Older Posts
Michael Johnson has been a name in the pro car racing world since he was 20 years old. The only sanctioned paralyzed driver in IndyCar, he was injured when he was 12 years old. Racing runs deep in Michael’s veins, which easily explains why he never considered leaving the world of racing. Read on to see how this pro race car driver with paralysis makes his way in this predominately able-bodied world.
Why He’s Fearless
Born into a family with racing in it’s DNA (both Michael’s dad and grandfather raced motorbikes), Michael wasn’t about to quit when he broke his back on a motorbike at 12 years old. He was injured doing a warm-up on the track when he lost control of his back wheel, crashing into a wall and breaking his T5-6 vertebrae. When he woke up, his first worry wasn’t if he would walk again, it was if he would race again.
Fortunately, 2 years after his injury, the answer was yes. He was racing again professionally (yes he was pro at 12), but this time not on a motorbike; in a go-kart. He couldn’t be as competitive as he wanted on a motorbike, so he decided to get back into racing with go-karts.
After winning several races, he wanted to try open-cockpit Formula One cars. After doing research, he knew this type of car would work for him and that hand-controls could be installed. So he began to test out racing this car style with his dad. After getting comfortable , he jumped back into the car racing scene and was signed by JDC Motorsports. He also found a sponsor – Speedicath.
Michael’s first year racing on the on the Road to Indy circuit was in 2012. This step is required before racing at the Indy 500. While traveling around the country, he makes a point to stop at as many rehab centers as possible, sharing his story with newly injured people.
By 2014, Michael moved up to the Pro Mazda championship, and finished 13th for the season. He is still the only paralyzed driver licensed by IndyCar. And in 2016, he decided to make the switch to sportscar racing. By 2017, he had competed in 10 races, placing 13th in the point standings. It wasn’t until 2018 however when he finally won his first professional race in Connecticut at the IMSA Continental Tire Sportscar Challenge.
What’s Next?
Michael continues to improve as a pro race car racer. In 2019, he placed second at the same IMSA Continental Tire Sportscar Challenge, and in 2020, he placed third at the BMW Endurance Challenge at Daytona. Michael races with his a partner as well in many races. In 2020, Michael also married his girlfriend Noor. “The happiest day of my life,” he said on social media.
Michael’s racing career is going strong nearly 10 years since it began post-injury. There’s no limit to the races he could win in the future. We can’t wait to see him get more first place wins under his belt. He deserves it, as his dedication to the sport is unmatched.
ideas@spinalpedia.com
