One year ago, Victoria Beaner was recovering from spinal fusion surgery, adjusting to life after 33 days at Palm Beach Children’s Hospital. Today, she’s back in the driver’s seat – winning races, branching out into new forms of motorsports, and launching a foundation aimed at inspiring others facing similar challenges.
The multi-discipline racer, known for her time in Junior Dragster competition, hasn’t let the summer heat or a packed schedule slow her momentum. July saw Beaner in North Carolina for Micro Sprint practice sessions, logging laps in karting at Trackhouse Motorplex, and putting in countless hours in the shop with her father. Their original plan was to debut a new Junior Dragster in Michigan, but after testing, they opted to bring her current car – “Deuce” – instead.
That decision paid off. At Immokalee Regional Raceway, Beaner and “Deuce” scored their first final-round win since her surgery, a milestone she calls “incredibly meaningful” and a “full-circle moment on a long, challenging road.”
“I can hardly believe it’s been a year since the surgery,” Beaner said. “I’m still doing self-guided physical therapy to improve my posture, and I feel stronger every day. My family and I are so grateful to be on this side of recovery.”
That recovery journey has sparked the launch of her new foundation, Spine of Hope, which aims to raise awareness for Idiopathic Scoliosis and encourage those facing it to keep pursuing their dreams. Beaner plans to visit hospitals and organizations with her race cars in tow, using them as proof that life – and competition – doesn’t stop after surgery.
On track, Beaner continues to build her résumé. She recently competed in the fifth stop on the PDRA drag racing series tour at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park in Michigan, advancing to the second round of eliminations and keeping her season points momentum alive. Along the way, she visited Hurco in Indianapolis, connecting with the company’s team and getting an inside look at their CNC operations.
Looking ahead, her August schedule includes a mix of Micro Sprint and Junior Dragster events, with her focus split between immediate competition goals and the long-term mission of her foundation.
“Keep chasing the finish line, and never stop believing in the power of perseverance,” Beaner said.
From her first win post-surgery to the launch of Spine of Hope, Victoria Beaner’s 2025 season is proving that the road back can be as rewarding as the checkered flag itself.
This story was originally published on August 7, 2025. 
