Vetdrenaline racingVetdrenaline Racing gives back to wounded war veterans in a big way.

Vetdrenaline racing is a nonprofit racing program designed to provide wounded veterans a therapeutic adrenaline fix through motorsports and off-road racing. Most recently, Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran and former Army National Guard medic Melissa Cooke was given the opportunity to serve as co-driver for the Vetdrenaline Team at this year’s BFGoodrich Mint 400.

READ MORE: Live Photos from the 50th BFGoodrich Mint 400

7-time winner of the Baja 1000 and off-road legend Bob Bower gives Cooke some pointers on co-driving before the race.
7-time winner of the Baja 1000 and off-road legend Bob Bower gives Cooke some pointers on co-driving before the race.

Of her experience Cooke said, “It felt great to be part of a team all focused on a single mission, and to have a role critical to our success. Going fast got my heart pumping and adrenaline flowing.” Unfortunately the Jeep Cherokee being driven by Rick Randell, with Cooke as co-driver, suffered a flat tire that forced them off course and into a large rock, ending their race. This was the first appearance for the team at the Mint 400.

Vetdrenaline Cherokee

Vetdrenaline was founded in 2015 by U.S. Army Capt. Jess Maney, a 16-year Army Veteran. Maney served four tours of duty, three to Afghanistan and one to Iraq. In 2009, twice, in eight days, the armored vehicle he was traveling in was struck by an IED. The first time he suffered a concussion. The second resulted in a traumatic brain injury. His struggles and recovery, with the aid of motorsports, were the catalyst for him to create Vetdrenaline Racing.

He currently serves in the Arizona National Guard and is the owner of YFit Fitness Training. Vetdrenaline Racing raises support for wounded veterans via a Go Fund Me page which you can view or make donations to here: www.gofundme.com/mkzxps