NASCAR driver trying to be a first

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In a first for NASCAR, an up-and-coming driver is climbing through the ranks, basically single-handed.

Chris Hacker, 23, is attempting to break into the highest stages of the sport to become NASCAR's first driver with a brachial plexus injury (BPI).

The injury, which occurred when Hacker was born, has rendered his left arm weaker and more prone to shoulder separation than his right arm.

"My left arm is pretty much along for the ride the whole time," Hacker said in a Mooresville auto shop.

The Mayo Clinic says BPIs occur when the nerves from the neck to the shoulder, arm and hand are stretched, compressed or torn.

The injuries can occur due to a variety of causes. Boston Children's Hospital estimates the injury occurs in 1 to 3 children per 1,000 births. The injury is also common in motorcycle accidents or contact sports like football, according to Mayo Clinic data.

Hacker said a misdiagnosed ultrasound weight led to complications at his birth.

"They ended up getting my weight wrong during the ultrasound. So, came out a pretty hefty baby and caused some complications. At first, I could only move my fingertips," Hacker said of his youth.

Hacker had three surgeries to bring tendons and nerves from his legs to his left arm. Now, he has about 65% motion of his left arm.

But, Hacker is busy with race preparation as he competes part-time in NASCAR's truck and Xfinity racing series.

"It kind of varies with my part-time schedule, I kind of change teams quite a bit," Hacker said, adding he hopes to join a team full-time next year.

His interest in motorsports started 15 years ago at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis.

"I did T-ball, basketball, stuff like that growing up. But, we were watching quarter midgets going around, and I pretty much tugged on my dad's shirt and said, ‘This is what I want to try next,'" Hacker recalled.

His injury is uncommon for NASCAR drivers, who push cars and bodies to the limits of high-speed racing, with Hacker's main sponsor calling him the first in the sport to drive with the injury.

"As I’m driving, I’ll just reach over really quickly, bump it into gear," Hacker said behind the wheel, referencing his left arm's limited ability to grab and hold the wheel.

He also uses switch extensions, so his right hand can control the car using switches on the left side of the dashboard. Additionally, Hacker holds the wheel at slightly different spots than typical drivers, making it easier to turn.

Hacker said one of the reasons he has achieved success is his parents never doubted his abilities, despite his injury. Because of them, he said he's never doubted himself since climbing behind the wheel.

"To show not only these kids, but also to these parents that, anything is possible as long as you put your mind to it," Hacker added.

Starting with his truck race at North Wilkesboro last month, Hacker is raising money for the nonprofit United Brachial Plexus Network, which works to inform and unite families dealing with the injury.