The Peach Ladies bring family legacy, vintage horsepower, and an all female racing team to the Hemmings Great Race this summer.
Long before engines fired up for the Hemmings Great Race, the spirit behind Team Peach Lightning was already alive in family stories passed down through generations. This summer, two Kansas born cousins are transforming those stories into a cross country adventure that blends classic Americana with modern determination.
Mandy and Marilyn, known on the racing circuit as the Peach Ladies, are preparing to take on the legendary Hemmings Great Race in their 1951 Ford Shoebox, “Peach Lightning.” The event, running June 20 through June 28, coincides with the Centennial celebration of Route 66, giving their journey an even deeper connection to American history.
For the Peach Ladies, this race is not only about competition. It is about honoring family, preserving tradition, and proving that passion can unite generations.
From Kansas Roots to Route 66
The cousins proudly describe themselves as descendants of “The Daredevil,” carrying forward a fearless family spirit that shaped their upbringing. Sponsored in memory of two long gone grandmothers, their Great Race entry represents both tribute and transformation.
The Hemmings Great Race is unlike traditional motorsports events. Drivers compete in a precision timed endurance rally where accuracy matters more than speed. Teams must navigate long distances, changing conditions, and strict timing checkpoints while keeping vintage vehicles running smoothly.
That challenge becomes even more remarkable when considering the differences between the two women behind Car #137.
Opposites Behind the Wheel
Mandy, now living in Virginia, is entering the classic car world for the first time. She openly embraces the steep learning curve of antique automobiles while bringing fresh energy and curiosity to the team.
Marilyn, based in California, is a seasoned automobile collector with years of experience restoring and maintaining vintage vehicles. Her mechanical knowledge and deep appreciation for automotive history help anchor the team during the demanding event.
Together, the cousins create a rare balance of newcomer enthusiasm and veteran confidence. That chemistry is part of what makes Peach Lightning stand out before the race has even begun.
The Car Everyone Wants to See
Peach Lightning is impossible to overlook. The 1951 Ford Shoebox combines vintage styling with unmistakable personality, quickly becoming one of the most anticipated vehicles in this year’s Great Race lineup.
Fans attending one of the event’s 18 auto show meet and greet stops along Route 66 will have the chance to see the car up close and meet the women driving it across America.
The timing of the race adds another layer of excitement. Route 66 has symbolized freedom and adventure for nearly one hundred years. By joining the Centennial celebration, the Peach Ladies are connecting their own family journey to one of the nation’s most iconic highways.
More Than a Race Team
The Peach Ladies are also helping reshape perceptions in the vintage automotive community. Classic motorsports has historically been male dominated, but Mandy and Marilyn are proving that determination and passion matter far more than tradition.
Their nonprofit organization, Marilyn Monrovia Racing, supports the team’s mission while promoting appreciation for automotive heritage and community involvement. As excitement around the race grows, supporters from across the country are helping fuel the journey both financially and emotionally.
For many fans, the Peach Ladies represent more than nostalgia. They embody the adventurous spirit that made Route 66 legendary in the first place.
As Peach Lightning prepares to roll onto America’s most famous highway, Mandy and Marilyn are showing that the best road trips are not just about destinations. They are about legacy, courage, and the stories created along the way.
Anyone looking to “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” this summer should make time to visit one of the Great Race stops and experience Peach Lightning in person. The Peach Ladies are bringing heart, horsepower, and history to every mile of the journey.
