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Join Ella Martin
đDefying Arthritis, One Race at a Time
Discover the thrilling journey of Ella Martin, one of Canadaâs most promising young talents in motorsport, bringing energy, determination, and resilience to every lap she drives.
Ella’s Partners & Supporters
About Ella
Driven.
Focused.
Ready.
Ella Martin is a young Canadian racer from the Greater Toronto Area who’s quickly building a name for herself in junior formula racing.
From 2024-2025, Ella raced karts at Goodwood Kartways, Mosport Karting Centre, 3S Go-Karts, and the Hamilton Karting Complex.
After competing in various regional races, Ella has moved up to the Canadian Formula 1200 Championship in 2026.
The most important thing to know is that she’s progressing from karts into cars while racing with arthritis â and turning that challenge into part of her identity as a driver.
Ella’s Racing Journey
First step into cars by racing Formula 1200.
Began the transition from Regional Karting to cars.
Stepping up to tougher competition and consistent topâ5 finishes.
Began Arrive and Drive at Goodwood Kartways.
Ella’s Arthritis Story
A few years ago, Ella couldn’t walk 100 feet without pain. Today, she races cars at over 200 kilometres per hour. That contrast defines her daily reality.
At the age of 11, simple tasks became difficult â walking, keeping up with friends, and getting through the day. One of the most challenging aspects is that juvenile arthritis isn’t always visible. People don’t expect a young person to have arthritis, yet it’s something Ella carries with her every day.
Juvenile arthritis is a chronic autoimmue disease in which the body mistakenly attacks its own joints. It can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and fatigue â sometimes even getting out of bed is a struggle. It’s more common than many realize: in Canada, approximately 25,000 children live with the condtion, or about 3 in every 1,000.
Around 2020, Ella discovered racing.
It began at home, playing Grand Turismo with her dad â and before long, she was beating his lap times. That led to karting, and from the moment she stepped onto a real track, she fell in love with the sport.
Racing is intensely physical, especially on the hands. At high speeds, every movement matters. For Ella, there has always been a tension between a condition that can slow her down and a passion that demands speed.
With effective treatment, her pain decreased. Nurses, pharmacists, and care teams supported her and her family, helping them feel confident in managing her condition.
Because of that support, Ella has been able to race, test an F4 car, and compete at a high level. Her goal is Formula 1 Academy… and one day, Formula 1.
Community Involvement
Ella shares her story to inspire others
For 15-year-old Ella, competing in motorsports isnât just about breaking barriers in a male-dominated sport â itâs about defying a disease that once sidelined her childhood.
Diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) at 12, there was a time when Ella couldnât walk to school, had to sit out of classes, and missed playing sports with her friends.
Today, thanks to advances in research and biologic treatments, sheâs back in the driverâs seat.
While long training days can still bring mild pain, they donât stop her from chasing a future that once felt out of reach.
Ella represents juvenile arthritis for Arthritis Society PSA
This PSA brings a group of women together and asks them to identify what they share. The answerâarthritisâhighlights how the condition can be completely invisible. Ella adds her own experience with juvenile arthritis, showing that you can live with a chronic condition while still leading a full, active life.
Created through a collaboration between Arthritis Society Canada and Humber Polytechnic, the video raises awareness and encourages understanding. It reflects Ellaâs focus on honesty, strength, and communityâreminding people that arthritis isnât always seen, but itâs always real.
Ella supports fundraising activities with the Arthritis Society
Ella participated in the Party with a Purpose event in Muskoka, Ontario in August 2024, contributing to a fundraising initiative that helps send children living with arthritis to summer camp.
Achievements & Press
Races & Events
July
11
VARAC Peter Jackson Races – Shannonville Motorsport Park
7047 Old Highway 2, Tyendinaga, ON K0K 3A0
July
24-26
BARC Open Wheel Invitational – Canadian Tire Motorsports Park
3233 Concession Rd 10, Bowmanville, ON L1C 3K6
aug
14-16
Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Markham
16 Main St. Unionville, Markham, ON L3R 0W7
aug
21-23
Calabogie Summer Classic – Calabogie Motorsports Park
462 Wilson Farm Rd, Calabogie, ON K0J 1H0
sept
18-19
Niagara 5000
Niagara, ON
oct
2-4
CASC Celebration Races – Canadian Tire Motorsports Park
3233 Concession Rd 10, Bowmanville, ON L1C 3K6
