We recently had the chance to connect with Ashley Afdahl and have shared our conversation below.
Ashley, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
If you factor out racing; I would have to say being out in nature or baking/cooking. Racing is something that will always make me feel like I’m finding myself and a place I truly feel at peace but aside from that getting to be in nature, being grounded and appreciating your surroundings is a close second. Also getting to bake and cook is another way I lose track of time. Getting to truly step away from reality and focus on yourself and your health with food always heals my soul. I always say, you can’t be the best driver in the seat if you don’t take care of yourself out of the seat!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Ashley Afdahl and I am a first generation racer currently racing micro sprints in Oklahoma. Dirt racing peaked my interest at a young age and it’s something I always envisioned myself being apart of. I didn’t get the opportunity to race until I was 17 years old due to funding but now being 25 years old, it’s a dream I am so grateful I never stopped chasing. I was born and raised in Arizona but knew if I wanted to be the best, I had to race against the best so I moved 1,200 miles away from what I knew as home to Oklahoma and haven’t looked back! I now run a 2 car team, Ashley Afdahl Racing, with my boyfriend and I as both the drivers, crew chiefs, mechanics and owners. It’s not an easy road but it’s one I wouldn’t trade anything for.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
One relationship that shaped me the most as a person today is the one I have with my boyfriend, Tony Morris. I initially met Tony in the very beginning of my racing career in go karts. We built a strong friendship through the years and he was someone I could always rely on in the pits as I was still learning as a driver. From Day 1 he always believed in my abilities behind the wheel and truly has shaped the confidence I have in myself today. He saw my potential when no else did and gave me the opportunity to move up to micros in 2021. To this day, no matter what happens out on the track he continuously pushes me to be the best version of myself as a driver and as a person. Over the years I learned you only need one person to whole heartedly believe in you to become unstoppable and Tony is that my person for me.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one thing to my younger self it would be this quote: “If you shift your perspective, then you shift your circumstances.” Life is tough and you will go through many trials and tribulations as you get older but if you always remind yourself that no matter what happens, you always have control of you. Your thoughts, actions, reactions and most importantly your perspective. If you can control your mind, you can control your outlook. It’s not easy and it’s something I am still working on but truly understanding that your perspective is the key to unlocking your full potential in this lifetime will take you further than you can imagine.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
When I was younger I always believed I had a short window of what they call “making it in racing.” I knew being a first generation racer would have its setbacks and that my path wasn’t going to be as easier as some others BUT I also knew as long as I worked twice as hard as everyone else then making it would be possible. No matter if making it to my ultimate goal in racing takes longer than what I envisioned I’m committed to my current and younger self to prove I have what it takes. Each road we walk is different and that’s okay. Our achievements shouldn’t be based on the time it takes to achieve them but instead based on the grit, dedication and sheer commitment it takes to make them happen.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
For me, winning races or championships isn’t what I want the world to remember me for. Sure those things are cool and accomplishments you can be proud of but I want to be remembered for how I made people feel. How I was off track to those around me and the next generation of racers rather than how quick of a lap time I can do. Being able to be a part of someone’s memory in an emotional way, is something you can never take away. This is why taking time for fans or the younger girls in this industry is so important to me because I was inspired at a young age by a female driver and it’s a memory I hope to never forget. It goes beyond what you can do on the track but how you can connect off the track.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ashleyafdahl.com
- Instagram: @AshleyAfdahl
- Linkedin: Ashley Afdahl
- Facebook: Ashley Afdahl Racing
- Youtube: Ashley Afdahl Racing
Image Credits
Team Green Productions
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