While she may be new to the Bandolero racing scene, Caitlyn Ford has a passion for motorsports and a determination to make her mark in the racing world. With her family racing by her side and encouraging and pushing her along the way, Ford’s grit and determination proves that she has what it takes to be successful as a female in the male-dominated field.

Hometown: Las Vegas, NV

Division: Outlaws

Number: 54

Team: Battle Born Racing

1. How did you get your start in racing?

We actually just started this year, so it is my rookie year for me, my sister, and my dad. We were at a NASCAR event here in Las Vegas a couple years ago and saw the Legend simulator and thought it would be so cool to do one day. Then my dad ended up meeting Brad, who is the INEX guy out here in Vegas, and bought a car and we went and tried the road course. We did not even know that the Bandoleros existed, so when we saw them, we decided to try those out. We got our Bandos this year and started racing at the Bullring.

2. How did you get the number 54?

I have always used the number 54 for everything, whether it was for classes, passwords, and everything else. It has always been my go-to number so there was no question that I would use it for racing too.

3. Who is your biggest inspiration?

I would definitely say my dad. He has always loved racing and instilled that in me. His personality has always been very gritty and “go get them”, so he really inspires me every day.

4. What is your favorite racing memory?

My favorite memory is probably my first win. I was actually running second and then we got caught up in some traffic. It was me and Wyatt [Layne] in the number 21; we were going around in turn four before the checkered [flag] and I was able to thread the needle between these four cars. It was a great way to take home my first win.

5. How do you get focused before a race?

Honestly, I try to laugh and have a good time. Me and all of our race friends are always messing around and making TikToks. I try to be happy and just enjoy my time there, I feel like I always do my best when I am having a good time.

6. What is your favorite track?

My favorite track is definitely Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. We actually just went up to Idaho and did the Snake River Showdown where I got to race three different tracks. They were all really fun, but after going to those tracks, I realized nothing compares to the Bullring for me.

7. Have you experienced any challenges as a woman in such a male-dominated sport? How do you overcome those?

I think it’s different because the sport is so male-dominated that it can be pretty discouraging being the only girl or constantly getting beat by the boys. But it actually is a motivational factor for me. I use it to push myself, I love beating the boys and that is what I strive to do. So, the boys hating on a girl in the field fuels me to go faster.

8. What are your ultimate goals in racing?

I would probably say to drive a Legend Car within the next couple years and then I am also wanting to win a championship in my Bando this year.

9. What is one thing you love outside of racing that most people may not know about you?

I actually grew up riding horses, so I love everything to do with rodeos and the horse world.

10. Who is one person you would love to race against and why?

Honestly, I would say Kyle and Sam Jacks. If I could race a modified race against them, that would be my dream competition.

11. What are some of the life lessons racing has taught you?

Racing has taught me to just keep going and not give up. No matter what happens out there or in life, you have to pick yourself up and keep going. There is not an option to stop and quit.

12. What advice do you have for young girls who want to get started in racing?

Do not be intimated by the boys or what anyone says to you. You just sometimes have to fake it ‘til you make it and go do it, because once you are out there, it is like a whole other world. Plus, nine times out of ten, the girls can smoke the boys too.