On Aug. 5, 2026, Legion racer Jonathon Tepes Sharkey - known in racing as Rocky Flash - underwent a Total Knee Replacement (TKR) revision surgery on his left knee by Dr. Michael Miranda of Florida Orthopaedic Institute in Tampa Bay, Fla.

This was the 14th surgical procedure on his left knee.

As part of his rehabilitation, Miranda stated Jonathon could start kart practicing at T4 KartPlex in Palmetto, Fla., on Oct. 1.

However, T4 decided to put Jonathon to the test, and scheduled him for two practice races against a handful of racers.

Jonathon won both races.

Then on Oct. 16, Jonathon got to race against nine other racers twice at T4.

The race director decided to start Jonathon in last place to see how he would do.

In both races, Jonathon went from 10th to 1st very quickly, then started lapping racers.

Andy Haase, the head track official at T4, started that Rocky was fast on the track.

Though Miranda has not cleared Jonathon to race competitively yet, he has informed NASCAR and SCCA he is ready to race again.

NASCAR has stated Jonathon cannot race with them until Miranda clears him to race.

However, once that happens, NASCAR will not have him undergo a medical exam.

SCCA has renewed Jonathon's race license for the rest of this season and 2027.

Jonathon is presently seeking new sponsors for the rest of the 2026 and 2027 racing seasons.

He can be contacted at flashtepesracing@yahoo.com.

Jonathon is a life member of the Society of the 1st Infantry Division and Pearce-Keller Post 17 in Manhattan, Kan.