NASCAR driver Bayne will continue to race after multiple sclerosis diagnosis
Tue, 12 Nov 2013
A diagnosis of any degenerative autoimmune disease can be devastating, but after recently learning he had developed multiple sclerosis, NASCAR driver Trevor Bayne is shrugging it off and says he'll continue to race full time for Roush Fenway Racing in the Nationwide Series this year. Doctors and NASCAR have cleared him to compete behind the wheel.
"My goals are the same as they've been since I started racing," Bayne says. "I am in the best shape I've ever been in, and I feel good. There are currently no symptoms, and I'm committed to continuing to take the best care of my body as possible."
In 2011, Bayne won the Daytona 500 in his second start in NASCAR's Nationwide Series. Now 22, the Knoxville, Tenn., native is sixth in the points standings coming off a win at Iowa Speedway. He also races part time in the NASCAR Cup series with Wood Brothers Racing.
Bayne joins former racecar driver Kelly Sutton in the list of NASCAR drivers who have raced after being diagnosed with MS. Sutton was diagnosed with the disease in 1981, when she was 10 years old, but she raced on and off through the years and made 54 career starts in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series from 2003-07.
Jack Roush, owner of Roush Fenway Racing, says, "We are 100 percent supportive of Trevor and his ability to compete in a race car... As with all our drivers, we look forward to standing behind Trevor and providing him with all of the tools he needs as he continues to develop in his young career."
Take a look at the press release below for more information.
Daytona 500 Winner Trevor Bayne Diagnosed With MS
Concord, N.C. (Nov. 12, 2013) – Daytona 500 winner and Roush Fenway Racing (RFR) driver Trevor Bayne has announced today that he has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Bayne - 22 years old - has undergone extensive testing at the Mayo Clinic and has been cleared by doctors and NASCAR to compete behind the wheel.
"I've never been more driven to compete," said Bayne. "My goals are the same as they've been since I started racing. I want to compete at the highest level and I want to win races and championships. I am in the best shape I've ever been in and I feel good," added Bayne. "There are currently no symptoms and I'm committed to continuing to take the best care of my body as possible. I will continue to trust God daily and know that His plan for me is what is best.
"As for now, I want to close out the season strong this weekend at Homestead and then shift my focus on getting ready to compete for the NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) Championship in 2014. I have a great team, a great family and great people all around me. I have been truly blessed in life and I look forward to what my future holds."
In 2011, Bayne became the youngest driver in NASCAR history to win the famed Daytona 500. He is currently sixth in the NNS standing, having accumulated one win, six top five and 20 top-10 finishes in 2013. He will compete again fulltime for the NNS championship in 2014, driving the No. 6 Advocare Ford Mustang.
"We are 100 percent supportive of Trevor and his ability to compete in a race car," said Roush Fenway team owner Jack Roush. "I have full confidence in Trevor and his partners have all expressed that same confidence and support. As with all of our drivers, we look forward to standing behind Trevor and providing him with all of the tools he needs as he continues to develop in his young career."
Overall, the Knoxville, Tenn. native has 53 top-10 finishes, 19 top-five's, six poles and three wins in combined NASCAR races in the Sprint Cup and NNS.
By Damon Lowney