Hoffmann Shines For Canada As WIM Canada Gears Up For The Canadian Grand Prix

Erika Hoffmann represented Canada back in May in the 2023 FIA International RallyStar competition that took place in Italy.

Selected by Women in Motorsport Canada to drive for her country, it was Erika’s first time competing in off-road racing. In 2022, she’d been racing a McLaren 570 in British Endurance Racing – so this was set to be quite the change of pace for her.

But Erika’s used to motorsport throwing a lot her way in a short amount of time as her entire career in racing has been a pretty hectic whirlwind so far.

Due to the nature of the competition, Erika only had four minutes of seat time in the Cross Karts used for the FIA Rally Star Competition before the event properly got underway. However, she was taken under the wing by Peruvian National Cross Kart Champion Annia Cilloniz who gave her plenty of tips and advice for how to best navigate this first foray into off road racing – a comradery that’s great to see in motorsport.

With the combination of these factors and Erika’s natural ability behind the wheel, she managed to propel herself all the way to the semi-finals.

“I ended up walking away as the third fastest woman from all of the Americas. For it being my first time off road, I’ll take that!” – Erika Hoffmann

The short but exciting time in off road racing has definitely left Erika with the desire to do more and she plans to find out what opportunities are out there for 2024 and beyond.

Canada doesn’t have its own Cross Kart Championship but both Erika and Women in Canada are hoping that this will be something that changes in future – something that this journalist also agrees with and hopes to see come to life!

In 2021, FIA Rally Star was launched with the aim of finding, training and developing drivers to become the future stars of the World Rally Championship.

“The programme was born from the simple idea that rally can become more universal, popular and inspiring. Tackling the originally high barriers to entry, FIA Rally Star’s fundamental values focus on providing accessibility through the cooperation with National Sporting Authorities (ASNs) and capitalizing on innovative grassroots disciplines to engage a worldwide mass detection and open a new pathway to inspire an inclusive and diverse next generation of talents.” – FIA Rally Star

Women in Motorsport Canada is next looking ahead to this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix. For the second year in a row, they’ll have a stand at the event (it’ll be next to the Monster Energy Stand in case you’re going) and aims to be even bigger and better this time around as they continue to encourage young women to get into motorsport and to show that there are a variety of pathways into racing – you don’t just have to be behind the wheel.

At the stand, they’ll have two simulators, Haptic Lounge Chairs, Lego Builds, an autograph session, information on local clubs to join and meet and greets with women from across the world of motorsport to offer their own personal and unique insights into racing and how they first got involved.

The Canadian Grand Prix is one that shouldn’t be missed, having thrown up a fair amount of drama and excitement in the past. From *that* race with Jenson Button’s last lap overtake of Sebastian Vettel in 2011 to Lewis Hamilton’s first win and the controversial five second penalty that cost Vettel and Ferrari the race win back in 2019, there’s always something for old fans and new to keep an eye on and look forward to.

If you’re there, be sure to go and check out the Women in Motorsport Canada stand and you might even see Erika herself there too!

Author: Thiemo Albers-Daly