From a young age, Peggy Llewellyn embraced the idea that success knows no bounds. Fueled by fearlessness and an unwavering commitment to seeing things through, she made history as the first woman of color to win a professional motorsports event. This drive extends beyond the racetrack, evident in her role as Assistant Property Manager, where she brings dedication to every task.
We sat down with Peggy to learn more about her life—exploring her groundbreaking racing career and her experiences in property management.
Q: What ignited your passion for racing, ultimately leading you to become the first woman of color to win a professional motorsports event?
A: My father who came here in 1967 from Kingston, Jamaica with a trade in motorcycles and cars. He opened Southeast Cycles in 1977, and semi-retired in 2019. Because my father owned a motorcycle shop and was involved in car races, my brother and I would race around tracks on pocket rocket bikes, reaching speeds of 30 or 40 mph—which was quite thrilling for a 7-year-old. For me, though, it wasn’t enough! Despite the common belief that racing was only for men, my parents actively supported and encouraged me to pursue my passion, joking that as a little girl I didn’t play with dolls; I rode motorcycles!
Q: How did your parents respond when you expressed the desire to pursue professional racing, especially given the scarcity of women racing at the time?
A: My parents were incredibly supportive. My father took on the role of trainer and collaborator in helping me build my first bikes. My first bike was a Suzuki 1150 that reached 140 MPH in 9 seconds, and we later upgraded to a Kawasaki KZ 900 1400cc, clocking 150 MPH in just 8 seconds. To them, gender stereotypes didn’t exist; with their encouragement, I knew I could do this.
Q: At speeds exceeding 150 mph, were you ever scared during races?
A: Oddly enough, racing wasn’t frightening; securing sponsors was the most challenging part! When I started racing professionally, I joined an intense training program with a coach who taught me to tune everything else out so there is no fear. Instead, I felt calm when the motorcycle started from burnout to staging, with my eyes ultimately on the finish line. Speed, competitors, and other distractions weren’t even on my mind.
Q: Transitioning from racing to property management is quite a leap. How did you enter the world of CRE, and how do you balance both careers?
A: After moving to San Antonio from Houston, I sought a new job and landed in an administrative role with condos and, later, commercial properties, working my way into a property management position. There’s never a dull moment, which I love. Also, the people are wonderful. The relationships I’ve formed with staff, coworkers, vendors, and tenants are a source of joy. Despite the apparent differences between racing and property management, both fields demand staying calm under pressure and focusing on the end goal, whether winning a championship or meeting a client’s request. To me, the two roles complement each other. I love what I do, so the balance comes naturally.
Q: What do you love about Stream?
A: It feels as if there are endless opportunities at Stream. My team is incredibly supportive and encouraging—we all come alongside one another as we tackle new challenges and learn new skills. Here, I’m not just an Assistant Property Manager; I’m part of a community that values growth and innovation. The company genuinely cares about its people and clients, with its core values of “smart, honest, nice, passionate” displayed daily.
Q: You recently returned to racing after a significant hiatus. What prompted your break, and did you have doubts about coming back?
A: I took a 15-year hiatus to raise and spend more time with my daughter, one of my biggest supporters. There were certainly feelings of doubt when I decided to begin racing again but stepping back and reflecting on past accomplishments helped. Once I got back on my bike, however, all doubt disappeared. Racing is a rush like no other.
Q: Looking back on your career, what do you hope others take away from your journey?
A: I hope my journey inspires women to recognize their potential in all aspects of life. My mom would always say, “Bet on yourself, Peggy.” She knew waiting for an opportunity wasn’t the key; you had to go out there and make those opportunities happen. That’s why I feel strongly that your background doesn’t matter. If you have the drive and determination, you can go out there and do it. If I can use my journey and titles to encourage others to do the same, by pushing boundaries and achieving goals, then I know I’ve done a great job.
Embrace the speed, navigate the curves, and always keep your eye on the finish line.
Favorite hotspots in San Antonio: Wineries (love wine) Gruene and Fredericksburg
Other hobbies/interests: Journaling
Favorite music: All types! Fleetwood Mac to TLC to some Aerosmith, Gospel—it’s endless.
Favorite Movie: Secretariat
Favorite places to travel: On the NHRA circuit, Sonoma, CA (wine country) was my favorite stop. My father is from Jamaica, and I haven’t been there in a while, though I plan to visit soon.