TRIBUTE

1957 – 2023

By Alli McCormick

Maynard was a true champion in the greatest sense of the word , having courageously battled her multiple sclerosis diagnosis for over 35 years before succumbing to illness-related complications after a lengthy and arduous fight .

While still considered somewhat of a newcomer to the industry in an official capacity , there is no denying the incredible impact and lasting mark Maynard left on the NHRA community . It was no secret that she loved fast cars and high horsepower , and as an Army veteran , Maynard quickly adopted Tony Schumacher as her favorite race car driver . She was the driving force behind the Maynard family becoming involved in drag racing , first as sponsors in 2021 before forming JCM Racing during the 2022 season , and fans of “ The Sarge ” can credit Maynard for his return to full-time competition after a multi-year hiatus from the sport .

“ She was such a fighter , such an amazing person , and she ’ s in a better place ,” said Schumacher . “ It ’ s a privilege to have known her , and I would say , by far , I ’ m a better man for knowing her . She was so kind and so good to people . No one that met her left a lesser person .”

While drag racing was so close to her heart , that was only a small part of who Maynard was as a person . Joe and Cathi Maynard met while serving in the Army where she worked as a Military Police officer and a boat pilot . The Maynards are well-known throughout their town of Clarksville ,

Tennessee , particularly via their involvement with Austin Peay State University ( APSU ).

Named the 2020 APSU Philanthropists of the Year , the Maynards have given tremendously to the school , and most recently were honored during a naming celebration of the Joe and Cathi Maynard Family Athletics Complex last October . A former athlete herself , Maynard was a fixture at home games and especially loved cheering on the APSU softball team , which plays at Cathi Maynard Park , thanks to her contributions to the school ’ s softball program .

Since becoming involved with NHRA drag racing , Maynard was able to marry two of her passions – fast cars and philanthropy . She was particularly passionate about A Soldier ’ s Child and American Mobility Project . The Maynard family has supported A Soldier ’ s Child since 2008 , and are among the original contributors to the nonprofit which aims to serve the children of fallen military personnel . Since 2021 , the Maynards have hosted Gold Star families at the dragstrip to enjoy a day at the races .

In 2020 , Maynard became involved with American Mobility Project , a nonprofit which provides mobility and adaptive equipment to those living with disabilities . As a recipient of an

iBOT Personal Mobility Device , Maynard had a firsthand understanding of the importance such a device can make in one ’ s quality of life .

She was constantly on a mission to raise dollars and awareness for the two organizations , and getting to close out the 2022 NHRA season by fielding A Soldier ’ s Child and American Mobility Project “ giving cars ” at the final two events was the perfect way for the Maynards to cap off their first year of NHRA team ownership .

“ We want to go out and make her proud this weekend ,” added Schumacher during the NHRA Norwalk race weekend . “ I would love nothing more than to earn ourselves a trophy that we can send back to Clarksville in her honor . Our hearts go out to Joe , Joe C ., and the whole family . Now , we just need to go out and win this race , and I know we ’ ve got an angel riding with us .”

Born in 1957 , Maynard was 65 years old at the time of her passing . She is survived by her husband , Joe Maynard , sons Joe C . Maynard and Lucas Maynard , and three grandchildren , Joe , Shelby , and Haylee . As a veteran , Maynard will be laid to rest at the prestigious Arlington Cemetery in Arlington , Virginia . A memorial service will be held at a time to be determined in Clarksville , Tennessee . DI

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF JCM RACING

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