AE Victory Racing delivered a breakthrough performance at Thunderhill Raceway Park this weekend, securing the team’s first overall victory in the World Racing League while underscoring a defining theme of the weekend: unity. As just the second event fielding a two-car effort, and the series’ debut at the circuit, the weekend marked a pivotal moment for a rapidly growing team still finding its rhythm.
With nearly half the roster new to the program, the result was not just a win, but a clear demonstration of what can happen when every individual commits to working as one. AE Victory Racing is a woman-led motorsports team founded in 2023 by Erin Vogel and Aaron Snair. Dedicated to developing and empowering female drivers, the team provides the seats, support, and spotlight they deserve in a traditionally male-dominated sport. AE Victory Racing’s mission extends beyond the racetrack, aiming to shatter stereotypes and inspire women to pursue their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they face.
Both Toyota Supra GT4 entries arrived at the track in exceptional condition, a testament to the team’s shop and preparation standards, allowing engineers and drivers to immediately focus on dialling in performance. Drivers took to the track early to familiarise themselves with the circuit, working closely with engineers to review data. Newly fabricated seat inserts from Brian Smith Fabrication also played a critical role, enabling smoother and more efficient driver changes, a vital component in endurance racing success.
One of the weekend’s most telling storylines came from development driver Brenna Schubert, whose progression embodied the team’s philosophy. Initially focused on improving lap times, Schubert found frustration when normal conditions prevented consistent gains. However, under the guidance of coach and pro-driver Ashley Freiberg, the focus shifted toward a broader view of performance. Freiberg noted that while lap times plateaued across the field due to tyre wear and track heat, Schubert’s growth in racecraft, consistency, and confidence was undeniable. Her improved racing lines, car control, and willingness to push the limits stood out, reinforcing the program’s commitment to long-term driver development over short-term metrics.
“Thunderhill was such a fun track and I’m so excited for both of our AE Victory Racing cars, we absolutely killed it! I really enjoyed driving this track and am happy with the consistency that I was able to achieve. I can’t wait to build on this performance at Road America and can’t thank Erin and the team enough for believing in me!” said Brenna Schubert excitedly.
At the start of Saturday’s 8-hour race, both cars launched strongly, with Montgomery immediately slotting into a 1–2 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, highlighting the commitment and preparedness of the team.
“This was a great weekend for the team at Thunderhill Raceway. Of course, the #119 car was hoping for a better result on Saturday but I’m proud of the way the team came together to get us back out on track. This is huge for the team and only makes the competition more fun to be a part of. Big thank you to Erin Vogel, our fearless team leader, and Team One Logistics and Lafayette Travel for supporting our success,” said Sarah Montgomery.
Meanwhile, the No. 120 continued to lead significant portions of the race, navigating traffic, cautions, and fuel cycles with discipline. In the end the No. 119 was able to come back out and due to a few DNF’s, 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 and grabbed the P2 trophy.
Starting P2 and P3 in the 7-hour race on Sunday, both cars executed a meticulously planned endurance race, balancing tyre strategy, traffic management, and clean driver transitions. Montgomery delivered a strong opening stint on qualifying tyres, skilfully working through traffic to position the No. 119 for Schubert, who would go on to set the car’s fastest lap after re-joining on fresh tyres. Up front, Laura Hayes maintained a commanding pace in the No. 120, holding a P1 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, Michele Abbate, and Grisham in the No. 120 kept the car at the front of the field. A strong start from Montgomery, alongside Schubert and Ashley 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 chequered 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 1–2 finish. With all three of the winning drivers understandably jubilant.
“What an amazing weekend for the entire AE Victory Racing team. I couldn’t be prouder to be involved with such an amazing team. Looking forward to our next race in just a few weeks’ time at Road America and hopefully keep the momentum going!” said Hannah Grisham.
“What an incredible effort we had this weekend! I am so proud of our team, AE Victory Racing, and stoked on our first overall win in the #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,” added Michele Abbate.
“What a weekend for us at Thunderhill! We faced some unexpected challenges with track conditions that led to significant tyre wear, but thanks to smart decisions and strong strategy from the team, we were able to adapt and manage the situation effectively. Weekends with AE Victory Racing are always a highlight for me, and this was no exception. I’m incredibly grateful to Erin and the entire team for their hard work and support in making it another successful event,” said Laura Hayes after their victory on Sunday.
Team owner Erin Vogel reflected on the weekend with a message that captured the spirit of the result, “Coming into this weekend, we knew we were still building. This is only our second event running two cars, and so many of these individuals are still learning how to work together—not just as drivers, but as a complete team.
On Friday, I told everyone that I no longer saw a group of individuals, I saw one team, and what happened after that proved it. Every challenge we faced, we faced together. From the crew jumping in to repair the 119, to the drivers adapting to changing conditions, to the engineers making the right calls at the right time. This win belongs to every single person here. It’s not just about standing on the top step, it’s about how we got there, and this weekend showed exactly who we are becoming.”
With their first victory secured and a 1–2 finish marking their strongest result to date, AE Victory Racing leaves Thunderhill not only with momentum, but with a clear identity; one built on collaboration, resilience, and a shared commitment to advancing women in motorsport.
Photographs Supplied.