The 1.5 mile quad-oval of Atlanta Motor Speedway boasts some of the fastest speeds on the NASCAR circuit, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCTS) rookie, Kelly “Girl” Sutton is up for the test. As the first person with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) known to race in any NASCAR series, Sutton knows what it means to overcome challenges.

Sutton is one of only two female drivers racing a full-time schedule in the NCTS in 2004 and will take the green flag at the EasyCare Vehicle Service Contracts 200 March 13. She is riding the momentum of a spectacular 2003 campaign in the NASCAR Goody’s Dash Series, which produced three consecutive top-10 finishes and eighth place in the overall points. Sutton has reached her goal of competing in the world of powerful and hard-charging trucks, and plans to utilize the national spotlight to change the misconceptions surrounding those living with MS.

“I am a mom. I am a wife. I am living my dream of driving in the top ranks of NASCAR. Those are the things that define me, not MS,” said Kelly Sutton.

Sutton is no stranger to the NCTS. Strong performances at Memphis and Phoenix during the 2003 season helped Sutton learn to corral the horsepower of the new truck. Sutton recorded an impressive 19th place finish at the season finale in Homestead, in only her third NCTS start, giving her the confidence to kick her racing career up a notch.

“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 the race in the face of MS.”