Lap of a Lifetime: PruittHealth helps Colquitt Countian relive race fantasy

Published 9:42 pm Monday, April 3, 2017

MOULTRIE, Ga. — March 11, 2017, will be the day that Talmadge Matthews’ ultimate wish came true!

The 82-year-old resident of PruittHealth – Moultrie had always wanted to be a race car driver. In his early 20s he joined the United States Army and served for 24 years. He put his dream on hold to dedicate his life to our country.

After Matthews was honorably discharged from the Army, he worked in a factory to provide for his family, so again his dreams were left on the back burner.

Matthews then was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and now he resides at PruittHealth – Moultrie.

When we asked Matthews what is something he would love to do if he was able to again, he said, “I have always loved fast cars! I remember when I was young we would race our cars on the street!”

His eyes filled with joy and excitement to relive that part of his life.

We were able to make his dream come true. South Georgia Motorsport Park in Cecil, Ga., was having an event, PDRA 2017 Southern Extreme Nationals. We talked to Jimmy Owen, the SGMP dragstrip manager, and Chris Davis, SGMP team member, and set up a Lap of a Lifetime.

When we got to the race track, Owen walked around with us introducing us to some of the pit crews and the racers. We met Justin Kirk, Larry O’Brien, T.T. Jones, just to name a few.

O Racing, owner/driver Richard Orwell made the PH-Moultrie team their honorary pit crew. They also honored Matthews with a “Wounded Warrior Project” shirt. They did an amazing job of making him feel special. He was showered with shirts, hats, and autographed pictures.

When the races started, he was filled with enthusiasm hearing the motors roar and watching the tires burn out. We were at the starting line watching the cars race, while Owen took the time to explain how they prepare the track for the race and what all goes into getting it ready after every race.

On the way home, Matthews was laughing and talking about what a wonderful day he had. He felt like everyone was there to meet him because everybody was so welcoming and gracious toward us.

We would like to thank Second Wind Dream and PruittHealth for giving us the privilege of seeing a smile on his face every time we talk about the Lap of a Lifetime.