Racer…rolemodel….
Racer…rolemodel….
By: Jason M. Neely
I’m going to start this article off as the first of a three part series. I’m going to tell you about a
unique individual who has overcome in a situation where most would give up. On may 13th 2008 race car driver Mark Dowdy was riding his motorcycle that morning, just like allot of mornings nothing unusual, little did he know when he left home that day how his life would change forever. You see Mark was hit head on by a Dodge Ram Truck which left him not only in a battle to live that day in which he lost 3.5 pints of blood but would leave him with 6 broke ribs, punctured lungs, t-11 burst fracture of vertebrae, and severed spinal cord, which actually means your paralyzed, and that’s what Marks doctors informed him while still in the hospital fighting to survive …you will never walk or race again.
Mark got involved in racing his freshmen year of high school in his native state of Michigan, he started by learning to weld and turn wrenches on cars and that planted the seed in him that he knew he would not only work on the car but eventually be a driver. From the late 80′s on
through the 90′s until 2008 Mark had numerous wins all over the Midwest from Michigan to Alabama and has raced at well over 100 different race tracks throughout this region many IMCA and UMP modified wins as well as wins in other divisions and now doctors are telling you, that you will never walk again much less race. For most that would be a death sentence in itself but not Mark just a few months after being released from the hospital he moved to Alabama and went to work. Mark knew he would drive again and that’s just what he’s doing on any giving night especially when Thunder hill Speedway in Summertown Tn is open. Mark and his current crew chief Dennis Brewer designed a steering wheel that allows Mark to control his throttle and brake without ever letting go of the wheel and are also in the works designing a easier way for someone paralyzed to get in and out of the race car. You see race fans Mark is the first paralyzed dirt late-model driver in the country, now that’s impressive and not only does he get out there and get it on with some of the best in the southeast United States he’s as competitive and is capable of running with anybody in the country, so if you think your gonna come down here and he’s gonna be a push over your in for a rude awakening Mark will blast the #88D by you on the high side and be waiting for the photographer in victory lane!!!! I myself just recently had the pleasure of meeting Mark and let me tell you it’s a honor to call this man friend……. He’s definitely a racer!!!! and definitely a role model!!!!
I’m Jason M Neely for Amped Up Magazine
and the “Race 2 Cure Parkinson’s”
…..GOT DIRT???
Marks story is awesome he is a inspiration to me bec most of you know im battling parkinsons disease this was a blessing 2 me 2 share a small portion of what is a father, racer, rolemodel,and friend truely an amazing person with no quite attitude!!!…GOT DIRT???
I was Mark’s boss when he worked as a welder in Indiana and I have been impressed over the years on what he can accomplish. He is an accomplished welder and a great driver. I am so glad he is back in the saddle again. Just where he belongs, driving those ponies down the track. “88D” is a winner in my book as well and a winner on the track alot as well. If anyone out there has a question for him he will take the time to answer it he is real personable.
Amen it was a honor for me to just put it out there his story as well as many others often go untold wow what a awesome individual!
Love this story… Just reminds all of us that God has a plan for each and every one of us…
man that was awsome i got chill bumps my friend just got in a motorcycle wreck and he is also paralized and he raced latemodels a few years back im doff gonna run this by him…
THANKS BRO MARKS STORY NEEDS TO BE TOLD!!!!
THANKS BRO MARKS STORY NEEDS TO BE TOLD!!!!
to everyone that responded thankyou
I met Mark about 14 years ago when he was racing modifides at Hartford Motor Speedway. Back then I was a 17 year old punk that was born and raised around racing. Like any true race fan I had questions and Mark always had an answer and the patience to get that answer thru my thick head. After that season I diddn’t see Mark much a few times down at Butler Motor Speedway in his new late model. It’s been a long 14 years since I have heard from or talked to Mark. About 6 months ago I caught up with Mark thanks to facebook. That day I got in touch with Mark to catch up on old times. He told me about the trials and tribulations that had come his way with the accident and the road back to recovery. Truely inspirational that man! Not once did he have a pitty party or say “poor me”. He told me about his new adventures in racing. Im truely proud of him for keeping his head up and keeping true to his dreams. The way I look at it God knew that Mark could take the pain and turn it into something great and truely inspirational for many people. He knew he could handle the pressure and face it head on. He did and he’s back in the saddle again running this race called life. Mark you have been one of my favorite drivers and you always will be. Hope you have lots of fun and success.
i met Mark many years ago when his oldest daughter was dating my son they were in the 5th grade then. the years have gone by and they are still best friends. i have been there for several accidents along the way some miner and 2 major. Mark is a fighter he will never give up doing what he loves and i am proud to call him my friend and his 2 beautiful daughters my ( odopted ) girls lol. been through a lot of ups and downs threw the years but Mark is truely an awe inspiring person. So glad he is getting this oppertunity to continue to shine.