Born: 1919 (Detroit, Michigan)
Died: 2020 (Troy, Michigan)
Biography:
Victoria Rose Wood, known as the fastest woman in racing, was an American professional automobile racer and one of the first women to compete in NASCAR. She was born on March 15, 1919, in Detroit, Michigan. Wood was raised in a family of seven children, where she was the only girl. Her parents were Rose Krok Raczak, a homemaker, and Paul Raczak, a contractor.
After completing high school, Wood took on odd jobs to support herself. In 1941, she married Tom Fitzpatrick, but tragically, he passed away in Germany later during World War II. In 1947, Wood found love again and married Clarence Skeeter Wood.
Wood’s racing career began in 1953 when her husband took her to a powder puff race at Motor City Speedway in Detroit. After witnessing the race, she remarked, If I couldn’t drive any better than that, I’d quit. Inspired, her husband borrowed a 1937 Dodge coupe for her to compete in a race a week later. Wood finished ninth out of the 25 women racing that day. Her first taste of victory came the following night at a race in Mount Clemens.
Wood quickly made a name for herself as the first woman to compete against men in races in Michigan. She went on to set several women’s records at American race tracks. In 1959 and 1960, Wood achieved the fastest lap record (130.3 mph) and the fastest one-way mark (150.375 mph) at Daytona International Speedway, respectively. She also set records at Atlanta International Speedway in 1961.
Not only was Wood a talented racer, but she also had a significant impact off the track. In 1958, she was featured in a magazine ad for Pontiac automobiles, highlighting her victory and teaching male drivers a lesson in winning the 50 m.p.h. safe passing event. Her successes paved the way for other women in the racing industry, breaking barriers and challenging gender stereotypes.
In 1963, Wood made the decision to retire from racing, marking the end of her adrenaline-fueled career. She and her husband relocated to Florida in the late 1960s, where she worked in a department store.
Wood’s contributions to the racing world were acknowledged when she was inducted into the Michigan Motor Sports Hall of Fame in 2019. Her achievements and trailblazing spirit will forever be remembered in the annals of women’s racing history.
Sadly, on June 5, 2020, Wood passed away at the age of 101 in a hospital in Troy, Michigan. Her legacy lives on as a fearless and determined pioneer in the world of auto racing.
Awards:
– Inductee of the Michigan Motor Sports Hall of Fame in 2019.