Justin Peck (off-road racer)

Peck knew he wanted to become a racer when he was 17 years-old while at a track race with his father.[1][8] He later bought his first motorcycle at the same age.[1] Peck became a father at 18, and he competed in his first race at 20. Peck was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 26, a condition he has had since he was 13 years old.[9] Peck has claimed to suffer from depression since the age of 9.[1]

Peck has over 27 years of racing experience.[1] He is the back-to-back series champion in off-road motorcycles, a USRA series champion, national winner and third overall winner of The Challenge of America Series, a UKC multi-time series champion, and the only pro off-road driver in the state of Utah.[10][11][1]

Throughout his racing career, Peck claims to have broken 84 bones, required 19 surgeries, and had 200 screws surgically inserted into his body.[12] He has also gone on record saying that he's died twice.[12]

Peck has stated that he has suffered from depression since he was 9 years-old and experienced his first panic attack at 13.[16] Also at 13, Peck claims he became bipolar, although he was not officially diagnosed with the disorder until 2005 after a suicide attempt.[16] He was diagnosed Class 1, indicating episodes that last six months to two years in either phase.

Peck is the author of "Bulletproof,"[17][18] a memoir that discusses his battle with mental illness and bipolar disorder. The title is inspired by Peck's failed attempt to shoot himself during a depressive episode[19] when his gun malfunctioned.[20] The gun did not fire, and from then on, Peck considered himself "bulletproof."[21][22] According to Peck, he keeps the misfired bullet in his nightstand as a reminder of his struggles.[12]

Peck is active in mental health advocacy by speaking about his battle with bipolar disorder at universities, schools, and corporate events[1] and contributing regularly to organizations that aid in bipolar education.[23]

Peck has four children whom he credits with keeping him stable through his mental health challenges.[1] He has also struggled with gambling and substance abuse.[1]

Official website