Winnipegger moves south for NASCAR, preps for first race

A Winnipeg woman is packing up and moving south, all for the love of NASCAR.

"If you're a country singer you move to Nashville, if you're an actress you move to Hollywood, if you're a race car driver you move to North Carolina," said Amber Balcaen, a 24-year-old with a passion for one of the most popular sports in the United States of America.

Balcaen just returned from Virginia where she got her first look at the car she'll be racing. The trip was meant to be for Balcaen's debut NASCAR event, but bad weather moved the race back another week.

Balcaen says she was disappointed after such a long drive south, but the extra week will give her more time to secure sponsorship for the next year.

Sponsorship is key to NASCAR success

According to Balcaen, sponsorship is essential for NASCAR success.

"Unfortunately most of the preparing is getting sponsorships so I can race," said Balcaen. "Without sponsorship I can't be in the race car. Even practicing — it costs money to practice, too."

Balcaen said she spends 99 per cent of her time securing sponsors, something that puts her at a disadvantage against other people in her position.

"Most people at the stage I'm at are young kids with parents that have a lot of money, so for me I have to go out there and try to find this money from companies and such to be able to fund my racing."

Balcaen is competing in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, the first of five series in NASCAR. It could take several years for her to reach the NASCAR Cup Series, and much of it comes down to sponsors.

So far, all of Balcaen's sponsors are American, but she is reaching out to Winnipeg dealerships to gauge interest. She is also in the process of receiving her athlete visa so that she can race and train in Virginia. It means leaving her family and longtime friends behind.

"It's the price you pay for going after your dreams. You have to compromise some things to be able to excel in others."