Logan Racing Defies Odds And Defines Strength
Story By: Savannah Rose
Photos Provided by: Tamara Hansen
Can you remember what you were doing at age 15? Living a pretty carefree life? Hanging out with your friends after school and being a teenager? If so, count your blessings, because not all teens have it so easy.
Learning to appreciate life, no matter the hardships or the ups and downs, is a skill that when learned makes a life changing difference. Meet Michael Logan Burnstein, a 15 year old whose life has been changed forever by Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD).
BMD, is one of nine types of muscular dystrophies, a group of genetic degenerative diseases primarily affecting voluntary muscles. Basically, as Michael ages, he will become weaker and lose muscles. Having already passed the doctor’s assumptions on what age he would lose the ability to walk, Michael still has his ability to walk, albeit slowly, but he will eventually end up in a wheelchair. Fortunately, BMD is a slower progressing issue in comparison to some of his friends, who are diagnosed with a more severe form of muscular dystrophy, like Duchenne, although all types can prove to be fatal at a young age.
Michael is a firm believer in focusing on abilities rather than disabilities. Michael manages to see the good in situations, no matter what hand life has dealt him. His mother, Tamara Hansen says, “He won’t give up and sit around feeling sorry for himself.” He had started on a quad and dirt bike at just 2 years old. His mother grew up going to Glamis, and she still rides often. Michael has always had a passion for racing, and recently decided to start competing in UTVs, running a 570 in the AZOP races here in Arizona, under Logan Racing. To make racing a reality, special modifications had to be made to Michael’s Polaris RZR 570 in order for him to drive it. But it all is a learning curve as they race. Eventually, they may switch over to hand controls to make steering easier on him.
Racing is tiring for anyone with even average muscle strength, but Michael manages to push through in hopes to make a podium. Despite the adversities he’s facing on top of being new to racing, he’s made 4th place a few times.
Michael’s favorite place to ride is the desert, “because I can go faster!”
“One day I would like to race Baja,” Michael said.
When he’s racing, versus just playing in the desert, he says he “has to focus more. I have to stay more alert and push through any leg soreness to try and stay in it. I just love speed. I love the art of racing.”
When Michael is not behind the wheel, he hasn’t let BMD stop him, he just approaches things differently, and he definitely appreciates his opportunities much more. As a child, Michael played sports. But now things like running are off the table, so he integrates himself into sports by helping his younger brother Tyler train for football and helping his sister Rylan train for soccer. Michael even manages the girls varsity soccer team for his high school. His other favorite activities include racing RC cars, as he’s a total car enthusiast and would love to be a mechanic. He’s even applying to a two-year mechanic course in high school.
Even through all of his adversity, Michael was just nominated to play in the Winter Special Olympics for 2021 in Russia. He’ll be trying out soon, and we’re rooting for him!
Michael’s goal is live life to its fullest, and I think that’s something we can all take inspiration from, no matter your age.
“As time passes, the ability to do certain things become only a memory. Do what you can, while you can. You don’t have to be the best one out there, just do your best. Time is limited, this is what I’m doing with it. “ – Michael Burnstein
Give him a follow at @michael_logan_racing_295 – Oh, and Michael turns 16 this month, so let’s all wish him a very Happy Birthday! Team Logan’s Racing is helped out by lots of friends and family, and some of his sponsors and supporters include Valley Steel, Hansen Steel, Fly in Hi, Rock knockers, Direct UTV, EndDuchenne, and Rzr Proz.
