Shift Up Now Athletes Laura Hayes, Michele Abbate and Hannah Grisham earned a first-ever overall victory for AE Victory Racing (AEVR), which made an even more impactful statement when they were joined on the podium by three other AEVR teammates and Shift Up Now Athletes—Sarah Montgomery, Ashley Freiberg, and Brenna Schubert—after race two of a double-header World Racing League (WRL) weekend at Thunderhill Raceway Park on April 2-5, 2026.
As just the second event fielding a two-car effort, the series’ debut at the circuit, and nearly half the roster new to the program, the weekend marked a pivotal moment for a rapidly-growing team still finding its rhythm.
Both Toyota Supra GT4 entries took to the track Thursday for Max Track Time on the 3.0-mile, 15-turn East circuit, with Hayes, Abbate and Grisham piloting the No. 120, and Montgomery, Freiberg and Schubert in the No. 119.
Thunderhill’s notoriously abrasive surface and evolving track conditions presented an early challenge, with tire degradation becoming a central focus throughout the Max Track Time test sessions. Drivers took to the track early to familiarize themselves with the circuit, working closely with engineers to review data.
Qualifying on Friday showcased the team’s potential. On fresh tires, Grisham delivered a standout lap of 1:52.9 on her second flyer to secure the team’s first-ever pole position, while Montgomery put the No. 119 car in fourth place for the next day's race.
At the start of Saturday’s eight-hour race, both cars launched strongly, with Montgomery immediately slotting into a one-two formation with Grisham heading into the opening corners. However, just laps into the race, the No. 119 suffered a drivetrain issue, forcing an unscheduled pit stop into the garages. The crew quickly diagnosed a failed guibo and executed repairs with urgency.
Meanwhile, the No. 120 continued to lead significant portions of the race, navigating traffic, cautions, and fuel cycles. In the end, the No. 119 was able to come back out and—due to a few DNFs—complete the race in the points. The No. 120 brought the team their first podium of the weekend when they narrowly missed out on victory in the closing stages, but earned the second-place trophy.
Starting second and third in the seven-hour race on Sunday, both cars executed a meticulously planned endurance race, balancing tire strategy, traffic management, and clean driver transitions. Montgomery delivered a strong opening stint on qualifying tires, skillfully working through traffic to position the No. 119 for Schubert, who would go on to set the car’s fastestlap after rejoining on fresh tires. Up front, Laura Hayes maintained a commanding pace in the No. 120, holding the lead track position and managing pressure during multiple restarts and fuel cycles.
As the race unfolded, seamless pit execution and strategic calls kept both cars in contention.
Driver rotations between Hayes, Abbate, and Grisham in the No. 120 kept the car at the front of the field. A strong start from Montgomery, alongside Schubert and Freiberg in the No. 119, demonstrated the team’s precision and execution as, across both cars, drivers remained consistent in lap times and pace. Late-race fuel strategy proved effective, with both cars making perfectly timed stops in the final minutes to maintain track position.
When the checkered flag fell, AE Victory Racing celebrated a milestone moment: the No. 120 captured the team’s first overall victory, with the No. 119 completing a hard-earned one-two finish.
“What a weekend for us at Thunderhill,” said Hayes. “We faced some unexpected challenges with track conditions that led to significant tire wear, but thanks to smart decisions and strong strategy from the team, we were able to adapt and manage the situation effectively—ultimately coming away with a win and a couple of P2s. Weekends with AE Victory Racing are always a highlight for me, and this was no exception. I’m incredibly grateful to Erin [Vogel] and the entire team for their hard work and support in making it another successful event.”
Grisham echoed Hayes’ sentiment, commenting, “What an amazing weekend for the entire AE Victory Racing team. On Saturday, we brought it home P2, while our sister car, No. 119 was unfortunately hit with some mechanical gremlins. Today we bounced back in the best way possible with a win, and to top it off, the sister car finished P2. It was a huge team effort all around. I couldn’t be prouder to be involved with such an amazing team. I’m looking forward to our next race in just a few weeks time at Road America and hopefully keep the momentum going!”
Abbate added, “What an incredible effort we had this weekend! I am so proud of our team, AE Victory Racing, and I’m stoked on our first overall win in the No. 120 car! It all came down to strategy and Kevin really did a stellar job. It was a pleasure to drive with Hannah and Laura and I’m so super pumped to have helped bring the win home for everyone on the team who have worked so hard! Very well done to our sister car who really put up a fight and earned the P2 finish as well. Excited to carry the momentum to Road America!”
Next up, the six Shift Up Now Athletes on the AEVR team will head to Elkhart Lake, WI for rounds three and four of the 2026 WRL Championship, taking place at Road America on April 24-26, 2026.
