Profile in Commitment and Courage

Kelly “Girl” Sutton is one of a kind. She is one of very few women, and the only person with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), known to race in NASCAR. In 2002, Sutton finished her rookie season in the Goody's Dash Series, a NASCAR Touring series, third in rookie points and 12 th overall, and received the 2002 Most Popular Driver Award. Armed with experience and confidence, Sutton charged into 2003, where she finished the season eighth overall in points, including a career best three consecutive top-10 finishes.

Her courage and resolve earned Kelly “Girl” 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, and past recipients include such notables as Martina Navratilova and Gail Devers .

After two full seasons in the Goody's Dash Series, Sutton is taking her career to the next level –– the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS). The advancement to the Truck Series in 2004 will bring new challenges, as well as new opportunities for Sutton, as she shares her empowering story with thousands in new cities across the nation.

A third generation racecar driver, Sutton has racing in her blood. Even as a young girl, it was no surprise to find her standing on a milk crate with her head under the hood of one of her father's racecars. Her own racing career began at the early age of 10, progressing steadily for six years until it came to a screeching halt with Sutton's diagnosis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in 1988.

Initial symptoms of tingling and numbness on her right side, combined with overwhelming fatigue were just the first indications something was wrong. By the time Sutton was 25, she found herself in a wheelchair. Her dreams of racing seemed to have slipped away . But Sutton did not give up. Her family would not let her. Together they found the right balance of diet, exercise, and a daily injection of COPAXONE ® (glatiramer acetate injection), that allowed Sutton to regain the life she had always wanted.

Today, in addition to driving at speeds of over 180 miles per hour in the Team COPAXONE ® (glatiramer acetate injection) Chevy Silverado, Sutton is a busy mother of two and an inspirational speaker. Away from the track, she travels across the United States , sharing her story with others living with MS. While individual results may vary, she is a testament to the power of attitude and determination, and Sutton has big plans to continue impacting NASCAR through her speed, her drive, and her inspiration for many years to come.

Kelly's website: www.kellygirlsutton.com

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