Amber Balcaen is a third-generation racecar driver from Winnipeg, Manitoba. In 2016, she made Canadian history by becoming the first Canadian female to win a NASCAR-sanctioned race in the United States. Now based in North Carolina, she is recognized as one of motorsport’s most influential female figures — an athlete, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker known for her grit, authenticity, and drive to succeed.

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Born into a legendary racing family, Amber’s path was shaped early. Her father, Mike Balcaen, is a 60-time track champion, and her grandfather, Lou Kennedy Sr., is a Hall of Fame racer. From go-karts at age 10 to mini sprints and eventually 410 sprint cars, Amber quickly rose through the ranks. She earned Rookie of the Year honors and became the highest-finishing female driver in the Northern Outlaw Sprint Association, catching the attention of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity Combine.

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In 2016, Amber moved from Winnipeg to North Carolina to chase her NASCAR dream. That same year, racing for Lee Pulliam Performance, she earned Rookie of the Year and became the first Canadian female to win a NASCAR-sanctioned race — during her first season racing stock cars.

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Often called “the underdog of NASCAR,” Amber built her career without family wealth or big sponsors, raising millions in funding through her business mindset and relentless work ethic. As President of Amber Balcaen Racing Inc., she has competed in the ARCA Menards Series with top teams including Rette Jones Racing, Venturini Motorsports, and Nitro Motorsports. She is also the only female driver to race for Kyle Busch Motorsports.