9 replies to this topic

[Doc]

Well folks, We did it! When I say we I mean my Girlfriend, my best friend & I. I originally posted this in the morosports section. But I thought I would share it with ya'll... I Used to race dirt cars. I was paralyzed in a motorcycle traffic accident while riding to work. I wanted to get back in my racecar more than anything.... After I couldnt find anything out there for sale that would work. We built our own. After 4 failed trys we finally hit on a system that worked. I have a "butterfly" type wheel with throttle on the right, (using an ATV thumb throttle). And I run the brake on the left side with an inverted motorcycle type lever. Now it actually gets more complicated than just the steering wheel. We had to speed up the steering ALOT so that you never cross your arms. A full sweep of the steering system is made from 9 O'clock to 3 O'clock... And there is actually a whole nother list of parts that we used to achieve braking on a 2300 lb Dirt car with the squeeze of your hand...

But after all that work I was back in the racecar on May 30th, 2009. I was paralyzed on May 13th, 2008... It took about 4 weeks of racing to get used to the quick steering and difficult brakeing. But after a long 32 race schedule. We finished 10th in th points with 18 top tens, 5 top 5 finishes, 4 of them being 3rd place. And best of all, we qualified for every event we attended!

It was my first winless season in 22 years of racing. However I feel we accomplished a great deal. By mid season I quit being announced as the paralyzed driver in the 88 car. And just became Mark Dowdy, driver of the 88 car! Thats all I ever wanted. My competitors took me back into the family, (actually I never left). And once they seen I was no safety danger, but rather a competition threat, It was just like before...

We are currently working on improving our system. I would love to get more brake Psi. I am in contact with Rick James of California. His son is also going down this road. I hope we can collaborate and improve both our systems... My team also has to find sponsorship for next season. All of you know how tuff it is to go from a great income, to not being able to work. I am adjusting to a major income decrease. So we are currently seaking a marketing partner that could benefit from all the press we have recieved this season.

Please, Stop and visit us at www.Dowdyracing.com
There is alot of information at the update button. And even some interviews from the papers & an ESPN appearance with Darrell Gwynn. Sign our guestbook and let us know you stopped by.

Thank you all
Mark #88D
Dowdyracing.com

[Ratticis]

Awesome. Any chance you could post some pictures of that system? Didn't have time this year, but come spring I'm getting back on the track too, come hell or high water!

[hooplady]

Doesn't sound like a "winless" season to me; sounds like you scored a heckuva victory over something that none of your opponents will ever have to face. Congrats!

[Tetracyclone]

Mark,

That is a damn fine showing for a new-to-you car with an all new handling system. Next season ..
WATCH OUT!

I know a little cuz my significant other is a 40 year racing fan of all sorts of auto racing. So congratulations from up Watkins Glen way.

Pwuff

[Chris]

Mark,

I'm so happy for you. I know what it feels like because i was in the same boat. I love drag racing. I don't do it as much as i used to, but i still get out there at least once a year to blow off some ''steam'' legally..

CHEERS..

[Illinois Boy]

As a big gear head myself, congradulations........

Have you tried increasing the vacuum boost on your brake system?

Jim

[Doc]

Have you tried increasing the vacuum boost on your brake system?

Thanks everyone, we are not done yet. Jim, the brake system on a Dirt Late Model does not have any vacuum assistance at all. It is a manual system that uses 2 seperate Master cylinders. One for the front, and one for the rear. With a balance bar between them for front to rear bias adjustment.

[RYAN68]

Where abouts do you race at??

[Hell On Wheels 916]

congrats on the achievement. i wanna try to get into sprint cars but looking at my friends it would be hard to..lol

[Doc]

Ryan 68, we race in Northwest Alabama and Southern Tennessee. My goal is to get back to Eldora I raced there before my injury. You can follow us at www.Dowdyracing.com