Amber Balcaen is a third generation racecar driver from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. In 2016, Amber made Canadian history when she became the 1st Canadian female to win a NASCAR Sanctioned race in the USA. At 25 years of age, Amber has successfully utilized her racing platform to be one of motorsport’s largest female influencers – Inspiring and motivating others to pursue their dreams, break stereotypes, and have a positive impact on society.
Before Amber was even born, she had been making trips to the racetrack in her mother’s belly. Acquiring the racing blood line from both sides of her family, [daughter of 48 Time Track Champion, Mike Balcaen – and granddaughter of Hall of Famer, Lou Kennedy Sr.] Amber was destined to be a winning driver. It was at the age of 10 when Amber started racing go-karts on the dirt tracks of North Dakota. After racking up countless go-karting victories, at age 16 Amber purchased her very own lightning sprint. Often competing as the youngest driver and only female, Amber crowned the title of the 1st female to win a dirt track racing championship in Manitoba.
In 2014 Amber made her dream of racing a 410 Outlaw Sprint car become a reality, driving for Apex SpeedSports in the Northern Outlaw Sprint Association. Amber was quick to pick up on 800HP machine and was crowned Rookie of the Year. Her talent, professionalism and marketability caught the eye of NASCAR and she was invited to be a participant in the NASCAR Driver for Diversity Program.
Amber was the first of her family to make the move from dirt racing to asphalt racing. In her first full season on pavement, Amber became the 1st Canadian female to win a NASCAR sanctioned race in the USA. Piloting the NASCAR Whelen All American Series Limited Latemodel for Lee Pulliam Performance, she earned herself 11 top 5s, 7 top 3’ and Rookie of the Year in only 12 races. Amber backed up this win again with another win the following year. She also made her first start in the NASCAR K&N Pro series at New Smyrna Speedway in February 2017.
Often referred as “the underdog of NASCAR”, Amber has overcome much adversity to make her way into the NASCAR ranks. Being a business graduate, she acquired an acute understanding of marketing which has been beneficial in the motorsports industry. Never having any family money or financial backing, all sponsorship development has been procured though her own efforts. She is now President of her own company, Amber Balcaen Racing Inc.
In addition to being a race car driver and entrepreneur, Amber is also a social media influencer in her own right. Utilizing her platform in motorsports to inspire, empower and motivate others around the world to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential.
Everyone who meets Amber knows her for her genuine, kind, and authentic personality. Very fan-friendly and easy to talk to. Relentless and competitive in the race car, but is a humble and relatable person away from the track. Wanting to always make people smile and laugh.
This year Amber was a TV personality on News Rising, and Co-Host of Season 3’s “Car’s That Rock” with AC/DC’s Rock & Roll legend, Brain Johnson. More corporately, Amber was the Spokesperson for one of Canada’s biggest automotive companies, KAL TIRE for their winter tire campaign.
Video courtesy of Fins and Skins Classic Adventure and Henry Waszczuk
