NASCAR drivers generally have a lot in common.  For starters, they are overwhelmingly American, male, and coming from seriously wealthy backgrounds.   

Winnipeg's own Amber Balcaen has got her 'outsider' bases covered. 

As the only Canadian racing full time on the NASCAR circuit, she's overcoming challenges left, right and centre.  Luckily, Balcaen is used to fighting for what she wants.Her background in Canadian dirt track racing only allowed her to drive a few months a year, while her competition in the southern USA  enjoyed tracks that were open year-round.

Sponsorship, the keys to the castle in this incredibly expensive sport, doesn't come easy for a Canadian either. Why would a Canadian company get behind a sport that is overwhelmingly popular in the USA, but hit and miss north of the 49th?  And why would Americans put money behind a Canadian racer?  

That's where Balcaen's business background,  and limitless hustle, made the difference.  She noticed that race tracks were always ringed with RVs full of fans, so she started building a business case around that, then courted a Canadian-based, North American firm making RV parts. A winning partnership was formed, and she's racing in a custom red and white rocket to prove it.

As a woman among Good Ole Boys,  nothing came easy for Balcaen. She had to win respect the only way you can in racing: weekend after weekend of high finishes, quality performances, and fearless competition. 

Everybody loves an underdog story. The only trouble there is she's so fast on the track that the 'underdog' label doesn't fit the bill anymore.

Despite focusing on her race this Saturday at the super speedway in Talledega,  Balcaen found time with Anastasia to talk about her unlikely journey from Maniitoba dirt tracks to the heartland of American racing.