“Racing for My Life: The Story of Madi Turley” to Premiere March 28 in Morristown
- Feb 20
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 23
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“Racing for My Life: The Story of Madi Turley” to Premiere March 28 in Morristown
A new documentary film by Lamplighter Media Company explores health, purpose, and finding freedom on the drag strip
Morristown, TN — A new documentary, Racing for My Life: The Story of Madi Turley, will premiere on Saturday, March 28 at 6:00 p.m. at Morningside Baptist Church in Morristown, Tennessee. The public is invited to attend this free community premiere, hosted by the Turley family.
Produced and directed by Michael Hensley of Lamplighter Media Company, the 60-minute documentary follows Madi Turley, a team driver for DH Davies Racing, as she navigates health challenges while pursuing her passion for drag racing. Set against the backdrop of East Tennessee’s racing culture, the film offers an intimate portrait of resilience, calling, and the places where people discover who they are meant to be.
At its core, Racing for My Life is about more than motorsports. Beneath the surface, the film asks a universal question: Are we following the call on our lives? For Madi, the answer is found on the drag strip — a place where she experiences freedom, belonging, and purpose, even in the midst of uncertainty.
One of the film’s most pivotal moments comes through Madi’s own reflection during an interview, as she recalls being at the drag strip when she received a phone call confirming her medical tests had come back clear. In that moment — standing at the track — she knew she was going to be okay, and she describes racing with a new sense of freedom and intensity. The reflection captures the emotional heart of the film: perseverance through uncertainty, and the clarity that can come when passion and possibility finally align.
“Madi’s story is important right now because she’s found freedom and purpose on the drag strip,” said filmmaker Michael Hensley. “We are all searching for freedom in different ways, and Madi shows what’s possible when you follow your dreams — even when your path is complicated by health challenges and uncertainty.”
Hensley shared that the project began when the Turley family reached out after reading about the founding of Lamplighter Media Company. Though unfamiliar with drag racing, Hensley felt that outsider perspective allowed him to invite audiences into the sport — and Madi’s world — with curiosity and care.
“So many people are looking for belonging in this world,” Hensley said. “Madi has found that sense of belonging on the drag strip. This film invites viewers into her journey and encourages them to reflect on where they feel most alive and free.”
Racing for My Life: The Story of Madi Turley is rooted in the hills of East Tennessee and features family members and close friends, grounding the film in community and place. The premiere serves as a celebration of Madi’s journey and a reflection on resilience, hope, and the strength required to keep going.
Premiere Details
What: Racing for My Life: The Story of Madi Turley (Documentary Premiere)
Hosted By: Turley Family
When: Saturday, March 28, 2026 | 6:00 p.m.
Where: Morning Side Baptist Church, Morristown, TN
Admission: Free and open to the public
RSVP: Text 865-368-2772 or email turleyrutledge@yahoo.com
Media Contact
Michael Hensley
Founder and Creative Director, Lamplighter Media Company
(865) 803-9107
Madi is very dear to me and we have I think became close friends in what short time we have had. She came down to my local track when she first started. We race each other and this is where it all started. I love to give her down the road you could say. Nick named her Gunpowder for a reason. She has a high fire inside of this small package. You will have to ask her about the squirt gun (super soakers). I told her I’d put out that gunpowder. What she do, went out and got one for me. She was going to shoot back. It didn’t matter, she a fighter and a very dear friend to me.…