Rachel Koivuniemi

**Rachel** Olivia Riikka **Koivuniemi** (born 1 May 1994) is a Finnish professional racing driver, best known for her tenure in the Champ Car World Series. She currently competes in the Microsoft IndyCar Series for Highlight Racing.

Koivuniemi is a one-time podium finisher in Champ Car, scoring her first top-flight podium at the 2020 Coca-Cola 300, at Homestead-Miami Speedway. She is currently serving a six month suspension from the Federation International Course d'Artificielle (FICA), and Horizon Corporation, following a failed drug test on 14 November 2021.

## Early Years

Koivuniemi was born and raised in the city of Pori, Finland, the oldest of two children. Her father, Ensio, is a financial executive, while her mother, Rauna, is a fashion designer. Her younger sister, Marianna, plays soccer in the United States, playing for Angel City FC in the National Women's Soccer League.

Koivuniemi began pursuing racing at the age of four, initially getting into snowmobiles during the winter, and junior karts during the summer. Her father's financial institution acted as a sponsor for the majority of her early career.

## Personal Life

Koivuniemi has been known to have an affinity for being in front of cameras, with some former teammates and mechanics describing her as a a mix of undaunted, and superficial. Koivuniemi is often seen wearing designer brands to race weekends, typically flashy in colors in contrast to most drivers in the Champ Car paddock.

### Drug Test Failure and Suspension

On 28 November 2021, Horizon Corporation announced that Koivuniemi had failed a drug test submitted the morning of the season finale for Champ Car. Horizon did not disclose what she failed the drug test for, other than both the A and B samples failed for the same issue. Horizon referred the failed test to FICA, with the intent of upholding the punishment determined by international racing authorities.

On 30 November 2021, FICA announced it was levying a 6 month suspension from all FICA-sanctioned events, including the Champ Car World Series, where Koivuniemi was expected to race full time in 2022. FICA also revealed that Koivuniemi was found to have cocaine in her system, but disclosed that the amount she tested positive for would have not been active during the race the evening the test took place. FICA applied the minimum punishment for the offense due to Koivuniemi having a clean record prior to the failed tests. Horizon Corporation reaffirmed the suspension, keeping her from racing full time in Champ Car or the Atlantic Championship in 2022.

Neither Koivuniemi, nor Highlight Racing, addressed the failed drug test, with the team moving to enter her as a single car effort in the revived Indycar National Championship, which is not sanctioned by FICA. The move was criticized by many in the racing community, who felt the punishment was being circumvented. NAMRA, the organizers and sanctioning body of the Microsoft IndyCar Series, elected to only place Koivuniemi on a probation, which was also criticized. Koivuniemi would be replaced in Champ Car by Simona Leroux, while Koivuniemi would be permitted to participate in the Triple Crown once her suspension expired in April.