Daison Pursley Makes Remarkable Recovery to Win USAC Midget Championship

By Michael Harrison

December 5, 2024 at 07:35 PM

Daison Pursley's remarkable journey from a severe spinal cord injury to winning the 2024 USAC NOS Energy Drink Midget National Championship stands as an inspiring comeback story in motorsports. After being diagnosed as an incomplete quadriplegic in 2021, Pursley underwent intensive rehabilitation and returned to racing stronger than ever.

In 2024, the 20-year-old Oklahoma native dominated the series with:

  • 7 feature wins
  • 87 laps led
  • 11 heat race victories
  • 16 top-five finishes in 23 starts

Driving for CB Industries in the #86 car, Pursley clinched both the driver's championship and helped secure the team's first USAC National Midget entrant title. His consistent performance throughout the season included winning the Indiana Midget Week crown by a record 74-point margin.

Key season highlights:

  • First win came at Belleville Short Track in his 100th career USAC start
  • Won three consecutive races starting from 7th position
  • Historic performance at Eldora's 4-Crown Nationals with back-to-back midget wins
  • Clinched championship at Turkey Night Grand Prix in Ventura

The 2024 season featured intense competition with:

  • 110 different drivers competing
  • 13 different feature winners
  • Record 10 drivers starting all 23 features
  • Close battles throughout the top-10 in points

Pursley's championship represents more than just racing success - it's a testament to determination, resilience, and the power of never giving up in the face of adversity.

Sprint car racing on dirt track

Sprint car racing on dirt track

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