Tommy Lumley overcomes racing injury to win second Classic Gear Jammers title By Chad Grant

It all started in May of 2019 , when Lumley was involved in a horrific accident while racing his ex-Pro Stock Don Hardy-built Ford Pinto . A mechanical brake failure sent him crashing down the track , resulting in serious injuries that left him in a wheelchair for six months . But Lumley didn ’ t let the accident defeat him . He was determined to get back on his feet and back behind the wheel .

“ My number one goal was to improve my health each and every day ,” Lumley says . “ The day I had the Pinto towed to my home after the accident was a real eye-opener and a tough day for many reasons . I thought about racing a lot , but needed my body to function first . I had a couple of other cars in the garage , but wasn ’ t sure how I would feel behind the wheel again .”

Over the next three years , Lumley spent over

a thousand hours in physical rehabilitation , working tirelessly to regain his strength and mobility . And when the 2022 racing season rolled around , he was ready . With his sights set on two simple goals – to have fun and be aggressive on the track – he set out to reclaim his title as Classic Gear Jammers champion .

It wasn ’ t easy . With four drivers in the running for the championship , Lumley knew he had to stay focused and execute his plan flawlessly . And that ’ s exactly what he did . With a combination of skill , strategy , and sheer determination , he took over the points lead halfway through the season and never looked back . And in the end , he emerged victorious , clinching his second championship title .

But for Lumley , the victory was about more than just the trophy . It was about the support and love he received from the racing community and his friends and family . From the doctors who helped him heal to the fans who cheered him on , Lumley was grateful for every single person who believed in him .

“ From the time of the accident to winning this season ’ s championship , there was never any lack

of support shown to me ,” Lumley says . “ People reached out to me from every facet of the racing community . My friends and family kept me optimistic and positive , and for this I am very grateful . I would also like to thank Judy Leahey and the great people at D . R . A . W . for all they did for me and other injured racers in need .”

And now , as he looks ahead to the future , Lumley knows that he ’ s capable of anything he sets his mind to . Whether he ’ s behind the wheel or just living his life , he ’ s a true champion – with determination , dedication , desire , and optimism to spare . DI

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TOMMY LUMLEY

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