One jump changed Tanner LaMagna’s life forever. What it couldn’t change was his love of speed.
Tanner was just 12 when a BMX racing crash in July 2025 left him with a spinal cord injury and quadriplegia. Now 13, the Newark, N.Y., teen is headed to the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas, for a Dream Experience created by national nonprofit Dream On 3.
Tanner and his family will visit Austin for a weekend that includes a VIP McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team experience, a Tecovas shopping spree and three days of Formula 1 action culminating with Sunday’s Grand Prix.
For a teenager whose daily routine now includes intensive recovery work, the experience reconnects him with a passion that began long before his accident.
Tanner started riding a bike at age 8 and discovered BMX racing two years later. In July 2025, he was competing in his first race of the day when he hit a jump and went over his handlebars. Tanner was airlifted to a hospital, required a ventilator and underwent a tracheostomy.
Two weeks later, he transferred to Shepherd Center in Atlanta for treatment and rehabilitation. Through ongoing therapy, he has regained some use of his arms and continues working toward returning to many of the outdoor activities he loves, including hunting and fishing.
Formula 1 has become another outlet for his enthusiasm for racing, with McLaren his favorite team. In Austin, he’ll have the opportunity to see the people, preparation and technology behind the sport up close.
Few Formula 1 fans ever get the opportunity to step inside a team’s garage during race weekend. For Tanner, the experience offers a behind-the-scenes look at the drivers, engineers and mechanics who make one of the world’s fastest sports possible.
“After so much of Tanner’s world changed, Dream On 3 is reminding him that his dreams still have a place in it,” said Tara LaMagna, Tanner’s mom. “This experience gives our family room to breathe, joy to hold onto, and memories we’ll carry forever. We’re deeply grateful.”
The weekend will be packed with unforgettable experiences, beginning with a shopping spree at Tecovas before Tanner heads to Circuit of The Americas for a day most Formula 1 fans only dream about. There, he’ll meet members of the McLaren team and tour the team’s garage as preparations continue for race weekend.
Tanner and his family will return to the circuit throughout the weekend for practice sessions, qualifying and Sunday’s Formula 1 United States Grand Prix.
In addition to Dream On 3, Tanner’s Dream Experience is being made possible through the generosity of organizations across motorsports and Austin’s hospitality community. McLaren is welcoming Tanner for the team experience, Circuit of The Americas donated race tickets, and Tecovas is hosting the shopping spree. Omni Austin Hotel Downtown donated the family’s accommodations and is preparing special touches for Tanner’s stay. Capstone Transport will provide transportation throughout the visit.
As the world’s fastest drivers take on the turns at Circuit of The Americas, Tanner will be living his own racing Dream.
One jump may have changed his life. This weekend will celebrate his passion for speed and adventure that never left him.
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