Kelly “Girl” Sutton Recognized by Women’s Sports Foundation
NASCAR Driver Awarded 2003 Wilma Rudolph Courage Award

NEW YORK (Oct. 21, 2003) –– Goody’s Dash Series driver, Kelly “Girl” Sutton defines courage as strapping herself into a car and racing around a track at speeds up to 150 mph, while managing a chronic neurological disease. Sutton, the first person diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) known to race in any NASCAR series, races to fulfill her own dreams, and her determination has left a lasting impression on many others along the way.

Her courage and resolve have earned Kelly “Girl” Sutton the distinguished 2003 Wilma Rudolph Courage Award, presented at the 24th Annual Salute to Women in Sports Awards Dinner at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. This prestigious award is given annually to a female athlete who exhibits extraordinary courage in her athletic performance, demonstrates the ability to overcome adversity, and makes significant contributions to her sport, and includes such notables as Martina Navratilova and Gail Devers. Sutton hopes to serve as an inspiration to those who have been diagnosed with MS, as well as others who face challenges, and help them overcome their obstacles and strive for success at all levels.

Kelly “Girl” Sutton races the final race of the 2003 NASCAR Goody’s Dash Series season Friday, Oct. 24 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Sutton, currently sixth in the overall point standings, races into Atlanta looking to finish the season in the top five.

Long Road to the Track
Sutton, a third-generation driver, began riding motorcycles when she was just 10 years old. At the age of 12, she graduated to racing go-carts. By the time she was 15, Sutton was making her mark in local racing — until overwhelming fatigue and a tingling sensation on her right side began sidelining her on a regular basis. At 16, Sutton was diagnosed with RRMS. “I was devastated,” said Sutton. “I was afraid I would have to give up the things I loved.” Although she did spend time in a wheelchair, Sutton was determined to learn how to manage her disease. Through a disciplined exercise regimen, a conscientious diet, and a daily injection of drug therapy, she found herself back in the driver’s seat. It was a long road, but in 2002, Sutton raced her first full season in the Goody’s Dash Series, finishing third in rookie points and twelfth overall — beating out 75 other drivers.

Reaching Out to Fans
Sutton’s determination resonates with fans. At the 2002 Goody’s Dash Series banquet, she was named the most popular driver in the series. “Everybody has mountains to climb,” says the 31-year-old mother of two. “Mine is MS. I think because I’ve battled it so publicly, people can see some of their own stories in mine.” During breaks from the racing action, Sutton travels around the country sharing with the MS community the story of her personal battle with multiple sclerosis. Sutton enjoys inspiring audiences and being inspired by them. “Interacting with other people with MS reminds me that this disease is just something we have to deal with. It is not who we are,” she says. “I am a mom. I am a wife. I am a racecar driver. Those are the things that define me — not MS.”