Hey Guys, I don’t usually get too personal on here, but what I got to witness a few weeks ago was pretty remarkable. I wrote this article for a magazine, but thought I would share on here as well…….
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Just Godfrey — An inspirational Family of Action-Sports Athletes
A Highlight on Tanner Godfrey
Throughout the years I’ve crossed paths with Gregg many times. We have conversed about almost everything from family to racing, and stories you wouldn’t believe unless they came straight from the man himself. Someone who I once idolized as a TV celebrity is now considered a close friend if not extended family. The entire Godfrey family has amazing talent, humility, and a bonding love I have seen far and few between. Words cannot express how happy I am to be a small piece of such a great thing.
Tanner delivered his Polaris RZR XP 1000 to HCR a few weeks prior, vaguely explaining he had an event and would like us to make the car bulletproof. Not knowing the importance of our role at the time, we gladly accepted this opportunity and built the car to be “Godfrey Proof”. Upon Tanner’s arrival to pick up the car, our staff was informed on his record breaking intentions at Evel Knievel Days the week following. Excitement grew, and after a few scrambled calls we were on our way to Butte, Montana.
Gregg and Tanner Godfrey, members of the Godfrey Clan, participated in Evel Knievel Days on July 24, both breaking world records. I, and the rest of the HCR family, were lucky enough to not only witness this moment of history, but be a part of it. I can vividly remember the gut wrenching feeling as the RZR quickly approached the 120 ft. gap I was staring up at. As the tires of Tanner’s RZR emerged from the jump for the first time, everything seemed to stand still. Relief set in as all four tires safely hit the ground. Immediately, the uneasiness settled and was quickly replaced with enthrallment. I turned to the woman standing directly to my side and confirmed that same fearful excitement was being shared. I later found out this supportive spectator was Tanner’s mom. The jump could not have gone any better; nor the rest of that day.
Gregg’s nephew, Tanner, jumped a side-by-side vehicle over 200 feet to reclaim his world record, using a Polaris RZR 1000 equipped with HCR suspension and Fox Shocks.
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“I’ve never been one to back down from a challenge, and I couldn’t wait to make this jump,” Tanner said. “By setting a new world record, I want to give voice to all those who are paralyzed, whether by physical limitations or internal fears. We all have greatness within us–we just need to keep moving forward.” — Tanner
In 2007, Tanner suffered a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed from the waist down. A sponsored motocross racer with a bright future was told he would never walk again. However, through amazing medical care and dedicated rehab, he was able to re-learn to walk. In 2013, he shattered the previous world record of 47 feet for a side-by-side jump by landing an astonishing 105-foot jump. Tanner has recognized there is no elevator to success and has taken every creative route, defeating the odds.
The next day after his jump, Tanner shared with fans a heartfelt explanation behind his motives for such a daredevil stunt.
“This jump was more than just to break a record for me. It was to show people that life will knock you down, and you can either stay down or fight your way back up. For me it was getting paralyzed. It changed my life and put me on a path I never would’ve been on without it. The doctors said I’d never walk again and live a good life in a wheelchair. I made a choice then and there that I would walk. It has been one hell of a process but 7 1/2 years later I walk with canes. We all have our trials. The key is to never quit. Don’t give up. You might have to take a step back and reevaluate. But keep going. With Patience, Perseverance, and Hard Work anything is possible.” -Tanner Godfrey’s Instagram @tgodfrey155
Because of his inspiring story of healing and perseverance, Tanner is known as the heart of the Godfrey Clan. He’s the strongest yet slowest among his crew, but only when it involves his feet or his hard head. He’s now racing side-by-sides, and breaking world records along the way. Tanner travels around the world sharing his story and gives hope and confidence to those who struggle with life’s challenges.
Tanner is an active advocate of Warfighter Made, a charity organization which provides recreational therapy to ill, injured and combat wounded service members and veterans through the modification, adaptation and customization of cars, trucks, motorcycles and off-road vehicles. You can find more information or ways to donate at Warfighter Made ? Inspire – Adapt – Overcome
Immediately after Tanner’s record breaking jump, Gregg reclaimed his previous world record by jumping a semi-truck 166 feet over Evel Knievel’s fully restored semi-truck, the infamous Big Red Hauler.
“It has been an honor to participate in Evel Knievel Days, and to be able to don the suit the man himself wore, that’s a privilege beyond words,” Gregg said. “Events like this, motor-sports heroes like Evel Knievel and the fans who root us on–we all speak the universal language of pushing human endurance.” -Gregg Godfrey
Gregg holds multiple world records. He has jumped semis and school buses, performance motorcycles and big wheels. He also holds the record for the longest and fastest solo run on a motorcycle of the Baja 1000 endure race. Saying that athletic talent and courage runs in this family would be a vast understatement.
Though Tanner makes light of his challenges both in and out of the RZR, his determination and never give up attitude is truly remarkable. Stacie, Tanner’s mother, shared the meaning behind the “Just Godfrey” logo printed on the shirts the Godfrey Clan family and supporters proudly sported at EKD. Simply put, It’s Tanners evolution and we are all excited to see what’s next….
To learn more about the Godfrey Clan and their performances, go to Meet the Godfrey Clan or contact Nick McKinlay at 435-862-4158 or nickmckinlay@hotmail.com. Thank you to Tanner, Nick, and Rob from Warfighter Made for helping with the content of this write-up.
-Brit
HCR
