About
Erika
Erika Hoffmann is a Canadian racecar driver competing in Porsche Sprint Challenge North America.
Erika's Story
Erika Hoffmann’s journey to becoming a professional race car driver began with what seemed like an impossible dream.
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starting out
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With no industry connections, racing background, or financial support, Erika's path into motorsports was anything but typical. Armed only with determination and a passion for racing, she took the only car she had access to—her everyday street car—and, in 2019, headed to her local track, Calabogie Motorsports Park, just outside of Ottawa, Canada. There, she began learning the fundamentals of performance driving, laying the foundation for what would become a remarkable rise through the ranks.
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​Beating the odds
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In 2021, Erika’s career took a major leap forward when she entered the Formula Woman International Driver Search, a multi-round competition that drew 1,000 drivers from 35 countries. Against all odds, and with no previous racing experience, Erika won the competition, earning 1st place overall. This victory launched her onto the international stage, securing her a seat racing a McLaren 570S GT4 car in the UK's 2022 GT Cup Championship.
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In 2023, Erika was selected to represent Canada at the prestigious FIA Rally Star competition, a global driver search program looking for the next generation of rally champions. Having never attempted rally racing before, Erika showcased her natural talent by reaching the semi-finals among all drivers from North, Central, and South America. She finished as the top North American female driver, further cementing her reputation as a rising force in motorsport.
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continuing the climb
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Today, Erika competes with Kellymoss, the most successful Porsche customer racing team in history, racing in the Porsche Sprint Challenge North America. She is also a part of the Porsche Mobil 1 Female Driver Program North America. Erika is continuing to build her career in GT racing, with the goal of reaching the highest levels of the sport.
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Empowering others
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Erika’s story is about more than her own success. She is deeply committed to creating opportunities for others. As a co-founder of Slate Racing, a female-led initiative focused on promoting diversity and equality in motorsport, Erika uses her platform to empower the next generation of drivers, breaking down barriers for women in the industry.
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Fueled by passion, perseverance, and a belief that you can accomplish your dreams against all odds, Erika continues to pursue her goals—on track and beyond.
Awards &
recognitions
2024
Ottawa Sports Car Club:
Women In Motorsport Award
Slate Racing was awarded the Ottawa Sports Car Club's Women In Motorsport Award for their work creating opportunities for women within the racing world.
2023
Nepean Sports Wall of Fame Induction
Erika Hoffmann in among the 2023 induction class to the Nepean Sports Wall of Fame. Recognizing her for her international sporting achievements.
2022
Ottawa Sports Awards:
Special Recognition Award
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In 2022, Erika was awarded the Special Recognition Award by the Ottawa Sports Awards for her accomplishments.
2022
Ottawa Sports Car Club:
Competitor of the Year Award
Erika was named the Ottawa Sports Car Club's Competitor of the Year in 2022, for her international racing achievements.
2019
Ottawa Sports Car Club:
Rookie of the Year Award
In 2019, Erika was named the Ottawa Sports Car Club's Rookie of the Year, after placing as runner up in Calabogie Motorsports Park GT Challenge Championship.
Formula Woman Timeline
2022 international competition process
1000 to 75
In the fall of 2021 Erika took part in a local FW assessment. She was assessed on fitness, go-karting, natural driving abilities, technical racing knowledge and media skills.
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In December 2021 Erika was informed she had made the top 75 out of a thousand drivers.
Final 15
In March 2022 Erika went to the UK to compete in the FW Finals. After 2 days of testing at PF International Karting Track, Erika's scores landed her in the top 15.
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The top 15 then traveled to Croft Circuit where they competed in a 1 lap shoot out and the top times moved on.
TOP 10
Erika and the other finalists were then flown to Sweden for the final round of competition.
Under a new panel of judges, the drivers were tested on natural ability, car control under various conditions, implementation of new skills and ice driving.
Beyond the track
NGO Involvement
Building Leaders for Peace
A peace initiative that works with youth in conflict regions around the world.
With a passion for conflict resolution and cross-cultural experience, Erika has also worked as an international delegate for an NGO in conflict regions around the world. Their focus is to promote peace, empower local youth and equip the next generation of leaders with effective tools to bring reconciliation and sustainable peace to their communities, breaking the cycle of conflict.
Coaching
+ Lifesaving
Erika's background comes through lifeguarding, coaching and staff management.
As an Aquatic Supervisor of lifeguards for the City of Ottawa, Erika has led a staff team of 200 lifeguards and supervised multiple city facilities. She has proven her strength as a leader in staff development, coaching, public relations, team building, and emergency management.