Darrell Gwynn

Is a NHRA World Champion Drag Racer, growing up racing with his father Jerry (Also a NHRA World Champion) Darrell has been involved in drag racing for his entire life and has been friends with B.R.A.K.E.S. founder Doug Herbert for over 30 years.

When Darrell Gwynn began his racing career in 1980 in the Alcohol Dragster category of the National Hot Rod Association, he attacked the sport with fierce determination. The fire burned in his eyes at the mere thought of his next round of competition. There was always another barrier to overcome. It finally got to the point where Gwynn would not just overcome barriers, but actually knock them down. As his sportsman victories began to mount, people, especially competitors noticed. Big time sponsors noticed. Everything fell into place for the “kid”. Gwynn won three times in 1981. He added two wins apiece in 1982 and 1983 and three wins in 1984. Not only did Darrell have 10 wins as an Alcohol Dragster, he also was the Top Alcohol Dragster World Champion in 1983.

Darrell jumped to NHRA Top Fuel Dragster in 1986 and he was the talk of the class. Winning 18 times in the ultra competitive NHRA Top Fuel class, Darrell proved he was a winner.

Fate took Gwynn to England in April of 1990. In an exhibition race at Santa Pod Raceway his dragster suddenly broke and veered left into the retaining wall at halftrack at approximately 240mph, causing major life-threatening injuries to the 28-year-old driver. A terrific battle of faith and determination allowed Gwynn to survive the ordeal, he was left paralyzed and he lost his left arm. Given this unfortunate event, one thing that never changed was his willingness to meet challenges head-on and to live life on his terms.