Amber Balcaen
NASCAR racing // Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Amber Balcaen, a 3rd-gen Canadian racecar driver, began racing go-karts at 10 in North Dakota. At 16, she purchased a lightning sprint car, becoming the first female to win a Manitoba dirt track championship. She made history as the first Canadian female to win a NASCAR-sanctioned US race in 2016.
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FULL BIO: Amber Balcaen
Amber Balcaen is a trailblazing Canadian stock car racer who became the first Canadian female to win a NASCAR-sanctioned race in the United States, breaking barriers in the male-dominated world of motorsports.
EARLY YEARS
Born into a racing dynasty in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Amber’s motorsports journey began before she was born, attending races while still in her mother’s womb. At age 10, she started racing go-karts in North Dakota, supported by her mother Kim who advocated for her racing career despite the challenges. Her father Mike Balcaen, a 50-time track champion, taught her essential mechanical skills, while her grandfather Lou Kennedy Sr., a Hall of Famer, provided additional racing heritage[1][2].
EARLY SUCCESS
Amber’s talent was evident from her earliest competitions, where she often raced as the youngest and only female driver. At 16, she graduated to lightning sprint cars and made history by becoming the first female to win a dirt track racing championship in Manitoba. Her breakthrough moment came in 2016 when she piloted the Lee Pulliam Performance Limited Late Model to victory at Motor Mile Speedway, making her the first Canadian woman to win a NASCAR-sanctioned race in the United States[1][2].
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
- 2014: Won Rookie of the Year in the Northern Outlaw Sprint Association and became the highest finishing female in the association’s history[1].
- 2015: Competed in the prestigious Chili Bowl Nationals[1].
- 2016: Became the first female Canadian driver to win a NASCAR-sanctioned race in the United States at Motor Mile Speedway and earned Rookie of the Year honors in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series[1].
- 2017: Made her NASCAR K&N Pro Series East debut at New Smyrna Speedway for Martin-McClure Racing[1].
- 2018: Made her first start in the CARS Super Late Model Tour, driving the No. 4 for Kyle Busch Motorsports at Hickory Motor Speedway[1].
- 2022: Ran the full ARCA Menards Series season with Rette Jones Racing, earning six top ten finishes and finishing 7th in the final point standings[1].
- 2023: Joined Venturini Motorsports, running select races including Daytona and Talladega, and achieved a career-best finish of 6th at Daytona[1].
- 2024: Ran full-time for Venturini Motorsports, tying her career-best finish of 6th in the Reese’s 150 and finishing 6th in the final standings while overcoming a foot fracture[1].
REPUTATION
Amber has earned a reputation as one of motorsport’s most determined competitors, demonstrating remarkable resilience by overcoming numerous obstacles throughout her career. Her historic achievement as the first Canadian woman to win a NASCAR-sanctioned race established her as a trailblazer in the industry. Beyond her on-track success, she has become an influential figure who uses her platform to inspire young women to pursue careers in racing. Her transition from dirt to asphalt racing showcases her versatility and adaptability, qualities that have earned her respect throughout the motorsports community[2][4][5].
FUTURE GOALS/PLANS
In 2025, Amber will compete part-time in the ARCA Menards Series with Nitro Motorsports, starting with the season opener at Daytona International Speedway. Her long-term aspirations include advancing through the NASCAR ranks while continuing to build her personal brand through Amber Balcaen Racing Inc. She aims to leverage her racing career as a platform to empower others, particularly young women interested in breaking into motorsports, and establish herself as a global racing icon[1][2].
References:
Amber Balcaen Racing Official Website – Driver Bio
Determined and Unwavering: Amber Balcaen is Prepared for the Opportunity She’s Earned in the ARCA Menards Series
Amber Balcaen Wikipedia Page
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