83-Year-Old Colorado Woman’s Dream Becomes Reality—Behind the Wheel of a Race Car!
An 83-year-old Colorado woman’s lifelong passion for racing finally takes her behind the wheel. 🌐 #News #LittletonCO #Colorado #UpliftingNews
LITTLETON, CO — Growing up in Colorado, Bobbi Oxford was captivated by the roar of engines and the thrill of drag races, where her brother competed in a male-dominated world. As a young girl, she soaked in the excitement of spinning tires and cheering crowds, her heart racing with every lap. But in that era, opportunities for women to drive were nonexistent, leaving her to cheer from the sidelines, her dreams of racing confined to her imagination. Watch the inspiring video at the bottom of this short article!
A Missed Chance and a Long Wait
One fleeting opportunity came with a women’s event called the Powder Puff Derby, a rare chance for Bobbi to take the wheel. Excitement built, only for rain to cancel the event, washing away her hopes.
Decades passed, and Bobbi settled into a quiet life in Littleton, Colorado, filling her days with sewing, quilting, and painting at her senior living community. Yet, her love for NASCAR and the thrill of speed never faded.
A Wish Granted at Pikes Peak
At 83, Bobbi’s dream roared to life, thanks to Wish of a Lifetime, a charity dedicated to fulfilling meaningful wishes for seniors. The Pikes Peak International Raceway in Colorado became the stage for her triumph.
Under a clear blue sky, Bobbi stepped into a retired race car owned by the track’s COO, Joe Garone. With a helmet snugly fitted and a personalized racing suit, she prepared for the ride she’d waited a lifetime to experience.
Behind the Wheel at Last
After a garage tour and orientation, Bobbi took the driver’s seat, an experienced co-driver by her side. The 1-mile oval track stretched before her, and with a press of the gas pedal, the engine’s roar filled her with exhilaration. She drove lap after lap, the sound of the motor and the feel of the wheel igniting a joy she’d long held in her heart.
Female racers of all ages lined the track, chanting her name, while friends and family, including her son and daughter-in-law, waved handmade signs in celebration.
The Ride of a Lifetime
When Bobbi’s time behind the wheel concluded, a professional driver took her for a high-speed spin, burning rubber and circling the track to give her the full racing experience she’d missed as a young woman.
Her face lit up with pure delight as she soaked in every moment, the culmination of a dream she never thought possible. Stepping out of the car, she declared the day unmatched, a pinnacle of joy that nothing could surpass.
A Legacy of Courage and Joy
Bobbi Oxford’s story is more than a single day on the track—it’s a powerful example of pursuing passions at any age. Her determination to embrace speed at 83 challenges stereotypes about aging and inspires others to chase their dreams, no matter how long they’ve waited.
Bobbi’s triumph at Pikes Peak is a celebration of resilience, proving that the heart’s desires can find their moment, even decades later.
Did You Know?
- The first woman to compete in a NASCAR-sanctioned event was Sara Christian, who raced in 1949, paving the way for future female drivers (NASCAR.com).
- Pikes Peak International Raceway, where Bobbi drove, has hosted events since 1965 and is known for its challenging 1-mile oval track (PikesPeakInternationalRaceway.com).
- Women’s participation in motorsports grew significantly in the 1970s, with pioneers like Janet Guthrie becoming the first woman to race in the Daytona 500 in 1977 (ESPN).
A Moment for Reflection
Bobbi Oxford’s story stirs the soul, reminding us that dreams don’t have expiration dates. Her courage to seize a moment at 83 invites us all to reflect on what sets our hearts racing. Whether it’s a long-held passion or a new spark, let’s take a page from Bobbi’s book and chase it with fearless joy. Life is a track worth running, and every lap counts.
Watch Bobbi’s Inspiring Video
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