Pederson family secures historic victory at River Cities Speedway
The victory, achieved in car No. 93 previously driven by her late mother Julie, sees Kelsi defeat a field of 25 drivers while her brother Tucker takes second place.
Kelsi Pederson has become the first female driver to win a late model feature race at River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, marking a significant milestone for the institution. The victory occurred on Friday night, 14 August 2026, during a 20-lap feature event where Pederson navigated lapped traffic from green flag to checkered flag to secure the win.
Driving car No. 93, a vehicle previously utilised by her late mother Julie Pederson during the 1990s, Kelsi finished ahead of a field comprising 25 drivers. The win took place just one week after Julie Pederson was inducted into the River Cities Speedway Hall of Fame, an event that generated considerable discussion regarding the role of women in motorsport.
Pederson’s brother, Tucker, started on the front row and took the early lead on the high side of the track. Kelsi passed Tucker in Turn 4 approximately halfway through the race, a move Tucker described as seeing her poke her nose beneath him. He finished second, while their father, Joey Pederson, completed the top six.
Julie Pederson, who passed away at age 49 two years ago following a battle with cancer, was one of the few regular female drivers in the 1990s and served as crew chief for both Kelsi and Tucker. Her induction at The Bullring last weekend celebrated her pioneering career, with family members noting the emotional weight of Kelsi’s subsequent victory in the family’s historic number plate.
Kelsi, originally from East Grand Forks, transitioned to late model racing last summer after a successful career as a lightning sprint driver. She described the win as a confidence-boosting achievement, noting that while making history was significant, she was equally proud to secure a late model feature victory at the track.
