After decades as a spectator, Bobbi Oxford finally takes the wheel on a professional track and lives the thrill she always dreamed of
At 83, a racing car enthusiast finally fulfilled her dream of driving and overcoming long-standing barriers
During her childhood, some of Bobbi Oxford’s most vivid memories were the roar of engines, tires burning on the asphalt, and cheering crowds as she watched her brother compete in drag races — but back then, women had no place behind the wheel.
Still, she clearly remembers the intense excitement she felt watching him race.
The only time she had the chance to participate, during a “Powder Puff Derby” for women only, the race was canceled due to rain — and the opportunity never returned… until now.
Now, at 83, Bobbi finally got to live out what she had always longed for.
“I need speed, honey!” she said from her senior living home in Littleton, Colorado, where she enjoys hobbies like sewing, quilting, and painting, keeping a peaceful routine.
A devoted NASCAR fan, she was able to fulfill her dream with the help of Wish of a Lifetime, a charitable AARP project that grants meaningful wishes to inspire purposeful and joyful aging.
The experience took place at Pikes Peak International Raceway in Colorado, in a retired race car belonging to Joe Garone, the track’s current COO. Under a clear, sunny sky, Bobbi hit the gas — this time, with no rain to get in the way.
Asked by CBS Sunday Morning what speed she hoped to reach, she was straightforward: “As fast as I can — maybe one-thirty.”
Wearing a custom jumpsuit and holding her helmet, after touring the track facilities and going through a quick training, Bobbi got behind the wheel with an instructor beside her and did several laps around the 1-mile oval track.
“Just the sound of that engine and being behind this wheel,” she said excitedly. “You press the gas and hear this roarrr…”
As she drove, women of all ages cheered and shouted “Go, Bobbi, go!” Friends from the senior home were also present, along with her son and daughter-in-law, who waved handmade signs in support.
After driving until she was fully satisfied, she even got to ride along with a professional driver for a thrilling lap with tire-squealing turns — ending the journey on a high note.
“I did it!” Bobbi shouted as she wrapped up the experience. “Nothing will ever top this.”
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d get into a race car, but I did!”
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Source and images: Good News Network / YouTube. This content was created with AI assistance and reviewed by the editorial team.
