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For many veterans, the shift from military service to civilian life can be a rocky path. Adam McNeely, a former U.S. Army 11 Bravo infantryman, knows that journey well. After serving from 2016 to 2021, his military career was cut short by an injury, and he faced the challenges of transitioning to a new life outside the Army.
Through the organization Battle Scarred Motorsports, Adam not only found a new purpose on the racetrack but also rediscovered camaraderie, support, and healing among fellow veterans.
Adam enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2016, re-enlisting once before an injury led to a medical retirement in 2021. The transition came at a difficult time, as he was also going through a divorce, leaving him struggling with a profound loss of identity and support. Adam’s medical retirement brought him to a crossroads: he needed a purpose, a community, and a path forward. Fortunately, in 2023, he found Battle Scarred Motorsports, a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans connect, heal, and rebuild through the exciting world of motor racing.
Battle Scarred Motorsports isn’t just about racing; it’s a community of veterans and supporters who gather around the shared excitement of the track, whether behind the wheel or as part of the pit crew. The organization offers veterans like Adam an opportunity to find connection and purpose in an inclusive, hands-on environment. Battle Scarred Motorsports gives veterans a space to reconnect with teamwork and structure—two aspects of military life that can be hard to replace in civilian settings. The program invites anyone, from experienced racers to curious beginners, to come learn, participate, and feel the thrill of the racetrack.
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Adam first learned about the organization through a friend in 2023 and jumped at the opportunity. A motor sports enthusiast, he joined as part of the pit crew, supporting drivers and gaining firsthand experience in an entirely new field. “Every time these guys go out, I try to go out,” he shared, emphasizing how much this group has given him. Through Battle Scarred, Adam regained that close-knit community he had missed since leaving the Army, finding new friends who shared his background and interests.
For Adam, being a part of Battle Scarred Motorsports has become more than just a hobby. Racing provides a form of mental health therapy, enabling him to process and manage the stress and changes he has faced. "These guys have all been there and done that...they can give you some more tools to help with that," he explained, highlighting how the veterans in his crew provide a level of understanding and support that feels both genuine and unique.
This sense of camaraderie allows veterans to lean on each other, often in informal moments that turn into opportunities for emotional support. Whether it’s race preparation or road trips to the track, Adam and his team find a shared purpose that reinforces a positive mental outlook, making the racetrack an ideal venue for mutual encouragement and friendship.
Joining the pit crew was just the beginning for Adam. Eventually, he took on the driver’s seat himself, training and preparing under the guidance of his fellow veterans. This month, he completed his first official race, crediting the skills he built with his team for helping him feel ready. "Being able to take direction and give direction when necessary…just being a part of something bigger,” Adam says, has allowed him to feel a sense of accomplishment and to grow alongside his team.
For him, racing isn’t necessarily about winning—it’s about doing his best and continuously learning. “I'm out there to turn consistent laps and improve my race craft,” he shared, highlighting his goals of growing his skills as a driver while contributing to the success of the team as a whole.
Adam’s team races the Mighty Pinto, an unassuming vehicle that has become a beloved part of their crew. While it’s far from the fastest car on the track, the Pinto has gained legendary status among the team, embodying the spirit and heart that Adam and his crew bring to every race. “It’s not a fast car…[but] it is very mighty,” Adam jokes. Racing the Pinto is about teamwork, growth, and having a great time—all values that bring Adam’s military background into harmony with his new role on the racetrack.
For other veterans who may be feeling lost or disconnected, Adam encourages them to seek out organizations like Battle Scarred Motorsports, where they can rediscover camaraderie, teamwork, and purpose. “Everybody should find an organization like this around them,” he urges, explaining that even if you’re not sure what you’re looking for, groups like this can offer the support and connection many veterans miss after service.
Battle Scarred Motorsports is open to veterans, family members, and motorsports enthusiasts alike. The organization continues to grow, with opportunities for everyone, whether you’re interested in joining the crew, driving, or just showing up to support the team. For more information on how to get involved, check out their website and see how you can become part of a supportive, high-energy community built for veterans.
