RICKY JAMES CLINCHES 2008 TOYOTA SPEEDWAY AT IRWINDALE WEST COAST PRO TRUCK SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP

Source: Todd Ballard
Date: 09/24/2008

OCEANSIDE, California — –Ricky James, the 20-year old paraplegic from Murrieta, CA celebrated this weekend by winning the 2008 Toyota Speedway at Irwindale West Coast Pro Truck Series Championship. He is also leading the points for the Rookie of the Year title and is 46 points out of the lead for the overall series championship with 2 races remaining. Ricky’s truck is equipped with hand-controlled throttle and brake mechanisms which he controls with his left hand, while his right hand controls the steering wheel.

Ricky earned his first Irwindale track championship by 6-points over 2006-07 track title holder Jeff Williams. A crew from NBC Sports was on-hand to tape a piece about James for airing on December 13 during a telecast about 2008 Ford Ironman World Championships competition in which James will be competing this October 11th in Kona, HI.

Ricky was well on his way to fulfilling a childhood dream of becoming a Supercross champion, when life took a drastic turn. Three years ago, at just 16 years old, he was injured in a Motocross accident on the track at one of the largest Amateur National races in the country. The blow to his T7 vertebrae left him paralyzed from his sternum down. Today at 20, he’s deftly navigating the new terrain of his life.

Since the accident, James has not slowed down. Besides riding Motocross again, Ricky has competed in the Baja 500, was recently awarded a Silver Medal in the Summer X Games and has his sights focused on a 4-wheel racing career.

“I think this proves that I can drive and look forward to taking the next step in 2009 towards my goal of driving professionally”, said James. “ I want to thank everyone who has supported me and believed in me including my parents, my Crew, SoCal SuperTrucks, Metal Mulisha Energy Drinks, Challenged Athletes Foundation, Oakley, Alpinestars, Shoei Helmets, Motul Lubricants, ZLT, Total Power Batteries, Certified Transmissions, PPG Paints and Colours Wheelchairs.”

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