After gaining incredible momentum in the NASCAR Goody's Dash Series in 2003, Kelly 'Girl' Sutton will be taking on an even bigger challenge in 2004 as she advances to the world of powerful and hard-charging trucks in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS).

Armed with determination and ambition, Sutton is looking forward to making her way up the ranks in this elite class of racing this year to prove herself as a talented driver, while serving as an inspiration to people facing tough personal challenges in their lives. Sutton, the first person with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) known to race in any NASCAR series, is no stranger to challenges in racing and in life, and is motivated by this step in her racing career.

"I think change is good. I'm looking forward to getting behind the wheel of my truck and showing others that my MS will not stop me from kicking my racing career up a few notches," said Kelly Sutton.

Sutton is scheduled to compete in 25 NCTS races this season with her official debut of the 2004 season in Daytona in February. The track at Daytona is legendary and is deemed as a track where drivers make their mark in the racing world. Sutton hopes that by throwing in her helmet into the 2004 NCTS rookie pool, she will not only be making a personal mark for herself, but also taking another bold step in raising awareness of her disease.

"Racing is my dream. At first, my goal was to race at Daytona, and I've accomplished that. Now my goal is to challenge myself and to make the most of the blessings that have been given to me," Sutton said. "I raced before MS, and I will continue to race in the face of MS."

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 making her mark in local racing — until overwhelming fatigue and a tingling sensation on her right side brought her into the garage for a checkup. After testing from her neurologist, Sutton was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis at the age of 16.

"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, a disciplined exercise regimen, a conscientious diet, and a daily injection of drug therapy, helped Sutton find 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. 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. Looking ahead, she hopes to have even better success in the truck 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.

Team COPAXONE®
Sutton is not alone in her fight against MS and misconceptions surrounding the abilities of people with MS. She is part of Team COPAXONE®, a group of remarkable people, all living with MS, who refuse to sit on the sidelines and allow the disease to take over. Team COPAXONE® celebrates the accomplishments of people, like Sutton, who won't let MS stand in the way of their goals. Its members are all working to change society's perception of the abilities of those living with MS.

"Interacting with other people with MS reminds me that this disease is just something that we have to deal with. It is not who we are," she says. "I think that because I've battled it so publicly, people can see some of their own stories in mine."

Leaning on Science
Attitude, exercise, and diet are all important to managing MS, but in recent years, another option has emerged — drug therapy.

The FDA has approved drugs, such as the COPAXONE® (glatiramer acetate injection) that Sutton takes. COPAXONE® is indicated for the reduction of the frequency of relapses in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

---

Related Links:

Shopping Cars

Chiff.com Articles & Resources:
Car Ground Effects - DIY?	Do You Know NASCAR's History?
Choosing a Good Tint Shop	Gain 5 Horsepower This Weekend
Collectible Cars & Insurance Issues	In the Passenger Seat - NASCAR IN CAR
Cope's NASCAR Sponsorships Work	Nemechek Can't Curb His Enthusiasm
Daytona 500 - Should It Be Moved?	Sutton Makes Best Move - 2004
Detroit Auto Show 2005	The Best Ideas - the Latest Technology
Daytona 500	Indy 500
Formula 1	NASCAR