ABOUT ASHLEA

Ashlea Albertson was a vibrant and fearless young woman whose zest for life and passion for racing left an indelible mark on all who knew her. As a trailblazing race car driver, she inspired countless young women to break barriers in motorsports with her skill, perseverance, and radiant personality.

Ashlea Albertson’s story is one of passion, determination, and fearlessness on and off the racetrack. Born and raised in Indiana, Ashlea fell in love with racing at a young age. She began her career in Quarter Midgets, where her competitive spirit and natural talent quickly stood out. From there, she moved into the Kenyon Midget Series, gaining experience, confidence, and respect as she sharpened her skills against tough competition.

As her career progressed, Ashlea advanced into a TQ Midget, continuing to prove herself as a versatile and dedicated driver. Her persistence and drive eventually earned her a dream opportunity—competing with Tony Stewart Racing, one of the most recognized names in motorsports. Wearing those colors was more than a milestone; it was the culmination of years of hard work and a reflection of the bright future that lay ahead for her in racing.

What made Ashlea stand out even more than her driving was how she treated people. She never rushed past a fan and always made time to stop by the fence to talk, especially with kids in the stands. She loved handing out hero cards and encouraging the next generation of racers, knowing how important it was for them to feel seen and inspired. For Ashlea, racing was never just about trophies—it was about building connections and leaving people better than she found them.

Away from the track, Ashlea worked just as hard to build a career in the trades. She was a third-year apprentice in the Insulator Union and a proud third-generation union member. She loved being part of the sisterhood within the trades and often attended Tradeswomen Build Nations conferences and events, where she found encouragement, community, and inspiration among other women blazing their own paths in construction.

Her life was also defined by the relationships she cherished most. She shared an unshakable bond with her father, who was not only her biggest supporter but also her hero. With her sisters, she shared a deep and special connection, built on love, laughter, and the kind of loyalty only siblings understand. Ashlea was also an adoring aunt, and her one and only nephew held a special place in her heart. She loved spoiling him, cheering him on, and being the fun, loving presence every child deserves in their life.

At the center of her everyday life was her tight-knit circle of friends—the people she spent countless hours with, making memories, laughing until her sides hurt, and leaning on through both wins and losses. And at home, she was a devoted dog mom to her German Shepherd, Remi, and her Great Dane, Maze, who were never far from her side and brought her endless joy, comfort, and unconditional love.

On August 18, 2023, Ashlea’s life was tragically cut short when she was a passenger in a car accident on I-65 caused by reckless driving and road rage. The investigation revealed that another driver involved had THC in his system at the time of the crash. Ultimately, both drivers faced criminal charges, though the outcome of the case left many who loved Ashlea heartbroken by the lack of accountability for a life taken far too soon.

While Ashlea’s career and life ended far too early, her legacy lives on. The Ashlea Albertson Legacy Foundation was created to honor her memory and continue the work she cared most about—helping young women climb the ranks in motorsports and believe in their own potential.

Ashlea’s journey, though brief, left an imprint that will never fade. She will forever be remembered as fearless, determined, and full of life—living boldly in every role she took on: daughter, sister, aunt, tradeswoman, friend, dog mom, and racer.