DRAGS: Overcoming Lifes Obstacles to Achieve A Dream
19 November 1998
GAINESVILLE, FL -- REGGIE SHOWERS is the first African American to hold a professional "Eliminator" title in the sport of motorcycle drag racing, and is arguably the worlds fastest moving amputee. The professional motorcycle racer holds 14 World records and two World Championships along with the Pro Rookie of the Year Award. Showers will be in Gainesville, Florida, November 20th-22nd, 1998, to challenge the fast-paced world of motorcycle drag racing at the 10th annual Prostar World Finals, being held at the Gainesville Raceway. The race will be the final stop of the 1998 American Motorcycle Association/Prostar Motorcycle Drag Racing Series.At the age of 14, both of Showers legs were amputated below the knees as a result of an electrocution accident. It took two months of intense rehabilitation before he would walk again without the aid of a cane or crutches. "I have had an opportunity to realize my lifelong dream, an opportunity many people never have. I have been blessed with a successful motorcycle racing career and I became the first African American World Champion. But my dream did not follow a normal path and there was a time I thought it would never come true," said Showers.
Over the years, Showers has successfully worked towards his goal of racing motorcycles. He is committed to teaching others how successful they can be through hard work and dedication, serving as a source of encouragement and inspiration to all who meet him. Through numerous speaking engagements, he uses his bike as a tool to teach children that there can be whoever they want to be, and can accomplish anything they set their goals for. Showers has joined forces with Prosthetic Design, Inc.(www.pdiwins.com) and PJ Performance, world renowned engine development company. As Showers notes, "With the horsepower and knowledge John Mafaro, engine builder, and Tracy Slemker, president of PDI, have instilled in my program the future looks very promising." With a lot of hard work, determination and focus, Showers hopes to be one of the front runners in the ProStock class.
PDI was established in 1991 soon after the inception of CAD/CAM technology in the industry which created the need for compatible, modular components and optimized manufacturing solutions. It has been PDIs mission to fulfill this need to supply the industry with solutions that benefit both the clinical facilities and the amputee.
