Brenna Schubert is a Penn State economics graduate who traded spreadsheets for the racetrack, proving you can be book-smart and fast as hell—she’s a karting champion turned wheel-to-wheel contender who’s breaking barriers from Las Vegas to the NASCAR Euro Series.

EARLY YEARS

Brenna Schubert, a Quakertown, Pennsylvania native, started rental karting at age 10 in 2009, kicking off what would become an unconventional path to professional racing.[1] Her early racing days were fueled by grit and family support—she and her dad chased endurance karting events across the East Coast, from Iron Man races in Connecticut to grueling 24-hour challenges in Briggs LO206 class.[2] While other kids were doing sleepovers, Brenna was learning race craft the hard way: through seat time, late nights, and the kind of father-daughter road trips that smell like gasoline and ambition.

OTHER INTERESTS

Brenna earned a full academic scholarship to Penn State University, where she graduated with a degree in Economics—proof that she can crunch numbers as well as lap times.[3] At Penn State, she wasn’t just hitting the books; she was the Administration Lead, Secretary, and a manufacturer in the chassis and aero departments on the Penn State Formula Racing Team.[4] She’s described as well-spoken, professional, and a natural leader—the kind of woman who can talk tire compounds in the paddock and economic theory in the classroom without missing a beat.[5]

EARLY SUCCESS

Schubert won her first season in the Yamaha Super Can category and remained undefeated for three years in a row, racking up championships like they were going out of style.[6] She became one of the most decorated drivers in the Touring Kart Championship, notching 14 track records, three class championships, two undefeated seasons, and five endurance race wins.[7] But here’s where it gets interesting: Brenna’s entry into the Racing Prodigy League came through a mobile game called Street Kart. Without her own simulator, she practiced on her phone, which is the 2020s equivalent of learning to drive on a go-kart made from lawnmower parts.[8] Her sim racing skills earned her the top North American time in the FIA Girls on Track eSport Cup, a win that made her an ambassador and opened real-world doors.[9]

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2021: First test in a formula car at Lucas Oil Racing School.[10]
• 2022: Competed as a finalist in the PT Autosport Aspiring Driver Shootout.[11]
• 2023: Won the second annual PT Autosport Aspiring Driver Shootout, earning a $100,000 prize after two days of intensive fitness, media, simulator, and on-track competition.[12]
• 2023: Began wheel-to-wheel racing in car competition, competing in STARS (KA100) and the Northeast Karting Challenge (X30).[13]
• 2024: Made her first car race in May at New Jersey Motorsports Park (NJMP), winning overall in Spec MX-5.[14]
• 2024: Represented Team USA in the Formula Woman GT car Nation’s Cup race at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.[15]
• 2024: Made her debut in the NASCAR Euro Series.[16]
• 2025: Set to make her NASCAR Euro Series debut at Autodrom Most in the NASCAR GP Czech Republic.[17]
• 2026: Named as one of five finalists for the AE Victory Racing Female Driver Development Shootout.[18]

INSPIRATIONS

Brenna has been involved with the FIA Girls on Track initiative, which spotlights and supports women in motorsport.[19] In interviews, she’s emphasized the importance of networking and community, encouraging inclusivity in a sport that hasn’t always rolled out the welcome mat for women.[20] Her advice to aspiring drivers is refreshingly blunt: “Follow your dreams. Don’t listen to anyone who says you can’t. Even if you’re six or sixty.”[21]

REPUTATION

Schubert is known for being versatile behind the wheel—whether it’s karting, sim racing, or cars, she adapts quickly and competes fiercely.[22] She’s described as a leader, a professional, and someone who’s “committed to putting in the hard work,” hoping her on-track speed aligns with her professional demeanor.[23] After attending the Skip Barber Racing School, Brenna said her experience was “nothing short of spectacular,” and she was happy with her performance—high praise from someone who clearly doesn’t hand out compliments lightly.[24] She’s also been praised for being well-spoken and composed in media settings, which is no small feat when you’re trying to secure sponsorship dollars in a male-dominated sport.[25]

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

Brenna relocated from Quakertown, Pennsylvania, to Las Vegas, positioning herself closer to racing opportunities and the industry’s West Coast hub.[26] She’s been named a finalist for the 2026 AE Victory Racing Female Driver Development Shootout, a program designed to elevate women racers into higher levels of competition.[27] With her track record of turning unconventional opportunities—like a mobile game—into real racing seats, it’s safe to say Schubert isn’t done climbing the ladder. She’s making waves on tracks across the globe, racking up wins, podiums, and breaking barriers for women in motorsport.[28]

REFERENCES

[1] Brenna Schubert | Racing Prodigy
[2] Karts to Cars, Brenna Schubert’s Racing Journey
[3] Brenna Schubert | Racing Prodigy
[4] Brenna Schubert | Racing Prodigy
[5] Brenna Schubert | Racing Prodigy
[6] Brenna Schubert: “If you become a race driver you usually have a very strong passion”
[7] Brenna Schubert, 2022 Shootout Competitor – PT Autosport
[8] Karts to Cars, Brenna Schubert’s Racing Journey
[9] Karts to Cars, Brenna Schubert’s Racing Journey
[10] Brenna Schubert: “If you become a race driver you usually have a very strong passion”
[11] Brenna Schubert, 2022 Shootout Competitor – PT Autosport
[12] Schubert wins the 2023 PT Autosport Aspiring Driver Shootout
[13] AE Victory Racing Names 5 Finalists for 2026 Female Driver Development Shootout
[14] Brenna Schubert | Racing Prodigy
[15] Schubert wins the 2023 PT Autosport Aspiring Driver Shootout
[16] Screen to Speed No.53: Karts to Cars, Brenna Schubert’s Racing Journey
[17] 49 Drivers, 23 Teams Confirmed for NASCAR GP Czech Republic
[18] AE Victory Racing Names 5 Finalists for 2026 Female Driver Development Shootout
[19] Screen to Speed No.53: Karts to Cars, Brenna Schubert’s Racing Journey – YouTube
[20] Screen to Speed No.53: Karts to Cars, Brenna Schubert’s Racing Journey – Spotify
[21] Karts to Cars, Brenna Schubert’s Racing Journey
[22] Sim Racing Success Stories of Trailblazing Women
[23] Brenna Schubert | Racing Prodigy
[24] PT Autosport’s 2022 Aspiring Driver Shootout podium continue driver development program
[25] Brenna Schubert | Racing Prodigy
[26] Nicole Havrda Announces 2026 Season with Shopify Racing
[27] AE Victory Racing Names 5 Finalists for 2026 Female Driver Development Shootout
[28] INIT Talks Episode 53 with Brenna Schubert – YouTube