At the age of four, Aaron Phifer was rushed to the hospital with a heart rate of 402 beats per minute. Little did he know, this would mark the beginning of a journey filled with challenges and triumphs.
Diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, Aaron experienced frequent Superventricular Tachycardia episodes due to two extra electrical currents in his heart. Over the next five years, he endured over 40 visits to the emergency room, receiving treatment at the Sanger Heart Clinic in Charlotte, NC. Despite the hardships, Aaron's resilience shone through.
In 1998, at just eight years old, Aaron underwent a double ablation procedure at Carolinas Medical Center (now Atrium Health), becoming the youngest child at the time to undergo this treatment. Since that day, Aaron's heart has remained strong, with only minor blood pressure issues in recent years.
Now 35, married, and a father of four daughters, Aaron leads a fulfilling life. By day, he works in sales, but his true passion lies in his weekend endeavors. Serving as the lead race engineer and strategist for a sports car racing team, Bryan Herta Autosport, with drivers Preston Brown and Denis Dupont #76 racecar.
As a child, Aaron dreamt of playing sports like any other boy, but the fear of triggering a Tachycardia episode held him back. Instead, he found solace in racing, viewing it as a pursuit where his heart condition wouldn't hinder his success. Though he initially shelved his dream, Aaron reignited his passion four years ago and has since made it a reality.
Aaron's journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. Despite facing adversity, he has overcome obstacles to achieve his dreams, inspiring others along the way.
Meanwhile, Preston Brown and Denis Dupont commands the #76 car in the fiercely competitive Michelin Pilot Challenge, endorsed by IMSA (International Motorsports Association) and proudly under the auspices of NASCAR ownership. This adrenaline-fueled series annually features ten electrifying races across the United States and one in Canada. With races broadcasted live on Peacock and later aired on the USA networks, fans worldwide can partake in the exhilarating action via live streams on IMSA.tv.