the 102nd Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with Thunder Bunny Racing. Driving the Mobil1 Toyota Supra GT4 EVO, Hayes’ grant funding will cover vehicle expenses and insuring her car for the event.
“I'm so honored to be a Shift Up Now Foundation grant recipient,” said Hayes. “Missing the hill climb last year was more painful than I'd anticipated, so I've been determined to make it back to Colorado. With the introduction of the new GT4 Division presented by Yokohama, I couldn't be more excited to pilot one of our Toyota Supra GT4's to 14,000 feet. I certainly wouldn't be able to pull this off without Shift Up Now's support. I'm very grateful!”
Loni Unser will pilot a full season in the Porsche Sprint Challenge driving a Cayman GT4 RS. Her grant funds will cover travel expenses for seven race weekends, plus her new-found exploration into stunt-driving.
“I am so grateful for Shift Up Now,” said Unser. “Without their help, I wouldn't have had nearly as many of the opportunities I have been afforded. By making the most of these opportunities I feel as though I am better able to use them to inspire others to do the same.”
Michele Abbate is currently committed to driving the No. 30 Ghost Energy car for eight (of 12) races in the TA2 category of the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli. Her grant funding will help her continue to compete with a top-tier team, Nitro Motorsports, in competitive equipment, which she believes is her best opportunity for success on track.
"I am incredibly grateful to be selected as a Shift Up Now Foundation grant recipient,” said Abbate. “Because without out the support - and help from my sponsors - I would have one less race on my 2024 schedule.”
Sabré Cook will pilot a 911 GT3 Cup (992) car in the Pro class for MDK Motorsports in the Porsche Carrera Cup North America series. Cook was a 2023 Shift Up Now Foundation grant recipient. After an accident at the end of last season kept her out of the car, funds were deferred to support her efforts in 2024.
"It means a lot to have the Shift Up Now Foundation grant me support for the 2024 season,” said Cook. “My 2023 was cut short after my massive crash at Indianapolis last year, so it's been really helpful that the Foundation has allowed me to transfer my grant to the 2024 season instead. Every penny makes a difference in my racing budget, so I'm thankful for the help the grant is providing, so I can keep racing and have better equipment when doing so.”
Fans can follow along with the Athletes’ schedules and results at ShiftUpNow.com. For more information about the Shift Up Now Foundation, or to donate, please visit www.ShiftUpNow.org.
