BARBERVILLE, FL – Tyler Courtney returned to Sprint Car racing this weekend with a dominant performance at Volusia Speedway Park, marking a significant milestone in his recovery from severe injuries sustained in a crash last July. The 31-year-old driver secured the 360 Sprint DIRTcar Nationals championship, winning two races and finishing fourth in the other, signaling a triumphant return to the sport he loves.
Courtney’s journey back to the track has been arduous. A violent rollover crash at Eldora Speedway on 2025 resulted in a broken T7 vertebrae and a concussion. The accident required spinal fusion from his T5 to T9 vertebrae, with the addition of 10 screws and two or three plates. “I broke my T7 (vertebrae) and they fused me from T5 to T9,” Courtney said. He faced a six-month recovery period, filled with doctor’s appointments and physical therapy, leaving him questioning his future in racing.
“I think there were times when I didn’t see a lot of progress happening. Those are tough times,” Courtney admitted. “Those are tough times when you kinda think your career might be over. But it never stopped me from working hard to get back to where I am now.”
The recovery wasn’t solely physical. Courtney also worked with Dr. Micky Collins, a highly regarded neurologist in Pittsburgh, to address the concussion and rebuild his cognitive abilities. “He’s probably the best guy in the world at this. He’s amazing. He got me back on track. I just listened to him and did everything he told me to do,” Courtney explained. The process involved not only physical healing but also exercises designed to “make your brain work again.”
Courtney’s return to competition came behind the wheel of the Clauson Marshall Racing, NOS Energy Drink No. 7BC, running a 360c.i. Engine in the American Sprint Car Series season opener. The weekend served as a crucial step in preparing for a full season, including a push for a High Limit championship.
“I would say excited is an understatement,” Courtney said. “I live, sleep, breathe, eat and drink racing. So, not doing anything to that nature… obviously, I was around the racetrack, but not being in the car the last six months really eats at you. Being able to get back behind the wheel is… exciting isn’t the right word. If there was a better word than ‘excited’ I’d use it.”
The success at Volusia Speedway Park provided validation for Courtney’s dedication and the support he received throughout his recovery. He credited his wife, Aysia, team owners Tim Clauson, Richard and Jennifer Marshall, and Lauren Albano from NOS Energy for their unwavering support. “They never wavered,” Courtney said. “They always asked what I needed and when I was ready to come back.”
Courtney acknowledged the competitive landscape of the High Limit series, noting the recent retirement of Brad Sweet and the presence of strong contenders like Rico Abreu, Aaron Reutzel, Brent Marks, Justin Peck, and Tanner Thorson. However, he expressed confidence in his ability to contend for a championship. “Rico has some extra resources at (Tony Stewart Racing) and Brent Marks is there every night. Aaron had a great run in Australia,” Courtney said. “We just have a great group of guys we race with every night.”
Looking ahead, Courtney is focused on achieving his goal of winning a winged national championship. “I worked really hard to get back in a race car and win a championship. I have done a lot of cool things in racing but for the past six months, I realized there are a lot of things left I still want to do and winning a winged national championship is at the top of the list.”
Courtney’s return is not just a personal victory, but a testament to his resilience and the power of a strong support system. After facing doubts about his future, he has emphatically reaffirmed his place among the top drivers in Sprint Car racing.
