Velma Margaret Belk

Velma Margaret Belk lived a life that defied convention and broke barriers, embodying the pioneering spirit of the American West while establishing herself as one of Colorado's most notable female stock car racers of the 1960s and 1970s. Born on September 27, 1943, in Denver, Colorado, to Herold and Dorothy Ellis, Velma was the third of four children in a family that would soon embrace the adventurous spirit of the frontier.

When Velma was in third grade, her family made a transformative decision to relocate from Denver to a ranch in the Bear Creek community in southeast Wyoming, a move that would profoundly shape her character and worldview. The vast open spaces and self-sufficient lifestyle of rural ranching country instilled in her a sense of independence and resilience that would serve her throughout her life. She attended a one-room schoolhouse through eighth grade, an educational experience that was already becoming rare by the 1950s but provided her with strong foundational skills and an appreciation for close-knit community bonds.

After completing her eighth-grade education in Wyoming, Velma returned to Denver for junior high school, where the shock of encountering hundreds of students after her intimate one-room schoolhouse experience would become a cherished story she shared throughout her life. During her high school years in Denver, she met Daryle Billinger, a relationship that would define the next chapter of her life and result in three children who became her life's greatest pride: Shelly, Mike, and David.

As a young single mother, Velma faced the dual challenge of providing for her family while maintaining her unwavering commitment to being present for every milestone in her children's lives. She demonstrated remarkable determination, often working multiple jobs simultaneously to ensure her family's financial security. Her employment history during this period included positions at Montgomery Ward, Navajo Freight Lines, and IBEW Local 111, showcasing her adaptability and willingness to enter male-dominated fields like electrical work.

In the late 1960s, Velma discovered what would become perhaps her most distinctive legacy—stock car racing. What began as a family activity at Lakeside Speedway in Denver evolved into a serious competitive pursuit that would establish her as a pioneering figure in women's motorsports. Participating in the "Power Puff Derby," a specialized racing format designed to accommodate women's participation during an era when mixed-gender racing was culturally controversial, Velma approached the opportunity with exceptional determination.

In 1967, she achieved recognition as "Rookie of the Year," establishing herself as a genuinely talented driver worthy of formal acknowledgment. Her success attracted sponsorship from Oldsmobile, a significant achievement for any racer but particularly remarkable for a woman during this era. With this backing, she expanded her racing activities beyond Lakeside Speedway to include Englewood Speedway, Colorado National Speedway, and tracks in Pueblo, Colorado, and Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Perhaps her most impressive accomplishment came in 1977, when Velma finished eleventh in point standings in a field of approximately thirty male competitors, placing just one point shy of the top ten. This achievement was truly exceptional, as women rarely competed directly against men in stock car racing during the 1970s. Her pioneering role was formally recognized later in life when she was nominated for the Colorado Speedway Hall of Fame as "a pioneering force in women's racing."

Following her racing years, Velma's career evolved to include employment with Continental Airlines, where she particularly valued the flight benefits that allowed her to visit family and pursue her love of travel. One of her most cherished memories was taking a spontaneous day trip to Paris, France—"not Paris, Texas, but Paris, France"—with her sister Betty, exemplifying the adventurous spirit that characterized her approach to life.

In 2000, at age 57, Velma made another bold decision, relocating to Lake Havasu City, Arizona, where she would discover "her true calling as a realtor." Her real estate career flourished over the next twenty years, built on her genuine emotional connection to clients and her gift for helping people find not just a house, but a home. Her approach to real estate was deeply relational, reflecting her lifelong ability to connect with others—"Velma never met a stranger," and "once a friend, you were a friend for life."

That same year, 2000, Velma met James Belk, who would become her husband in 2009 after nine years of courtship. Despite their acknowledged differences—Velma found it amusing that they were "opposites"—they shared nearly fourteen happy years together until his passing in 2022.

Throughout her life, Velma demonstrated exceptional capacity for building and maintaining deep, enduring friendships. Most remarkably, she maintained a friendship group known as the "Navajo ladies," composed of friends who had been gathering for more than fifty years. She was "the life of the party, always organizing gatherings and making sure everyone felt included," creating welcoming atmospheres that brought people together across decades.

Her commitment to family remained unwavering throughout her life. As her obituary notes, she "showed up—every game, every event, every milestone" for her children, deliberately planning family vacations and creating lasting memories. Her devotion extended to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, with airline benefits allowing her to maintain close connections despite geographic distances.

Velma's unexpected passing on March 28, 2026, at age 82, concluded a life lived with infectious enthusiasm and unwavering determination. While her years may have said 82, anyone who knew her would tell you she never seemed it, maintaining a youthful spirit and zest for life until her final days. Her legacy lives on through her surviving daughter Shelly Worrell, grandchildren Kenny, Garrett, and Meagan, five great-grandchildren, and the countless lives she touched as a pioneering racer, dedicated mother, successful businesswoman, and beloved friend.