LOUDON, N.H. – A New Hampshire celebrated turning 100 years old by taking a few turns at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway, home of the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 NASCAR race in July.
Rachel Gilbert, a racing fan for more than 50 years, wanted the speedometer to reach the 100mph mark to celebrate her centennial, but could only manage to hit 53 mph on the banked oval in a Toyota Camry. No one was disappointed by the result.
Gilbert, who relinquished her license in 1995, was taken to the track in Loudon, N.H., by her family, who organized the trip with track managers.
"She just loves racing so much," said Gilbert's daughter, Marie Anne Mills.
The event was attended by Gilbert's friends from the St. Francis Home in Laconia, N.H., where she lives independently in a senior apartment.
After whizzing around the track, Gilbert was given a birthday card and jacket signed by her favorite driver, Carl Edwards.
NewsCore contributed to this report.