Kelsey Pinkowski
Formula racing // Brighton, New York, United States
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At just 21, Kelsey Pinkowski balances full-time business studies while racing internationally in Formula 4, making waves after starting motorsports only in her late teens.
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The takeaway from racing is much like life; challenges, risk, reward, victories and losses.
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FULL BIO: Kelsey Pinkowski
Kelsey Pinkowski is a 21-year-old rising star in motorsports who balances her racing career with full-time studies in Global Business Management at Rochester Institute of Technology while competing internationally in Formula 4 championships.
EARLY YEARS
A native of Brighton, New York, Kelsey didn’t begin pursuing racing until the summer before her senior year of high school in 2021[1][3]. Unlike many professional drivers who start in karting at a young age, she came to motorsports relatively late, making her rapid progression all the more impressive.
EARLY SUCCESS
Pinkowski’s professional racing journey began in 2024 after being discovered by veteran racer Nic Jonsson, who recognized her potential and took her under his wing[2]. She joined the Kiwi Crosslink team midseason in the U.S. Formula 4 Championship, quickly proving herself with a second-place finish at the prestigious Watkins Glen event in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Majors—a remarkable achievement for a rookie[2][5]. Her natural talent and dedication allowed her to adapt quickly to the demands of professional racing, establishing herself as a promising newcomer worth watching in the single-seater racing world.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
- 2024: Secured second place at Watkins Glen in the SCCA Majors[5].
- 2025: Named one of only two full-time female drivers in the Ligier Junior Formula Championship[2][4].
- 2025: Became the sole American competitor in Japan’s F4 Kyojo Cup with Team KCMG[2][4].
- 2025: Awarded the prestigious Gorsline Scholarship, recognizing her potential as an outstanding young racer[3][1].
REPUTATION
Kelsey is quickly gaining recognition in motorsports for her unique combination of driving talent and business acumen. Coaches and competitors respect her dedication to mastering racing techniques under the mentorship of experienced racer Nic Jonsson, while professors at RIT have expressed surprise and support upon learning of her dual life as a student and professional racer[2]. Her approach to racing as a brand to be strategically managed sets her apart in the industry. Fellow drivers note her determination and professionalism, particularly impressive given her relatively late start in the sport. This reputation for being both a talented driver and a shrewd businesswoman positions her as someone who understands both the competitive and commercial aspects of motorsports.
FUTURE GOALS/PLANS
For 2025, Pinkowski is set for a breakthrough season with a full-time campaign in the Ligier JS F4 Championship with Crosslink Motorsports while simultaneously competing in Japan’s F4 Kyojo Cup[1][4]. These dual commitments reflect her ambition to gain comprehensive international racing experience. The Gorsline Scholarship will provide her with advanced training opportunities, including a two-day course from Skip Barber Racing School to further refine her skills[2]. Looking beyond 2025, she aims to steadily progress through the single-seater racing ranks while leveraging her business education to build a sustainable career in motorsports, with a focus on marketing and personal branding[2][5].
References:
Kelsey Pinkowski Named 2025 Gorsline Scholarship Recipient
Rising Star: Pinkowski Balances Racing and Academics
From Brighton to the Racetrack: Pinkowski’s Journey
Pinkowski to Race in Japan’s F4 Kyojo Cup in 2025
Rookie Success: Pinkowski Claims Second at Watkins Glen
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