Megan Tomlinson isn’t just racing for podiums—she’s racing to change the landscape of Canadian motorsports. At just 24 years old, the Ottawa native has emerged as a rising star, competing against some of the best in the TCR (Tour Car Racing) class while making history as the first female driver to score points in the TCR World Tour. But Megan’s ambitions reach beyond personal success. Through her achievements and the creation of Slate Racing—Canada’s first female-founded racing team—Megan is paving the way for future generations of women in motorsports.
Her love for racing began early, inspired by her father’s passion for the sport at Calabogie Motorsports Park. From her first laps in Miatas to head-to-head battles against her dad in TCR races, Megan has embraced every challenge. Below, she shares insights on her career, from podium finishes to overcoming mechanical setbacks, and reflects on the importance of pushing beyond comfort zones to achieve personal growth.
What inspired you to pursue racing professionally?
Racing professionally felt like a natural next step for me. My dad once asked, ‘Why do you always choose the hardest thing you can do?’ That question stuck with me, and I realized that if you don’t challenge yourself—if you don’t push to your limits—you’ll never grow. Even if you don’t always finish first, the process of pushing beyond your comfort zone and falling short, then trying again, is what truly matters. Every experience adds something valuable to your skillset, preparing you for the next opportunity.”
Competing in the TCR class is a significant step up. How has the transition been for you, especially handling the Audi RS 3 LMS compared to your previous cars?
The step up to TCR has been incredible—it’s something I’ve aimed for since the beginning. The platform feels a lot more stable than the cars I used to race, which gives me more confidence on the track. I faced some challenges, with three out of 12 races impacted by mechanical issues, but I still managed to secure a 5th place overall finish, which was really rewarding.
You and Riley Pegram made history as the first female racers in the TCR World Tour Series Race in Ohio. How does it feel to be a trailblazer, and what advice would you give to young women looking to enter the sport?
Racing in the TCR World Tour was an unforgettable experience, especially since Riley and I became the first women to compete in the series. Scoring points in the tour felt surreal—it was a proud moment, knowing we were making history on a global stage. With only 7% of drivers worldwide being women, it’s essential to push past doubts and take those opportunities, even when they feel intimidating.
My advice to young women entering the sport is simple: there will always be people telling you what you should or shouldn’t do. At the end of the day, trust your instincts. If you want to pursue something, go for it—regardless of what others think.
Your first experience with the Volcano Motorsport team was a last-minute call-up. How did you mentally and physically prepare for such an intense debut?
That call-up came out of nowhere. I was filling in for a driver, and I had one day to prepare before the test. That morning, I was still sitting at my desk at work, figuring out how to organize everything. By 10 a.m., my dad and I were already in the motorhome, driving down to the track, arriving just before midnight. There wasn’t much time to dwell on the pressure—it was all about focusing on what I could control.”
When I’m under intense pressure, I take a deep breath and break things down tactically. I visualize how I need to drive the track and focus on specific areas, like perfecting corners or nailing the standing start. It’s about staying present and trusting your preparation.
Tell us about Slate Racing. How has being part of this team influenced your career and perspective on the sport?
Myself and four other women founded Slate Racing to create opportunities for women in motorsports. We’re the first female-founded racing team in Canada, and we’re passionate about elevating women in every role—whether that’s as drivers, engineers, or crew members.
Being part of Slate Racing has been one of the most meaningful parts of my career. Motorsports can feel isolating for women, so having a team of women supporting each other—both on and off the track—has been incredible. We’ve grown a lot this year, learning how to run full race weekends and build a cohesive, high-functioning team. It’s been a huge learning experience, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for the future?
With the TCR season now complete, I’m focusing on what’s next. Moving up in the racing world has been both challenging and rewarding, and I want to keep building on what I’ve learned so far. My goal is to continue pushing myself in the TCR class and take every opportunity to grow. Ultimately, I hope to inspire more women to join the sport and help create a more inclusive future for motorsports.
