Matt’s story is so inspirational that I have decided to do a monthly feature on disabled racers. There is nothing disabled about these racers, as Matt does even more than I am capable of doing.
For most athletes, reaching the pinnacle of one sport would be enough. For Matt Stutzman, it’s just the starting line.
Known across the globe as the “Armless Archer,” Matt became an international inspiration by turning what many saw as a limitation into a superpower. Born without arms, he learned to live and excel using his feet — mastering everyday life and ultimately the sport of archery. His journey led him to the 2012 London Paralympics, where he claimed silver, and the 2024 Paris Games, where he struck gold. He even holds a Guinness World Record for the longest accurate archery shot, a staggering 310 yards.
But behind the medals, another dream was burning — one that had been with him since childhood.
The Dream That Never Let Go
“I always wanted to race,” Matt says. “I’ve loved it since I was a kid.”
That love was ignited when a man offered him a motorcycle if he could fix it. Not only did Matt fix it the engine, but he figured out how to ride it — without arms. It was more than just a mechanical challenge; it was a revelation.
“For the first time in my life, I experienced no stereotypes. If you want to play basketball, people tell you you need to be tall. But with cars? Cars don’t care that I have no arms. The people didn’t care either. That drew me in.”
From that moment, Matt knew he was meant to race.
Saving for the Dream
While he chased his racing dream in his heart, Matt built a legendary career in archery. Starting in 2010, he taught himself to shoot using his feet, chin, and torso. The world soon knew him as the “Armless Archer.” He won Paralympic silver in 2012, gold in 2024, and even set a Guinness World Record for the longest accurate shot in history.
Archery brought him fame and pride — but also the means to chase something even bigger.
“Archery is cheap compared to racing,” Matt laughs. “It took 13 years of saving to build the car I always wanted. Archery will always be a love, but racing… racing is the ultimate dream.”
But now that dream is alive and roaring.
Building a Car, Building a Legacy
Matt’s car isn’t just a machine. It’s an extension of him.
Built on a Tim McAmis chassis, powered by an Alan Johnson Hemi, the car runs low 4s in the 1/8-mile in bracket trim. With some tuning it is capable of 3 second 1/8 mile times. On its 36-inch tires, it goes straight and hard, just as he designed it to.
But what makes it remarkable is how he built it.
“I pride myself on not just racing, but building,” Matt says. “Pretty much every nut and bolt on this car, I’ve touched — put my foot on,” he adds with a grin. “Foot-pound torque specs.”
He services the entire car himself, pulling pistons, checking bearings, making every adjustment. The only modifications were shortening the steering column by 12 inches and moving the shifter forward. “I built it so if I ever want to sell it, I can return it to standard in 15 minutes.”
Everything else? Standard. No excuses. No special parts.
No Shortcuts, No Special Treatment
If there’s one thing Matt takes pride in, it’s doing things the right way. “NHRA didn’t give me any shortcuts. The licensing process took over a year. I earned every bit of it.”
He wears 21-layer gloves on his feet, gets in and out of the car in under 20 seconds, and uses a custom MPI steering wheel where everything — including the parachutes — is within his control. Matt even puts on his own fire suit.
“I take no shortcuts. There’s no special treatment,” he says. “I wanted to prove to myself and to everyone else that I belong here.”
The Road Ahead: Brainerd, Pro Mod, and Beyond
Matt’s next race will be NHRA Top Sportsman at Brainerd, a milestone that represents years of preparation. From there, his sights are set on the Winter Pro Mod Series and, eventually, Pro Mod competition.
But his ultimate dream? To know what 300 mph feels like.
“Right now my focus is to hit 200 mph first. Then we step it up,” he says. With every pass, he’s getting closer — and faster. Matt has taken his time stepping up speed, and safety is always his first thought. He’s quick to stress that safety is paramount. “I care about safety and the people beside me. I never want anyone to think I’m being unsafe.” That responsibility drives him as much as his pursuit of speed.
The Mental Game: Strength Beyond Measure
For Matt, this journey isn’t just about speed; it’s about resilience. “It’s amazing how strong people can be mentally when they have dreams and goals,” he reflects.
That strength has carried him through every challenge, from learning to use his feet as hands to becoming a Paralympic champion, to building a race car capable of competing with the best in the world. You don’t win a gold medal without resilience. While interviewing Matt it was easy for me to see that he is not one to let obstacles stop him from reaching goals. There is no doubt in my mind nothing will stop him on the road to 300mph.
More Than a Racer
Matt’s story transcends sports. It’s about breaking barriers and redefining what’s possible. “I’m blessed,” he says. “Blessed to live my dreams, to represent things that are bigger than me, and to show the world that even though you have a disability, it shouldn’t stand in the way of what you want to do.”
He’s proof that racing truly is for everybody — a sport where passion, skill, and grit matter more than anything else.
Chasing Dreams at Full Throttle
As he lines up to make a pass down the track, Matt Stutzman is not just chasing a dream — he’s inspiring countless others to chase theirs.
His journey reminds us that obstacles are not roadblocks; they’re just part of the track. And with enough determination, anyone can reach their finish line.
Because when Matt Stutzman hits the gas, he’s not just racing cars — he’s racing past every limit the world ever tried to put on him.
The Final Message
Somewhere in the stands, a kid who’s been told he’s not tall enough, not strong enough, not good enough, watches Matt blast down the track. Somewhere, a father feels tears well up, knowing his son or daughter is watching someone who proves that limits are only as real as we let them be.
Racing doesn’t care who you are. Dreams don’t care about the obstacles. And Matt Stutzman?
He’s living proof that if you want something badly enough — you go out there and take it.
Because there are no arms, no excuses, and absolutely no limits.
