Taylor Ferns

Taylor Ferns is a trailblazing figure in motorsports who has shattered gender barriers across multiple racing disciplines while simultaneously pursuing a law career and advocating for women in racing.

EARLY YEARS

Born in 1995 in Shelby Township, Michigan, Taylor grew up in a family where motorsports wasn’t just a hobby—it was a tradition celebrated with the fervor of a national holiday. Her racing journey began at age six during a family trip to Lansing, where the sight of a Quarter Midget race car sparked what she described as “instant butterflies.” Despite the male-dominated landscape of racing at the time, she progressed through various forms of competition: quarter midgets, Bandoleros, 600cc micro sprints, and by age 12 or 13, had advanced to full-size midget cars. Beyond racing, Taylor pursued business studies from an early age, understanding the economic aspects of motorsports would be crucial for a sustainable career.

EARLY SUCCESS

Ferns quickly distinguished herself in open-wheel racing, particularly in sprint and midget cars—disciplines known for their intensity and demand for precision. She made history by becoming the youngest female driver to win a sprint car race and continued breaking barriers as the first female to win USAC midget and sprint car races at multiple tracks. In 2013, her career expanded when she joined Venturini Motorsports in the ARCA Racing Series, which broadened both her racing skills and visibility in the motorsports community. Her early achievements culminated in winning the 2011 USAC Regional Midget Championship, making her only the second female ever to capture a USAC title.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2011: Won the USAC Regional Midget Championship, becoming the second female ever to capture a USAC title[4].
• 2023: Secured a historic wire-to-wire victory at the 65th Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial at Salem Speedway[4].
• 2023: Became the first female to win a 500 Sprint Car Tour race[4].
• 2024: Made her Indy NXT debut at Iowa Speedway[2].
• 2024: Achieved status as the highest-finishing female in USAC Silver Crown history[4].
• 2024: Established herself as the first and only female to secure a podium finish in the 51-year history of USAC Silver Crown racing[3].

REPUTATION

At 28, Taylor has earned respect as both a fierce competitor and a pioneer for women in motorsports. Her reputation extends beyond her driving prowess to her multifaceted approach to a racing career. She balances competing in high-profile series with running her own race team, Taylor Ferns Racing, while simultaneously pursuing law studies and contributing as a writer for SPEED SPORT. In the male-dominated world of motorsports, she’s known not just for winning but for mentoring young female racers and advocating for gender equality. Her versatility across racing disciplines—from midgets and sprint cars to ARCA and Silver Crown vehicles—has cemented her status as one of the most well-rounded drivers in American open-wheel racing.

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

For 2025, Ferns will continue driving in two major series: Indy NXT with Abel Motorsports (car #55) and the USAC Silver Crown Series with her own Taylor Ferns Racing team. She has strengthened her partnership with ABEL Construction Company, which will support her efforts in both series. Looking beyond, Taylor’s ultimate ambition is to compete in the Indianapolis 500, which would mark another significant milestone in her barrier-breaking career. As she approaches 30, she remains focused not only on collecting championships but on creating a legacy that will inspire the next generation of female racers while continuing to balance her emerging law career with her racing pursuits.

References:

[1] Abel Motorsports and Abel Construction press release
[2] Interview with Taylor Ferns
[3] Taylor Ferns Racing promotional materials
[4] USAC Racing statistics and press releases
[5] Indy NXT driver profile

(bio created: 2025-05-21)

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