The competitive powerboat driver has returned to her sport to help deal with grief and to overcome her own health issues, but needs help funding her passion.

Rhonda Wojcikewycz, 76, from Darawank on NSW's Mid North Coast, never thought she'd return to her life-long sport after the sudden loss of her husband Michael to cancer in 2022 and then her own cancer returning for a third time in 2023.

But the thought of getting back to racing gave the resilient, self-confessed "daredevil" something to look forward to.

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"When you stay positive about things, things can happen," she said.

Mrs Wojcikewycz, who as the only female in her class of 95 mph racing, competes against all men but also racers who are younger than her.

"Their ages range from 20 to ... 69 but most of them are very young," she said.

"They get excited when I win. We've all got a really good friendship."

The competitive racer started water ski racing in 1972 before switching to power boat racing in the 80s, but the great-grandmother has a new appreciation for the sport since the "disaster" of her last few years.

"It takes my mind off everything else. It's very positive," she said.

"The adrenaline is amazing.

"You have to be a bit of a daredevil."

The sport also helps the mother-of-two combat her loneliness - something she experienced when she had to leave her pharmacy role when she got sick and experienced the isolation of where she lives.

"They tell us that loneliness is like smoking 20 cigarettes a day," she said.

"You meet some lovely people.

"I get to talk to people - it's very sociable."

Because her grief and illness impacted her financially, Mrs Wojcikewycz started a GoFundMe page to help her race once a month.

Money raised will go towards costs, such as fuel, which costs $600 for a drum of methanol.

"That'll only last me a couple of race days," she said.

Apart from entry and licence fees, as well as accommodation when travelling for races, the biggest cost is maintenance of Mrs Wojcikewycz's powerboat - something her mechanic husband used to take care of.

The grandmother-of-three said racing is helping her stay young and healthy because the sport demands a certain level of physical and mental fitness.

"It's tough being in the boat, it knocks you around a lot," she said.

"Your reflexes need to get you out of [certain] situations.

"There is a lot to think about."

Although Mrs Wojcikewycz said it is ideal to start powerboat racing at a young age to build up skills, she encouraged anyone who is interested in the sport to get involved in a club because they are "very social" and there are other roles can people can do.

The powerboat racer said although she is "picking and choosing" which races she competes in because of lack of funds, she is happy to be doing her beloved sport again.

"It's addictive," she said.

"I didn't think I could come back to it, but when I did, it's been the best thing ever."

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