This months showcase driver for the B Hobby Class is Tim Totherow in t39

I have to say I was a bit surprised when the next driver was up for a showcase, as he is a paraplegic. But as you can see, he has not let this ability hender him at all.

His attitude, drive, and personality has made him what he is today, and he continues to inspire others. His message? Just because you have a disability, doesn't mean you can't live and do what you want to do in life. He is a shining example of this.

I took this out of his diary on his website, with his permission. I wanted to share this in his own words.

(5/4/07)
"It has been 1 year since my accident that left me an incomplete paraplegic. At times it seems like the longest year of my life and other times it seems like it has flown by.


I look back on this year with my accident and the loss of our Dad in September and I could easily say it has been the worst year ever. But I can’t really say that because all I have to do is think of the outpouring of love and support from family, friends, our church, and even people I have never met. The opportunity to return to racing, the chance to share with others what God has done for not only myself but my family, and how close it has brought our family has made this the BEST YEAR OF MY LIFE.
We were hoping to already be up and running with our racing program ,but some delays and some unforeseen financial obligations have set us back 1 maybe 2 months. We are still getting close to being on track we are just going to put some of our larger expenses off till just absolutely necessary.
I was hoping we would be able to be going on the help we have already received, but that may not be the case. One thing this year has taught me is that anything that we do in life cannot be accomplished without the help of others. It has been a humbling experience to receive the love, support, and help that I have this year and any help we get in getting us back on track will be greatly appreciated."

Thank You and God Bless.
Tim Totherow
t39racer

Thanks Tim for sharing your information with us.

On to the interview.


Tim pictured above behind the wheel

Quick Facts:

Name: Tim Totherow

Car Class: b-hobby

Where are you located at?

Tim: Signal Mountain, Tennessee

Tell us how you got interested in racing:

Tim: My father started racing about the time I was born, so I have been around racing all my life. I started driving for my dad in 1986 when I was 18 and raced until his health failed in 2000


Tim and his family

Tell us about your family:

Tim: I am married to Shanda for 18 years and have two wonderful girls; Shanoa 14 and Mckenzie 10

List your career high lights:

Tim: My first feature win on Oct 5 2007 after years of trying and we accomplished this after I had an on the job injury which left me
as a paraplegic.

What was the biggest obstacle to overcome with your disability in racing?

Tim: The biggest obstacle I would say was my own fear that I couldn't do it. In Philippians 4:13 the Bible tells us that we can do all things through God who gives us strength. By relying on God and the support of my family I was able to overcome it.

What advice would you pass on to other that have disabilities like yours, when it comes to challenging hobbies like you have tackled?

Tim: My advice to others is that even though you can't do something the normal way, there is a way. Allow people to help you, it means more to them to help you than you know. Pay close attention to the adaptive equipment that you use, work out all the controls so that they are easy to use and work effectively and the best thing is you are only limited by your imagination.


Tim on the track

Which one of your races stands out the most in your mind and why:

Tim: Sept 28 2007. My first race back in the car since 2000 and the first time as a paraplegic

We all know it takes more than one person to be successful in racing, who do you feel contributes to your career sucess?

Tim: My family who have worked very hard for us to accomplish what seemed like the impossible and mostly all the credit,
honor and Glory goes to God

What tracks do you race at?

Tim: Boyd's Speedway - Ringgold, Ga, Winchester Speedway - Wincheste, Tn., Spring City Raceway - Spring City, Tn - Cleveland Speedway -Cleveland, Tn. and more to come

Tim in action!

 

List your sponsors:

Hightower Racing Transmissions
864-834-7712


Carolina Trailers
877-560-8628


Jet Graphics
423-305-8677


JT-1 Racing Engines
Mount Carmel Baptist Church


Any special events or news for the upcoming season you would like to share with your fans?

Tim: Check us out often on our website
http://www.t39racer.com

Do you have a website so fans can keep up on your progress?

Tim: If so, what is the url?

http://www.t39racer.com

 

Also, the July issue of Speedway Illustrated magazine has an article on Tim, in it on page 44, check it out!

Closing thoughts?

I would like everyone to know that the support they have given us has been a real blessing. Thank you and thank God for all he has and is
doing for me and my family.


See you at the races,
Tim Totherow

Thanks Tim from Dirt Scoops, and good luck in your racing career! You are truly an inspiration to us all!