About
Chris Edens' journey in racing is a compelling narrative of passion, perseverance, and resilience. He began his racing career at the young age of eleven, rapidly distinguishing himself in the sport. Throughout his formative years, Chris achieved remarkable milestones, including national championships with Intrepid and significant placements in Mazda Motorsports. He even had the honor of driving for renowned figures like Paul Newman, Charles Morgan, and Rob Morgan. With this success, Chris founded Two-Six Motorsports, a race shop dedicated to building, tuning, and racing Mazda Miatas across various competitive platforms.
Chris' deep-rooted passion for racing was significantly influenced by his father, Kevin Edens. Kevin's love for the sport originated in childhood, inspired by his brother’s motocross pursuits. After a brief hiatus from racing to focus on family, Kevin returned to the scene, bringing his young son along. Chris quickly developed a fascination for racing, eagerly absorbing the sights and sounds of the track while dreaming of competing.
However, tragedy struck when, at the age of fourteen, Chris was involved in a catastrophic accident during a dirt kart race. While attempting to overtake the leader, he collided head-on with another kart, resulting in life-altering injuries—bilateral fractures of the tibia and fibula in both legs. The impact was severe, causing his left leg to wrap around the steering column, shattering the bones from the shin down, while the right leg folded backwards at the ankle.
In the chaotic aftermath, Chris’ mother, Jackie, a registered nurse, and Kevin rushed him to the emergency room, where medical professionals quickly assessed his injuries. Initial assessments suggested severe sprains, but subsequent x-rays revealed the grim reality. He underwent reconstructive surgery by Dr. Jimmy Tucker, a leading orthopedic trauma surgeon, who utilized titanium screws and an external fixator to stabilize his shattered legs. This complex surgery aimed not only to mend the fractures but also to restore functionality, leaving Chris' future ability to walk uncertain.
The recovery process was grueling. Chris faced intense physical pain and emotional struggles during rehabilitation. His mother stayed by his side, meticulously caring for his wounds and encouraging him through the challenges. Despite the pain and setbacks, Chris displayed an unwavering determination to reclaim his mobility. He attended therapy sessions three times a week, where he pushed through agonizing exercises, driven by a fierce desire to return to racing.
By May 2000, as the racing season began anew, Chris was eager to compete again, having transitioned from a wheelchair-bound spectator to an active participant. Arriving at Optimist Raceway Park, he qualified well, and for a moment, it seemed as though the accident had faded into the background of his memory. However, the initial thrill of competition soon gave way to anxiety and fear, as Chris struggled to regain his former competitive edge. He often found himself finishing far behind other racers, battling an internal conflict between his love for the sport and the fear of re-injury.
Despite these challenges, a pivotal moment arrived during a feature race when Chris finished in third place. This achievement reignited his passion for racing and helped him confront his fears. The experience was transformative; Chris learned a profound lesson about overcoming personal obstacles and reclaiming his identity as a driver. With this newfound confidence, he embraced the sport fully, refusing to look back.
Chris Edens’ journey exemplifies the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, underscoring the critical role of family support and the relentless pursuit of passion. His story serves as an inspiring testament to the power of determination and the ability to overcome life's challenges.
