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Wichita man helps quadriplegic man fulfill racing dream

June 13, 2012|By Melody Pettit | KWCH 12 Eyewitness News

(WICHITA, Kan.) — In two weeks, Travis Tollett will be the first quadriplegic driver in Colorado's Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

“It’s the biggest, baddest hill climb in the world,” Tollett said.

Five years ago Tollett was in a similar race but a crash left him paralyzed.

“I went off the road at 90 miles an hour. It was a 50 foot drop,” he said.

He was unable to walk but never lost his desire to race.

“When that gets taking away from you it's hard to just stop because that's all I've known,” said Tollett.

He's John Stallworth owns a Wichita power sports shop. He's known Tollett for years and even raced against him.

Stallworth jumped at the chance to build a modified racer when he heard Tollett wanted to race again

“When it came up it was no questions asked we're going to do what we can for him,” Stallworth said.

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A chance to break a record and help Tollett return to the passion of his life.

“It feels like I’m getting part of my life back. It’s amazing,” Tollett said.

On July 8, he will be the first quadriplegic driver to compete in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. But don’t call it a comeback. 

Travis has been competing at pikes Peak since 2005. First on Pro ATV’s then for the last three years as the Co-Driver of the FMR, Alamo Autosports Time Attack 240SX. 

In that time, Travis has only missed one year on the Hill, 2007, the year of his accident. An accident that would have forever sidelined many competitors was reduced by Travis to a simple, yet life changing, inconvenience.

To follow Travis' story and to donate money for the modified vehicle he will race, click here.

Wichita man helps quadriplegic man fulfill racing dream
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