March 14, 2024 - At the age of four, Aaron Phifer was rushed to the hospital with a heart rate of 402 beats per minute. Little did he or his family know that this would mark the beginning of a journey filled with challenges and triumphs. 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 the 5-time defending series champion Bryan Herta Autosport team, with drivers Preston Brown and Denis Dupont in the number 76 Hyundai Elantra N TCR.
As a child, Aaron dreamt of playing sports like any other boy, but being diagnosed with a congenital heart defected known as Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, Aaron experienced frequent Superventricular Tachycardia episodes due to two extra electrical currents in his heart. Instead, he found solace in racing, viewing it as a pursuit where his heart condition wouldn't hinder his success.
Each year in the U.S., 40,000 babies are born with congenital heart defects, or CHDs – making them America’s most common birth defect. These conditions vary in severity, with babies often requiring urgent medical intervention within the first year of life to survive. However, organizations like The Children's Heart Foundation offer hope through their dedication to funding research to advance the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of CHDs.
Aaron, along with Preston Brown and Denis Dupont, are now racing with a purpose to support the mission of The Children’s Heart Foundation. You can read more about their efforts or contribute by donating here: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/racing/
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.
