The engines are roaring, the seat-belts are locked and the yellow racing helmets are secured! Gents, it’s time to race…. In a quick motion Dylan grabbed the foam steering wheel, flipped down his clear visor and anxiously watched for the lights to go from red, yellow and then green ...

 

BAM! Out of the gate he went; Ryan wasn’t far behind and I was still trying to secure my seatbelt and fit all the way down into the seat (no comments from the peanut gallery!). When I hit the track, Dylan was already tearing up lap 1, Ryan grazed my front end and then yelled something (at me) under his breath as I found the gas pedal.

The twins and I have been coming to Tampa Bay Grand Prix for a few months now and couldn’t be more pleased with the facility and the staff. They always go above and beyond with Dylan (and his needs) as well as taking special care knowing about his Cerebral Palsy and that things take just a little longer.

The racing continued to get faster and faster until Ryan spun Dylan out. With an adjustment, Dylan was quickly back on the track and gaining speed to get back in the race, I stayed behind the heated rivalry to keep a watchful eye on the next Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart, and because I’m just not that good of a driver (lol).

The race lasted 12 grueling laps (for me); for them, it was over in a flash. Both cars crossed the line neck and neck and it was too close to call. I deemed both of them winners and declared we would be back to settle the score.

At the end of the day I was SO proud of both of them. I was really proud of Ryan; he is always helping his brother and wants him to accomplish everything he sets his mind to, and today, Dylan did just that. This was the first time Dylan didn’t require assistance on the track or in the car; the strength in his legs keeps getting better and better and he BLASTED that gas pedal for all 12 laps.

Dylan, you continue to show us that you can do anything you put your mind to and that you NEVER, EVER feel like second place. You are a winner in my book and both Ryan and I love you more than you know.....