Slate Racing: How Canada’s First Female-Led Racing Team Breaks Barriers

In the fast-paced world of motorsports, women are still a small group. Only 7% of professional drivers are women, and they make up just 10% of all motorsport participants. Sponsorship is another challenge, with women receiving only 1% of the global sports sponsorship market. But despite these numbers, a group of determined women is breaking the mold. Leading the charge is Slate Racing, Canada’s first female-led racing team, co-founded by Erika Hoffmann, Ellen Sanders, Megan Tomlinson, Megan Leahy, and Morgan Smillie.

Slate Racing is doing more than just competing—they are showing the world that women belong in motorsports. From handling race logistics to analyzing data, women are in charge of every key role. The team is breaking down barriers, proving that women can lead and succeed in this male-dominated sport.

Erika Hoffmann’s Journey: Persistence Pays Off

Erika Hoffmann, co-founder, driver, and marketing director, is a true example of resilience. Her path into motorsports wasn’t easy, but her passion and determination pushed her forward. From a young age, Erika loved racing, watching Formula 1 on old VHS tapes with her brother. Even though she had no formal connections to the sport, she found a way.

Starting at her local track, Calabogie Motorsports Park, Erika drove her Hyundai Accent alongside more experienced racers. “I was the only woman there, and my car wasn’t the best, but I knew I had to start somewhere,” she says. Her hard work paid off in 2022 when she won the Formula Woman International Driver Search Competition, beating 1,000 female drivers. She now races in top competitions and continues to make waves in the sport.

Slate Racing: A Team Built by Women, for Women

Slate Racing was born from a simple idea—how can more women get involved in motorsports? Erika and her co-founders wanted to create a space where women could thrive in every aspect of the sport, from driving to team management. Together, they built a team that showcases female leadership.

Their hard work quickly paid off. In their first race, Slate Racing finished fourth in an eight-hour endurance event, a huge accomplishment for a brand-new team. But their mission goes beyond winning races. “We’re here to show that women can do it all in motorsports,” says Erika. Since forming, the team has grown, adding new members like Paulina Hoffmann (Lead Technician) and engineers Isabella Cerquozzi and Lindsey Stroz.

Challenges Women Face in Motorsports

Women in motorsports face many challenges, from finding driving experience to securing sponsorships. Early on, Erika struggled to break into the sport, but she refused to give up. She reached out to local tracks and created her own opportunities. Many women share similar stories of working harder to prove themselves in a field dominated by men.

Slate Racing is tackling these issues head-on. By creating a team where women lead, they are showing that women not only belong in motorsports but can excel. Their success is a bold statement that women have a place in every part of the sport.

Looking Ahead: Slate Racing’s Global Ambitions

Slate Racing is setting its sights on bigger stages. This winter, the team plans to compete in races in the United States, with dreams of entering global competitions like the World Racing League and major endurance races.

“We’re thinking big,” says Erika. “It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come and how many women are now getting involved in motorsports. We’re just getting started.” Slate Racing is not just a team; it’s a movement. They are inspiring the next generation of women in motorsports, proving that with passion and persistence, anything is possible.

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