The smell of burning rubber, the roar of engines echoing under the lights, and the calculated chaos of cars sliding side-by-side. This is NASCAR, and Lindsay Brewer wants in. Watching legends like Danica Patrick climb the ranks, scoring eight top-10 Cup finishes, and seeing Katherine Legge tackle the Cup and Xfinity circuits with grit, Brewer found proof that women could not just compete, but thrive, on stock car tracks built for speed and strategy.

Lindsay Brewer, who first gripped a karting wheel at age 11, has carved her path with determination and skill. With time, she seamlessly transitioned from youth racing to more advanced platforms like the Skip Barber Formula Race Series, Indy Pro 2000, and USF Pro 2000, consistently proving her adaptive ability. By 2024, she was competing in Indy NXT with Juncos Hollinger Racing. And now, inspired by NASCAR trailblazers, she is setting her sights on the ovals, ready to test her talent where speed meets precision, and where every lap counts toward making history.

Lindsay Brewer on her NASCAR ambitions

In an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports, Lindsay Brewer opened up about her aspirations in NASCAR, emphasizing both her respect for the sport and her eagerness to take on new challenges. “Yeah, I mean, 100%. Never say never. I really respect the hell out of the NASCAR drivers, and it’s such a different circuit. I only have a few oval races under my belt in Indy NXT and USF Pro 2000, and it’s a completely different style of driving with, like, side-drafting. Yeah, it’s a lot harder, and it’s a lot different than what I’ve ever driven, but I would definitely be up for the challenge,” she said.

Brewer’s career trajectory shows a calculated climb through competitive open-wheel and GT racing. Starting karting at age 11, she quickly progressed through regional formula series, earning her first podium in the Skip Barber Formula Race Series in 2021. She later expanded her skillset into sports car racing, competing in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo with RAFA Racing, where she consistently delivered strong performances.

Brewer’s ability to adapt to different machinery and racing formats reflects a versatility that could serve her well in the highly strategic world of NASCAR, where oval tracks, side-drafting, and pack racing present unique demands.

Her steady progress was solidified with a maiden win earlier this month. Lindsay Brewer and co-driver Jem Hepworth made a significant mark in the 2025 Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America season at Road America, securing their maiden win in the Am class during the second race of the weekend.

This victory followed a close second-place finish in the first race at the same track. Brewer expressed particular satisfaction with this achievement, as Road America holds a special place as her favorite track. 

Her interest in NASCAR is grounded not only in ambition but also in understanding the discipline required to succeed on stock car circuits. Brewer’s exposure to oval racing through Indy NXT and USF Pro 2000 gave her a preliminary foundation, but she recognizes the transition involves mastering racecraft specific to NASCAR’s high-speed ovals and super-speedways. 

The intersection of sport and brand

Brewer has openly discussed the challenges of balancing her racing aspirations with her modeling career and managing her social media presence. While she embraces the opportunity to share her passion and behind-the-scenes experiences with her audience of over 2.8 million Instagram followers, she acknowledges the scrutiny and criticism that also accompany this dual role.

However, she maintains that her first love is racing, and she uses her social media platform to promote women in motorsports and challenge gender stereotypes. “The feeling of being behind the wheel, being in the flow, and just the fact that I’m getting to do what I love,” is what she loves about motorsports, she says.

Brewer’s business degree from San Diego State University and her experience working in sports marketing have undoubtedly equipped her with valuable skills for navigating the business side of racing, particularly in securing sponsorships.

As Brewer eyes NASCAR, she faces not only the technical learning curve but also the pressure of being a female driver in a male-dominated sport, amplified by her public profile. She has faced criticism and doubts about her commitment to racing versus her other endeavors.

However, Brewer views her femininity not as a weakness but as a strength, challenging stereotypes and inspiring a new generation of girls to consider motorsports. “I’ve had hate from other women in racing because of [my look]. They fit a certain mold, they don’t wear makeup, they’re intense. They want to be taken seriously as women, so they are very serious. But just because I’m girly doesn’t mean I’m not a serious competitor.”

Her determination to prove her talent on the track, regardless of external perceptions, will be key to establishing herself in the competitive NASCAR environment.

Looking ahead, Brewer aims to leverage both her on-track results and growing public profile to create opportunities within NASCAR. Her 2025 season showcases her readiness to take on more prominent challenges.

By following in the footsteps of pioneers like Danica Patrick and Katherine Legge, Brewer is positioning herself not just as a competitor but as a figure who could inspire the next generation of women in NASCAR.