Introduction: Sue Sutton has always defied the "norm". She began her stock car racing career in the Sportsman division, in 1996, at the age of 39. Two years later, she moved up to Late Models. She was the first woman in the history of her home track, Shady Bowl Speedway, to run in the Late Model division. Sue was "bitten by the bug" after her husband and 5 sons purchased a Richard Petty Driving Experience for her when she graduated from college.

Sue has received numerous awards from her track, the one she prizes most is the Neal Sceva Award, for her positive contribution to racing. She received this award as a result of founding "Racing for Smiles", a nonprofit organization that helps bring smiles to the faces of seriously/terminally ill young race fans (kids). She founded this program in 1997, combining her two passions; racing and children.

Current Season: Sue has continued to bring smiles to the faces of many deserving children through her Racing for Smiles program, but her racing career is currently on hold. In May of 2001, Sue was involved in a serious on-track wreck, where she hit the wall head-on at about 90 m.p.h. She had to be cut from her racecar, and was care-flighted to a nearby trauma center. A broken neck was suspected, but it was found that Sue "only" suffered from a severe concussion and acute whiplash. She has recovered from her injuries, but has not yet returned to racing. Sue explains, "My husband is my crew chief, and he and my youngest son witnessed my wreck and subsequent recovery. It was very traumatic for them, and as a result, my husband has been unable to bring himself to rebuild our car. He still supports me in continuing my racing career, so I have begun my search for another ride. Racing is in my blood."

Racing Goals: Sue is very goal oriented, and being so, will resume her racing career soon. She plans to continue racing Late Models, but hopes to move up to ARCA or the Craftsman Truck Series. She will work towards that goal. Sue strongly believes that "good things don't just happen, you have to make them happen!
Personal: Sue married her high school sweetheart, Dale, and will celebrate 30 years with him in 2003. She and Dale have 5 sons, ranging in age from 16-28. They have also been foster parents to over 60 children. Sue's "day job" is Adult Probation Officer.

Special Thanks to: Sue believes that she has not achieved the goals she has thus far in racing without the help of many people. These people include her husband, who Sue says has been "the wind beneath my wings", and her sons, who have been a hard working crew. She also credits her racing buddies, Wayne Watercutter, Steve Clarkson, Russ Bobb, and too many others to list, for their unending patience and support!