07-14-2004 | TruckSeries.com Report
For Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) driver, Kelly “Girl” Sutton, the Gateway to the West begins a little east of the famed arch, at Gateway International Raceway. The rookie driver is the only female scheduled to race full-time this season in the NCTS, and is looking forward to the challenges of her first trip to the only 1.25-mile oval on the circuit. But Sutton knows a thing or two about challenges. Diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) more than 16 years ago, Sutton is a part of racing history, as the first person with a known diagnosis of MS to race in any NASCAR series. Saturday, July 17, Kelly “Girl” Sutton will compete in the Missouri-Illinois Dodge Dealers Ram Tough 200 at Gateway International Raceway. The roar of her engine down the nearly 2,000 foot long backstretch will serve as an anthem for the more than 5,000 residents living with multiple sclerosis in eastern Missouri and southern Illinois. The 32-year-old wife and mother of two never gave up on her dream of racing the fast tracks of the NASCAR circuit and will have earned a spot in victory lane no matter what position she finishes the race. “It is very disturbing to hear that almost half the people living with MS are not taking one of the approved therapies. I know people can respond differently to therapy, but my MS has been in remission for five years with COPAXONE® (glatiramer acetate injection). I want everyone living with MS to work with their doctor to find the therapy that works for them,” Sutton said. In addition to battling her fellow NCTS drivers on the track, Sutton shares her compelling story with others living with MS and explains what has worked well for her. “These approved treatments are the best weapon we have until we find a cure. For me, that means an injection each morning, a healthy diet, and remaining active,” explained Sutton.