Brenna Schubert wins AE Victory Racing female driver shootout

AE Victory Racing announced that Brenna Schubert will join the team as a Development Driver for the 2026 season, following her victory in the team's Female Driver Shootout held at Inde Motorsports Ranch.

Photo credits: AEVR

Women-led team AE Victory Racing announced that Brenna Schubert will join the team as a Development Driver for the 2026 season, following her victory in the team's Female Driver Shootout held at Inde Motorsports Ranch in Willcox, Arizona.

The two-day evaluation event, conducted on January 29–30, brought together five finalists: Reagan Thomas, Siena Ashby, Emy Kissick, Flame Airikkala, and Brenna Schubert.

The drivers, selected from 43 applications from around the world, underwent a comprehensive assessment process designed to measure more than just lap times. Drivers were evaluated on performance consistency, adaptability, communication, mindset, and overall compatibility with the team.

The program combined track walks, short and extended on-track sessions, data analysis, media and public relations training, mindset development workshops aimed at fostering collaboration and connection with the team.

The Shootout took place at the technically demanding Inde Motorsports Ranch, a 2.75-mile circuit featuring 21 corners in Arizona, under clear skies throughout the event. The finalists also had the opportunity to work closely with a coaching lineup that included team owner Erin Vogel and drivers Sarah Montgomery, Ashley Freiberg, Laura Hayes, and Hannah Grisham.

Following the assessments, AE Victory Racing selected Brenna Schubert for the Development Driver role.

“The shootout is really about getting to know each candidate and seeing who would be the best fit for the entire team,” said team owner Erin Vogel. “Brenna was consistent as a driver, coachable as a student, and a team player all around. She seemed really present with her coaches and thoughtful about her learning experience. We’re thrilled to have her with us.”

Schubert began karting in 2009 and went on to compete in the STARS Championship Series and Northeast Karting Challenge in both KA100 and X30 categories through 2022. In 2023, she claimed victory in the PT Autosport Aspiring Driver Shootout, that marked her transition toward car racing. Since then, she has expanded her experience through the Skip Barber Racing School and participation in multiple driver development programs and scholarship competitions.

Schubert described the AE Victory Racing opportunity as a major career opportunity. “Winning the AE Victory Racing Shootout is an absolute dream come true,” said Schubert. “I am so grateful to Erin and the team for this amazing opportunity and can’t thank them enough."

"The shootout really helped each of us grow over the two days. The coaches gave such detailed feedback and it really helped me improve with each session. The Toyota Supra GT4 was a blast to drive, and I was grateful for the attention to detail that the crew gave to us and the car. Everyone on the team was a class-act, and I immediately felt a sense of calm and camaraderie being with an all-female team. I’m so honored to be among them this year, fighting for more wins.”