Sun, 13 Jan 2002, 05:43 AM Steve Kotten to make License runs in Phoenix

Courtesy of B.L.I.T.

FINDLAY, Ohio -- Findlay native Steve Kotten will be on hand making license runs in the ex-Scott Weis "Wiseguys" nitro Funnycar when the 2002 NHRA preseason kicks off at Firebird International Raceway next weekend.

You may be asking yourself, who is Steve Kotten and what is so special about his making license runs?

Well when you take into consideration that Steve is confined to a wheelchair and paralyzed from the waist down, all of a sudden this is more than just some guy wanting to drive a nitro Funnycar.

Injured in a racing accident in May of 1993 at Marion County Raceway in LaRue Ohio, Kotten not only vowed to drive again, but also managed to build a successful trucking operation that employs over 35 people and has 2 dozen late model trucks on the road at any given time.

While a life altering experience like being paralyzed would slow down most people, not so with Kotten. Steve has the determination of 10 strong men when it comes to NHRA drag racing and was only out of the hospital a few months when he had a brand new car built with special hand controls to allow him to get right back in the driver's seat.

Since his accident Steve has driven Top Sportsman & Pro Mod style cars. He has also driven his own alcohol funny car and has made 100's of runs in the low 7 second range at 200 mph.

In Phoenix, Steve will be behind the wheel of his specially-outfitted nitro funny car with every intention of being the first paraplegic to hold a fuel license of any kind. With the assistance of a number of companies and race teams, most notably Cavalieri Racing Equipment Company, Lou, Mike & Jim Cavalieri, Lance Larson, Don Skuza and many others, Steve's dream very well could become a reality.

If you find yourself wandering through the pits in Phoenix make it a point to stop and meet this courageous young man, you'll be glad you did...