Sarah Ashmore-MacDonald
Putting the Pedal to the Metal for Fort McMurray
CLASS OF 2025
For Sarah Ashmore-MacDonald, life moves fast, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Whether she’s behind the wheel of her race car at Supertest Speedway or behind her desk as a Procurement Agent with APTIM Services Canada, Sarah brings the same energy, focus, and determination to everything she does.
Her connection to Fort McMurray runs deep. Originally moving here as a teenager for her father’s job, she later returned in 2011 to launch her own career. “Eighteen years later, this community has given me so much,” she says. “It’s home in every sense of the word.”
Sarah earned her post-secondary education at the University of New Brunswick and the University of Alberta, but much of her learning, she admits, happens on the job. “The most rewarding part of my career is that no two days are alike,” she says. “I’m constantly learning—about my industry, the trades I support, and myself. It keeps me sharp and ready for whatever comes my way.”
Her curiosity and adaptability have carried over into her volunteer life as well. Sarah has always been quick to roll up her sleeves, from sandbagging and sorting food during the floods to supporting live music events across the region. But her true passion lies at Supertest Speedway, where she has served on the Board of Directors since 2021 and currently holds the role of Secretary.
At the track, Sarah’s contributions go far beyond driving her car—though she’s become something of a local celebrity (or calamity, depending on who you ask) for her high-speed enthusiasm. She dedicates countless hours to promoting motorsports, organizing events, and helping grow the local racing community. “I pour a lot of my free time into Supertest,” she says. “It’s not just about racing; it’s about creating an inclusive, exciting space that brings people together.”
Fuelled by community spirit and a deep love for her adopted hometown, Sarah believes volunteering is easy when you’re surrounded by people who care. “Finding like-minded people who love Fort Mac as much as I do makes getting involved so natural,” she says. “From the race track to the stage, to sandbags and sorting donations, it’s easy to help out when everyone is willing to pitch in.”
Her support network plays a big part in that drive. “My family and friends are always there,” she says. “They show up with signs when I’m racing, they help promote our events, and they keep my heart full. Because they pour into me, I can pour into the community.”
Looking ahead, Sarah’s goals blend competition with community development. Personally, she’s got her sights set on that first-place trophy. But even more important to her is seeing Supertest Speedway become a full-service racetrack and event space, drawing even more visitors and participants. “I’d love to see more local race teams, and definitely more women behind the wheel,” she says. “If you want to build a car, let me know!”
Professionally, her experience in supply chain management shapes how she approaches community involvement. “In procurement, it’s all about finding solutions, not just pointing out problems,” she explains. “That mindset carries into everything I do. Just because we’ve always done something one way doesn’t mean we have to keep doing it that way. That’s how we grow and bring more people in.”
Sarah is also candid about the challenges facing the region, especially rising costs and reduced economic activity. But she sees opportunity in creativity and collaboration. “Providing fun, family-friendly activities that don’t break the bank keeps people in town on weekends,” she says. “Events, from the races and more at Supertest Speedway, to local music festivals, it’s all about reminding people there’s always something great happening here, we just need to spread the word.”
For Sarah, community growth starts with engagement. Every event, every race, every volunteer shift adds up to something bigger. “When we bring people together—from all walks of life—we not only improve what we’re doing, we inspire others to get involved too.”
And when she’s out on the track, steering her #22 car around the bends, she’s not just chasing a win—she’s representing a spirit of resilience, fun, and pride that runs deep in Fort McMurray. “When you’re out at Supertest Speedway,” she says with a laugh, “look for the 22 car. I’m doing my best to keep it off the wall, but I promise I’m always putting on a good show out there.”
For Sarah Ashmore-MacDonald, it’s all gas, no brakes, on the track, and in life.
