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99-Year-Old Nascar Fan Drives Pace Car At NH Speedway

BOSTON (CBS) - A die-hard Nascar fan got to live out her fantasy at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Tuesday.

Rachel Gilbert, who is approaching her 100th birthday, got to take a few laps around the track.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Lana Jones reports.

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Gilbert, a Nascar fan since she and her husband went to The Daytona 500 50 years ago, sounded a little bit overwhelmed. She was aiming to hit 100 miles per hour.

"I wish I could have (reached 100 mph), you know, but I went up to 53 or 54," said Gilbert.

Regardless, she got a crew jersey from her favorite driver, Carl Edwards, who she'll meet in July when Edwards comes to the track in Loudon, New Hampshire.

"I'm anxious to be here in July now. This is gonna be a thrill for me," said Gilbert.

Kristen Costa, who coordinated the event, said Gilbert had a lot of fun.

"She hasn't actually driven in about four or five years" said Costa, who added that Gilbert didn't even want to get out of the car after she was done.

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