Ava Hanssen
Karting racing // Elkhorn, Wisconsin
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Ava Hanssen has blazed through Wisconsin racing circles since age 4, collecting karting championships and track records before jumping to formula cars at 14.
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I feel like people always look down on me because I’m a female and they think that I’m not as high on their level.
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FULL BIO: Ava Hanssen
At just 14 years old, Ava Hanssen has already carved out an impressive reputation as one of Wisconsin’s most promising young racing talents, climbing from go-karts to formula cars with a collection of championships that would make drivers twice her age jealous.
EARLY YEARS
Born around 2010 in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, Ava’s introduction to motorsports came courtesy of her father Tim Hanssen’s motorcycle racing background. At the tender age of 4, she made it clear that sitting on the sidelines wasn’t her style—she wanted in on the action. Starting with snowmobile racing and quickly transitioning to go-karts, Ava proved that some people are simply born to go fast. Growing up in Elkhorn gave her proximity to premier racing venues like Road America, creating the perfect training ground for a future racing star.
OTHER INTERESTS
When she’s not burning rubber, Ava maintains a surprisingly well-rounded life that would exhaust most adults. She hits the gym for strength and conditioning training four times a week—because apparently being a teenage racing phenom requires serious physical preparation. Her creative side emerges through artwork and playing musical instruments, proving that her talents extend far beyond the cockpit. She also incorporates simulator practice into her routine, using AI to master tracks digitally before conquering them in real life.
EARLY SUCCESS
Ava didn’t waste time establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with. Her karting career took off like a rocket, starting with the Route 66 Sprint Series Comer Kid Kart championship in 2017 when she was just 7 years old. The victories kept coming with methodical precision—Badger Kart Club Yamaha Rookie Champion in 2018, followed by the Micro Swift Championship in 2019 where she didn’t just win, she set two track records while she was at it. That same year, she claimed victory at the World Karting Association Grand Nationals, sending a clear message that this wasn’t beginner’s luck.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
- 2017: Route 66 Sprint Series Comer Kid Kart Champion
- 2018: Badger Kart Club Yamaha Rookie Champion
- 2019: Badger Kart Club Micro Swift Champion with 2 Track Records
- 2019: World Karting Association Grand Nationals Micro Swift Winner
- 2021: Briggs 206 Junior Enduro Race Champion
- 2022: Route 66 Sprint Series Class Champion (two classes)
- 2022: Briggs 206 North American Champion
- 2023: F1600 SVRA Winner
- 2023: Thors Throwdown Briggs 206 Senior Heavy Champion
INSPIRATIONS
Ava’s racing journey began with the influence of her father Tim’s motorcycle racing, which sparked her initial interest in motorsports at age 4. Her first open-wheel victory at Circuit of the Americas holds special significance, representing a pivotal moment that proved to herself she could achieve whatever she set her mind to. Rather than looking up to specific racing heroes, Ava draws motivation from her determination to prove that female racers can compete at the highest levels and be a major part of motorsport.
REPUTATION
Ava has earned recognition as one of the youngest female drivers in Wisconsin and a notable talent in the region despite her youth. Media coverage consistently highlights her determination and skill in overcoming gender stereotypes in motorsports. She’s refreshingly candid about the challenges she faces, acknowledging that “people always look down on me because I’m a female and they think that I’m not as high on their level.” Yet her track record speaks volumes—peers and officials recognize her abilities, and she’s building credibility one victory at a time. Her visibility in the sport serves as inspiration for other young women considering motorsports careers.
FUTURE GOALS/PLANS
For 2025, Ava plans to compete in the Junior Formula Four Championship Series, which will be broadcast nationally on various streaming platforms—a significant step up that will put her talents on display for millions of viewers. Currently signed with K-Hill Motorsports for her F1600 campaign, she’s actively seeking sponsorship to cover the substantial costs of national competition, which can reach $15,000 per race weekend. Her ultimate goal is a lifelong career in motorsports, continuing to climb the racing ladder toward higher-level series while proving that female drivers belong at every level of the sport.
References:
Ava Hanssen Racing official website, driver bio, sponsorship letter
CBS 58 news feature, July 15, 2024
eKartingNews.com Driver of the Month April 2021
RaceFRP announcement of driver signing with K-Hill Motorsports for 2024 season
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