Canadian NASCAR driver Amber Balcaen shared a heartfelt message about September 11 while visiting New York City, emphasizing the coexistence of tragedy and hope. She highlighted that despite aiming to live with optimism, moments like 9/11 serve as a poignant reminder of life’s complexities. Balcaen expressed these thoughts during her trip in early September, connecting her personal reflections to the significance of the day.
Balcaen, who competed in two ARCA Menards Series races this year, was attending Adweek in New York, a prominent event focused on brand marketing. There, she spoke about how opportunities beyond the racetrack contribute to building her career in motorsports. The 33-year-old driver also shared her message with followers through an Instagram post on September 11.
“It’s a unique feeling being in NYC the day of 9/11, couple that with the devastating events that have transpired in the past few weeks. I walk around today seeing so much beauty in everything and everyone, and have a hard time comprehending how so much ugly can coexist simultaneously. I pray for less violence and more peace,” she said.
—Amber Balcaen, NASCAR driver
The Historical Context of the 9/11 Attacks
The attacks on September 11, 2001, were a series of coordinated terrorist actions targeting the United States, most infamously involving two hijacked planes crashing into the World Trade Center’s twin towers in New York City. These strikes resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths, marking the day as one of the deadliest in American history. Balcaen’s message came against this backdrop of remembrance and national mourning.
Balcaen’s Racing Career and Current Season Overview
In the 2024 racing season, Amber Balcaen has made two starts in the ARCA Menards Series, competing at the Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway, where she averaged a 22.5 finish. While she does not currently have a guaranteed full-time ride for 2025, she completed the 2023 season with Venturini Motorsports and achieved a sixth-place standing in the final rankings. These results demonstrate her steady presence in a competitive series.
Challenges of Being a Woman in the Male-Dominated Racing World
Following her race at Talladega this year, Balcaen addressed the unique challenges female racecar drivers face, including scrutiny not only of their performance but also of their appearance. On the social media platform X, she acknowledged the persistent judgment women in racing endure regardless of how they present themselves.
“Took less than one minute of scrolling through this weekends’ comments to realize it doesn’t matter how feminine or not you portray yourself to be. If you’re a woman in this sport, you will be scrutinized. For not just your ability but for the way you look. One thing I know for sure, we are all just trying to be authentic to who we are as humans, while being the best racecar drivers we can be.”
—Amber Balcaen, NASCAR driver
She also expressed pride in the hard work of women in motorsports, emphasizing their dedication to earning their place in the sport.
“Every woman I know in this sport work their butts off to be here. And I’m proud of every single one of them.”
—Amber Balcaen, NASCAR driver
Incident at Talladega Highlights Racing’s Unpredictability
During the General Tire 200 event at Talladega Superspeedway, Amber Balcaen was positioned 13th when a multi-car accident occurred on the final overtime restart. Her #70 Nitro Motorsports Toyota sustained heavy damage, prematurely ending her race. The crash ultimately allowed Lawless Alan to secure the victory under caution. This incident illustrated both the risks and uncertainties drivers face in competitive racing.
Balcaen’s Message and Its Wider Impact
Amber Balcaen’s reflections on 9/11, paired with her openness about the challenges faced by women in motorsports, add a personal and thoughtful dimension to her public persona. By speaking out on these topics, she not only honors the memory of a tragic day but also spotlights ongoing issues within her field. As her racing career progresses, her voice is likely to continue resonating with fans who appreciate both her skill behind the wheel and her candid advocacy off the track.
