Mike "WHEELS" Garrison

This Is MY Story...

My name is Mike Garrison. To make a long story short, I started racing motocross at the age of 5. I raced for nearly thirteen years. My dream was to race professionally. For the 2007 season my plans were to race the local Expert class, participating in local and regional events including the BooKoo Arenacross series. However, plans were quickly changed on August 27, 2006. I was involved in a mid-air crash while battling for the lead in the 250 Intermediate class. The crash collapsed both lungs, cracked my sternum, shattered my t-5, and t-6 vertebrae, and has left me paralyzed from the middle of my chest down. However, I have travelled overseas for therapy and stem cell treatments, and I won't quit trying until the day I walk. People often ask me, "Wouldn't you like to go back and do it all over again?". And suprisingly enough, no...I wouldn't. I have learned so much, I have grown so much, and have become so close to my family and friends because of that day, I wouldn't change it for anything. I believe anything is possible, it's up to you to prove it...and with that attitude I plan to not only again, but I plan to succeed in reaching my new dreams and goals.

Since my two wheel career ended, I have turned to racing offroad r/c cars. I currently race Nitro 1/8 Expert Buggy, Expert Arena Truck, & 4WD Electric Buggy. It started out like anything, just a hobby. However, last year I was given the opportunity to race in the 2007 ROAR Fuel Nationals, and ever since, I have set my eyes on nothing less than being the best in sport. Weekly practice and racing help me to build up my speed, my technique, and my overall ability. My dad, Greg Garrison, is my mechanic, making sure the cars are ready to go for each race. My mom, Carri, and sister, Karlee, are my "cheerleaders", as they hardly miss a lap without cheering me on.

For 2008 I will be 1 of only 50 drivers to represent Team USA at this years IFMAR World Championships. I will be attending as a "privateer" driver, however, I plan to do nothing short of putting TEAM USA out front.

To sum it all up, I am your average kid, with the determination to prove surgeons and doctors wrong by walking again...while using that same determination to be out front on the track.