While Charlotte Motor Speedway races through its 30th season of Cook Out Summer Shootout, one driver won’t let anything from sickness to statistics stop her from racing toward her dreams.
Seven-year shootout veteran Jadyn Daniels grew up in U.S. Legend Cars’ backyard and always knew she wanted to race on the famed quarter-mile at America’s Home for Racing. Daniels battles against Rheumatoid Arthritis, an autoimmune and inflammatory disease that causes painful swelling throughout joints in the body. This has been no small task to overcome, but the atmosphere at the Cook Out Summer Shootout and her drive to chase her NASCAR dreams is what keeps her going.
“This is just my favorite event honestly,” Daniels said. “I just want to do everything I can to make it, and hopefully that happens. I just don’t want to give up.”
The 19-year-old’s love for the sport is why she says she continues to drive despite it being “very difficult.”
“There have been many races where I’ve had to pull off the track because I couldn’t hold on (to the wheel) any longer,” Daniels said. “It hurts for sure but I’m still having fun so it’s kind of easy not to think about it.”
Since being diagnosed at 15-years-old, she and her family have tried different solutions to help manage the pain.
“We’re still trying to find another medicine that will work for me. It’s been very difficult, definitely not easy trying to drive a race car,” Daniels said. “I’m fighting through it and still having fun.”
The Harrisburg native looks to continue her success at Charlotte Motor Speedway as she said her wins here have been the most rewarding and exciting of her career.
“I don’t have a backup plan and I don’t know what else I would want to do with my life, so this is really it,” Daniels said.
Despite the hardships, this racer is not done chasing her dreams.
NEXT UP: Next week, Daniels will have two shots at victory as America’s Home for Racing will mark the Fourth of July holiday with back-to-back nights of white-knuckled racing.
Monday, July 3, dads won't want to miss a chance to give the kids a night to remember during ‘Dad Vibes’ theme night presented by Pro-FABrication. Expect plenty of dad jokes, socks with sandals and dad bods on display. Dads with three or more kids get in FREE. The night will wind down with a spectacular fireworks display.
Tuesday, July 4, will be all about the Red, White and Brews theme presented by Cabarrus Brewery where everyone can show off that American pride and fireworks on and off the track. Military and First responders get in FREE with an ID for July 4.
Not only are the fireworks going to be dazzling on BOTH nights but the racing is going to be revved up, prizes are going to be won, and jam-packed entertainment will leave the kids satisfied for the whole week!
TICKETS: Adult tickets are just $10; kids 12 and under get in FREE. For tickets, schedules and more details about all the happenings at Charlotte Motor Speedway, visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/tickets.
KEEP TRACK: Follow all the thrilling Cook Out Summer Shootout action using the hashtag #CookOutSSO. Connect with Charlotte Motor Speedway on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
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