Evan Evans in the No. 5 PRO 2 Off-Road Truck

Sep 24, 2008

Never Give Up.

That’s a phrase, everyone can agree, can be rather inspirational. For Evan Evans, it means even more.

“When I was a little boy, my dad taught me that,” Evans said. “That if you want something bad enough and you work hard for it and you never give up you can accomplish anything.”

If you have ever had the opportunity to witness this member of the Forest County Potawatomi Racing Team whip his PRO 2WD truck around the tracks in the Midwest or out in California, you can see that motto brightly shine through.

In one particular event in Bark River, Michigan, Evans started out the race near the back of the pack. After his previous outing resulted in a 9th place finish due to a blown engine, some first-time fans might have written of the man in the No. 5 truck. Evans put his slogan to the test though, methodically moving his way up through the field for an eventual 2nd place finish. The following day, he took first.

All this is just a bit more impressive considering Evans does all this despite being a paraplegic. That’s correct; the man who drives for his career does what his does without the use of his legs.

“I was able bodied when I was younger and I got hurt at the age of 23, and so that’s when I had to kick in my motto and go on with life. I figured just because I was paralyzed from my chest down there was no reason to stop working on my dream, which is being an off-road racer like my father.”

Evans crew has built hand controls so that this experienced driver wouldn’t miss a beat out on the track. Although only being able to use his hands while flying down the track at high speeds, the man behind the bright yellow truck doesn’t complain.

“When I first started I was in sportsman class and won every race except one race. The one race I didn’t win I came in second place, so I almost swept the whole season, but I missed by one position. That made me the winningest truck driver in (Wissota) history.”

Evans also holds the most victories in Bark River history and also holds the fast lap record. Needless to say, the man needs no sympathy.

Despite being constantly on the go (driving back and forth from California to northern Wisconsin or Michigan is something not usually done quickly), this man will always make time for his fans. He signs numerous autographs at every race he attends. People of all ages know who he is and just how successful he has been. And no matter where you run into this FCP Racing team member, he will always remind you: no matter what you are going through in life, Never Give Up.