2011 Daytona 500 winner, Trevor Bayne, has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Bayne, who races for Roush Fenway Racing in the Nationwide Series and has a part-time Sprint Cup drive with Wood Brothers Racing, has been cleared to compete by doctors and is still likely to compete for the Nationwide title for Roush next season.
“I’ve never been more driven to compete,” said Bayne, 22. “My goals are the same as they’ve been since I started racing. I want to compete at the highest level and I want to win races and championships. I am in the best shape I’ve ever been in and I feel good. There are currently no symptoms and I’m committed to continuing to take the best care of my body as possible. I will continue to trust in God daily and know that His plan for me is what is best.”
Bayne missed part of the 2011 season due to fatigue and double vision, originally believed to have been caused by an insect bite or Lyme disease. There is evidence of multiple sclerosis in the Bayne family, with his younger sister having the disease of the nervous system, which can lead to the loss of mobility, numbness and blindness.
“We are 100 percent supportive of Trevor and his ability to compete in a race car,” said Roush Fenway co-owner Jack Roush. “I have full confidence in Trevor and his partners have all expressed that same confidence and support. As with all of our drivers, we look forward to standing behind Trevor and providing him with all of the tools he needs as he continues to develop in his young career.”
Bayne said he was given the diagnosis after winning the Nationwide race at Iowa in the summer but is not taking any medication, hoping that a healthy lifestyle and diet will keep any symptoms from returning. Roush Fenway Racing President Steve Newark has said that Bayne’s health issue is no problem for sponsors and AdvoCare, who will sponsor Bayne’s Nationwide effort in 2014, have no issue with him being its driver.
The Roush Fenway driver currently sits sixth in the Nationwide standings ahead of the final race at Homestead-Miami.
