Accessible Racing and Racing for the Disabled

by AKA-MEDIA | June 27, 2011 at 11:04 am

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Accessible Racing, in conjunction with NJ Vintage Grand Prix, Sunoco, Texas Road House and Borgata Casino held a virtual world qualifying round and stock car driving experience at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, New Jersey. VXP driving simulator powered by iRacing.com software develops muscle memory, in addition to the motor skills necessary to qualify for the world's only "Arrive & Drive" stock car driving experience for persons with physical disabilities.

Accessible Racing (AR), a non-profit organization, was created by Brian Hanaford and Peter Ruprecht, to help the newly disabled begin developing driving skills using the VXP virtual driving simulator. Once they master the virtual world, drivers can transition seamlessly to real world applications. AR provides the only NASCAR-style racecar modified for wheelchair users, and features an accessible driver's door that opens to 90 degrees. The car also includes specialty features such as dual seats, low resistant steering, hand control brakes and gas pedals, and an instructor's side brake and steering for safety.

Accessible Racing board member and driving instructor Ian James Brown is a Wounded Warrior and experienced piloting jets at speeds of over 600 MPH and now has a license to drive Accessible Racecar's competitively. Ian was on-hand to share his experiences with other Wounded Warriors that helped him adjust to life after being paralyzed in the line of duty. In addition, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs has expressed interest in incorporating the VXP in all three of their New Jersey homes.

Mobility freedom may be driving the racecar for some, for others it may be regaining the freedom to drive to the corner store for a loaf of bread or pick the kids up from soccer practice after work, but for all mobility is something purposeful that we would like to give back. Please contact us for more information and feel proud to support a great cause, www.accessibleracing.com