Nicole Havrda
Formula racing // Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada
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Nicole Havrda, a rising star in motorsports, began karting in 2018 and won Rookie of the Year. She moved to formula cars in 2021 and won several championships in 2023.
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Honestly you just must believe in yourself and push yourself to the absolute limit.
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FULL BIO: Nicole Havrda
Nicole Havrda is a Canadian motorsport racer who became the first woman to win the Formula Pro USA Western FR Championship in 2023, establishing herself as one of the most promising young talents in open-wheel racing.
EARLY YEARS
Born and raised in Comox, British Columbia on Vancouver Island, Nicole’s racing journey began at age 10 when she started go-karting. Her path to professional racing was cemented when her father took her to the Austrian Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2018, an experience that changed her life. “When I got there, it sounded like [the drivers] were right there next to me. When I stood there, [my ears] just started ringing and I could feel it inside me as well, in my heart,” she recalled about that pivotal moment[1]. Prior to focusing on motorsports, Nicole was a competitive swimmer who trained daily with Olympic aspirations.
EARLY SUCCESS
By age 12, Nicole had already become a national go-karting champion, demonstrating extraordinary talent from the beginning. At just 14, she was racing GT cars for Mercedes-Benz Canada, an unprecedented achievement for someone so young[5]. Her transition to open-wheel racing was remarkably swift, moving to Formula Three by 2022. The 2023 season proved career-defining when she dominated the Formula Pro USA Western FR Championship, winning the first six races of the season and ultimately claiming the championship title despite facing a near-fatal crash at Sonoma that threatened her season[2].
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
- 2022: Invited to multi-day testing with the W Series, a female-only open-wheel race series supporting Formula One events[1].
- 2022: Selected as the youngest of nine finalists for the Aston Martin GT4 female shootout by The Heart of Racing team[1].
- 2022: Competed in the inaugural Indian Racing League Championship with several top-five finishes[1].
- 2023: Won the Formula Pro USA Winter Series Championship[1].
- 2023: Became the first woman to win the Formula Pro USA Western FR Championship[5].
- 2023: Won the SFR FA2 Championship, completing a triple-crown season[1].
- 2024: Achieved sixth place in the Formula Regional Americas Championship with multiple podiums and top-five finishes[1].
- 2024: Competed in two endurance races driving an Audi R8 GT4 and tested for F1 Academy in Spain[1].
REPUTATION
Nicole has rapidly established herself as a trailblazer breaking barriers in motorsports, particularly as a highly successful female competitor in predominantly male racing categories. Her historic championship win in Formula Pro USA demonstrated not just raw talent but remarkable resilience, especially when overcoming a potentially season-ending crash to defend her title[2]. Beyond her on-track performance, Havrda’s story has garnered attention through the 2024 documentary “The Car Knows No Difference,” showcasing her determination to succeed in professional racing regardless of gender barriers[4]. As an ambassador for women in motorsports, her achievements serve as inspiration for the next generation of female racers.
FUTURE GOALS/PLANS
Nicole’s ultimate ambition is to compete at the highest level of motorsport in Formula 1. Currently partnered with Crosslink Kiwi Motorsport in the Formula Regional Americas Championship, she is systematically building her racing resume with each competitive season[2]. Her diverse racing portfolio, developing experience in both open-wheel and GT cars, positions her well for future opportunities in international racing series. Continued support from sponsors like Colonial Countertops, Farrow, Fast Time Amusements, and Valley Kitchens, along with her participation in the Shift Up Now collective of female drivers, will be critical to achieving her long-term racing aspirations[4].
References:
18-year-old B.C. racecar driver makes waves in formula racing
Comox teen blazing a path for women in racecar driving
YouTube Interview with Nicole Havrda
Comox Valley race car driver makes history
Vancouver Vices: A Revved Up Welcome for Formula Driver Nicole Havrda
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