Sutton Gears Up for Short Track Racing at
Martinsville
Female NCTS
Driver Competes Against Trucks and MS
MARTINSVILLE, Va. (April 5, 2004) —
Nestled within the shadows of the Blue Ridge
Mountains lays one of the oldest tracks on the
NASCAR circuit — Martinsville. NASCAR Craftsman
Truck Series (NCTS) rookie Kelly “Girl” Sutton
is ready to tackle whatever challenges the
famous ½-mile paper clip-shaped track has to
offer. As the first person with a diagnosis of
relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS)
known to race in any NASCAR series, Sutton knows
a few things about challenges.
“Racing is my dream. My goal is to challenge
myself and to make the most of the blessings
that have been given to me,” Sutton said. “I
dreamed of racing before MS, and now I will race
in the face of MS.”
When Sutton takes the green flag at the
Kroger 250 Saturday, April 17, not only will she
battle other drivers for positions on the track,
but also to overcome the common misconceptions
associated with MS. The roar of Sutton’s engine
as she drives down the fast, drag strip-style
straightaways will serve as an anthem for the
more than 400,000 Americans living with MS.
In addition to her work to change the image
of MS through the proactive management of her
disease, Sutton continues to open doors for
women in racing. She is one of only two women
drivers competing full-time in the NCTS this
season, and is looking forward to Saturday’s
race.
“I want to show the country that when I put
on my helmet, I’m just a driver. I have MS, and
I’m a woman, but I won’t let either stand in my
way,” said Sutton. “Martinsville may be a tough
track, but I won’t let it keep me from
encouraging others with MS to pursue their
dreams.”
Out of the Pits and Back on Track
Sutton, a third generation driver, began riding
motorcycles when she was just
10 years old. At the age of 12, she graduated
to go-carts. By the time she was 15, Sutton was
ready to make her mark in local racing — until
overwhelming fatigue and a tingling sensation on
her right side brought her into the garage for a
check-up. After testing from her neurologist,
Sutton, 16, was diagnosed with
relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
“I was devastated,” said Sutton. “I was 16
years old, and all I wanted to do was race. At
that age, you don’t expect something like MS to
become a factor in your life.”
Although Sutton spent some time in a
wheelchair, she was determined to learn how to
manage her disease and pursue her dream of
racing. While individual results may vary,
through a disciplined exercise regimen, a
conscientious diet, and a daily injection of
drug therapy, she found herself back in the
driver’s seat.
Riding the momentum of her successful 2002
rookie year in the NASCAR Goody’s Dash Series,
Sutton entered the 2003 season determined to
finish in the top 10 in overall points. Sutton
put together a string of impressive finishes,
which included three consecutive top-10 finishes
in June and July, and climbed as high as sixth
in the overall points. Despite a heartbreaking
early departure from the season finale in
Atlanta due to a multi-car pileup, Sutton earned
enough points to clinch the eighth position in
the overall point standings, in only her second
full season in the Dash Series.
An Inspiration to Many
When not on the track, Sutton travels around the
country sharing her personal story with the MS
community, inspiring audiences, and being
inspired by them. Sutton’s determination and
unique story continue to resonate with fans and
offer hope to those touched by MS. Her courage
and resolve earned Sutton the distinguished 2003
Wilma Rudolph Courage Award, presented by the
Women’s Sports Foundation. 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, with previous
recipients including such notables as Martina
Navratilova and Gail Devers. |
