In the fast-paced lead-up to the 2025 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, professional race car driver Zoey Edenholm made a special pit stop – trading the racetrack for hospital hallways – to visit young patients at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital.
Edenholm, who will be racing this weekend in the Stadium Super Trucks series in a bright pink truck, spent the day visiting young patients throughout the hospital, sharing stories from her racing career and delivering a dose of Grand Prix excitement to those unable to make it to the race.
“I’m here at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital to inspire young kids, especially young girls, to chase their dreams,” says Zoey Edenholm. “This weekend, I’ll be racing in the Stadium Super Truck category, going up to 155 miles per hour and even hitting jumps on the racetrack. The kids were so excited to hear about the speed and the jumps – their reactions were priceless.”
For 17-year-old patient Abby Rodriguez and her mom, Abigail Leon, the visit was extra special. They had planned to attend the Grand Prix in person until an unexpected hospital stay changed their weekend plans. When Abby learned that a real race car driver would be visiting her hospital room, her disappointment quickly turned to excitement.
“This visit was amazing,” says Abigail Leon. “Zoey coming to see Abby really lifted her spirits. We thought we’d be at the Grand Prix this weekend, cheering on the racers and enjoying the sunshine. Being at the hospital instead has been tough, but having Zoey take the time to visit made it really special.”
Edenholm made her way through multiple units of the hospital – from hematology/oncology to general pediatrics – signing autographs, showing off her fireproof racing suit and helmet, and swapping stories with patients about some of her most unforgettable races.
Her passion for racing started early – Edenholm began karting at just 11 years old and was competing nationally by age 12. She went on to race in the Formula 4 United States Championship in 2019, earning a top-10 finish at Virginia International Raceway. In 2020, she broke barriers in the Stadium Super Trucks Series as only the second female driver in the series’ history. And in 2023, she tested in the ARCA Menards Series at Daytona International Speedway, demonstrating her talent across multiple racing disciplines.
“It was such an honor to have Zoey visit our hospital for the second year in a row,” says Rita Goshert, director, Cherese Mari Laulhere Child Life Program, Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital. “Being in the hospital can be scary for kids – it’s not part of their normal world. So, when a professional race car driver like Zoey takes the time to connect with them, laugh with them, and show them what’s possible, it’s incredibly meaningful for our patients and families.”
This weekend, Edenholm will race alongside some of the world’s best drivers on the streets of Long Beach, but at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital, she’s already a champion.
