PTSD: Racing shop offers special course to disabled vets

Racing shop offers special course to disabled vets

Jul 2, 2011 12:00am

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (AP) — At first glance, Emmett Thomas and Brian Fox look like ordinary 30-somethings.

But both have scars. They just aren't visible.

They suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, a by-product of their time in the military.

Thomas is an Army veteran who served in Iraq.

Fox did two yearlong tours of duty in Iraq before being honorably discharged last year.

Things weren't the same when they returned home.

Fox sleepwalks and has intense night sweats. Some days Thomas can't force himself to leave the house.

And both shy away from large groups of people.

But they feel at home inside SMP Motorsports' racing shop in Mooresville, where they attend motorsports classes.

Earlier this year, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College joined forces with SMP Motorsports to offer a certificate program in motorsports management technology.

The seven-course program is offered exclusively to disabled veterans. It is a spin-off of the nonprofit organization Manpower to Horsepower, which was founded by SMP President Sue Roberson to meet the transitional needs of post-combat veterans.

"Roberson wanted to expand her program to include hands-on training, and she contacted RCCC to see how we could work together," said Richmond Gage, head of the RCCC motorsports management technology program. "We are honored and proud to offer this program for veterans with disabilities."

read more here
Racing shop offers special course to disabled vets