Kelly Sutton
NASCAR racing //
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Kelly Ranae Sutton became the first known driver with multiple sclerosis to compete in NASCAR, racing 54 Truck Series events and winning the first female Allison Legacy race.
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I love getting behind the wheel and being in control of something on the verge of being out of control. It’s a challenge that’s a lot like living with MS.
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FULL BIO: Kelly Sutton
Kelly Sutton turned a devastating multiple sclerosis diagnosis at 16 into fuel for one of NASCAR’s most inspiring comeback stories, becoming the first known driver with MS to compete in NASCAR and proving that grit can triumph over the steepest odds.
EARLY YEARS
Born September 24, 1971, in Crownsville, Maryland, Kelly Ranae Sutton had racing in her DNA as a third-generation driver from a family steeped in motorsports since the 1940s. She hit the track at just 10 years old, following in the tire tracks of her father and grandfather. But at 16, when most teenagers are worried about prom dates and college applications, Kelly received a life-altering diagnosis: multiple sclerosis. The disease that attacks the central nervous system forced her to step away from racing, leaving her dreams temporarily parked in the garage of what-ifs.
OTHER INTERESTS
Beyond the racetrack, Kelly found her calling as a motivational speaker, using her platform to educate others about MS management and the importance of maintaining strong doctor-patient relationships. In 2006, she founded “Let It Shine – The Kelly Sutton Foundation,” channeling her racing spirit into advocacy work that extends far beyond the checkered flag.
EARLY SUCCESS
After a six-year hiatus, Kelly roared back to life in 1992 at Old Dominion Speedway in the Pro Mini Stock Series, immediately proving that MS hadn’t dulled her competitive edge. In her first year back, she snagged both the Hard Charger and Sportsmanship awards—a perfect combination that would define her career. The comeback kid wasn’t just back; she was better than ever. In 1997, she shattered barriers by becoming the first female to win an Allison Legacy Series race, announcing to the motorsports world that Kelly Sutton was a force to be reckoned with.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
- 1992: Won Hard Charger and Sportsmanship Awards at Old Dominion Speedway Pro Mini Stock Series
- 1997: First female to win an Allison Legacy Series race
- 2001: Became first known driver with MS to compete in NASCAR
- 2003-2007: Competed in 54 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races
- 2003: Received Wilma Rudolph Courage Award from the Women’s Sports Foundation
- 2004: Won Jimmy V Award and Gene Autry Courage Award
- 2005: Finished 29th of 93 drivers in NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with earnings of $143,949
- 2007: Received Dorothy Corwin “Spirit of Life” Award
INSPIRATIONS
Kelly’s racing philosophy stems directly from her battle with MS, finding profound meaning in the sport’s inherent chaos. “I love getting behind the wheel and being in control of something on the verge of being out of control. It’s a challenge that’s a lot like living with MS,” she explained. Her family’s three-generation racing legacy provided the foundation, but it was her personal fight against an unpredictable disease that transformed racing from a family tradition into a powerful metaphor for life itself.
REPUTATION
In the NASCAR garage, Kelly earned respect not just for her driving ability but for her unwavering determination in the face of a progressive disease. Racing primarily in the family-owned #02 Chevrolet Silverado, she became a beloved figure who received widespread fan mail and media coverage for her courage. Her peers and fans saw her as a trailblazer who proved that physical challenges don’t have to mean the end of dreams—sometimes they just mean finding a different route to the finish line. The multiple courage awards she received, including recognition alongside athletic legends, cemented her status as more than just a racer; she became a symbol of perseverance.
FUTURE GOALS/PLANS
Kelly’s racing career came to an end after 2007, and a serious motorcycle accident in 2013 left her critically injured. No current information is available regarding her plans or activities for 2025 and beyond.
References:
Wikipedia – Kelly Sutton
Brain and Life – Former NASCAR Driver Kelly Sutton Talks About Racing with MS
Menstuff – Kelly Sutton Profile
DriverDB – Kelly Sutton
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