He has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. He is in the 10th grade at Newton Senior High School.
He lives in Newton with his Mom Kim and his dog Bailey.
His favorite things are Sprint car, Figure 8 and Nascar races, his girlfriend Katie, and listening to music especially country and the Blues.
He loves going to concerts.
One of his dreams is to be on a pit crew. This dream came true for Matt on September 7th in What Cheer, Iowa.
After a race one afternoon Stacy Sutton was relaxing and reading the newspaper when she came across an artical in the local newspaper,
featuring Matthew.
She read how Matt is an avid race fan and one of his dreams was to be on a pit crew.
She brought this attention to Donnie, driver of car #21,
who also thought this was a good opportunity for them to make one teenage boy very happy.
The couple then went on to put the wheels in motion. They introduced themselves to Matt and his Mom.
Who was honored to be part of such an event.
They then talked to their sponsors who were eager to help.
Matt was then welcomed with open arms at the What Cheer Race Track.
His special events of the day included working on the car with the pit crew,
personally handing Donnie his trophy for points winner, a ride around the track in car #21, and a very memorable day.
The drivers introduced themselves to Matt, and signed a book for him so he could always remember this day.
Click through the photo album below for photos of the day.
Matthew, his mom, and Donnie and Stacy would like to thank the sponsors who helped greatly to make this all happen.
They were able to collect enough money for Matt to have a great time.
Thank you to:
Keokuk County Fair Grounds,
Larry and Teresea Dhondt (driver of car #21L),
Napa Auto Parts of Newton, Tom Martin (Martin Gun Sales),
Beth Brown, Shawn & Craig Ritman, Jessie,
Kyle, Hiedi, & Jane Orr,
Sandy Cluck, Becca Sanders, Norma Waters, Eric Sautter,
John and Roxanne Valenta.
and
Andy and Terri McKinney of McKinney Photography.
Matt would like to give special Thank you to Donnie and Stacy Sutton. For making his dream come true.
Matt also wants to play the drums, be a band director, and go to Florida.
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