Hi everyone, Can anyone out there help? I have a freind who has a benign tumour on his brain which could cause him to have fits if it were not controlled by medication. He has had this condition for several years and currently runs a very successful computer consultancy business. Prior to the discovery of this condition he was a very eager "petrolhead" seeking speed and excitement in fast powerful cars which he owned in succession but since then of course he has relinquished his licence and therefore is not allowed to drive. He misses the thrill of driving fast cars and would dearly love to have a go again. Does anyone have any ideas of where he can get a session of some sort on a track maybe. I assume that it would have to be somewhere quiet away from the general public. Maybe some race driving tuition school would do this, does anybody know? I would gladly let him drive my car on a track if it were possible. Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas which may help him.
Malc Jones

I thought that all the track sessions required a license, so you may struggle.

If I think of anything though I will let you know.

Thanks Tim, Yes, I somehow gathered that would be the case. Honestly, where's their sence of adventure Eh!!!
I just wondered that given the guys background that he obviously can drive and his medical condition is pretty well controlled, racetrack tutors may be able to arrange some sort of private session with minimal risk to anyone.
Thanks for your thoughts on the matter.

Does anyone think that any racetrack people may be approachable given the unusual circumstances.
Malc Jones

I seem to remember a news item about a blind driver who was given instructions on how to steer - can't remember what venue but don't imagine the chap had a valid driving licence.

Thanks for your post Allan7 - Yes, now you mention it I've seen similar programs myself so somehow somewhere there must be an opportunity. Does anybody have any clout with the producer of the "Top Gear" program
Thanks, Malc. Jones

Find a friendly farmer and get permission to use the stubble fields after harvest, buy an mot failure BMW or something else rwd. It'll cost £200 max and he'll have one of the best laughs ever, so will you Learn to drift at 30-50 mph, do doughnuts, handbrake turns anything you like. I grew up on it If you were in my area you'd be welcome

Thanks for the thought and the offer, The Other Tim, I'll bear it in mind
Malc

Malc, there's enough space here to approach 100mph on the rough Its like having your own Autocross circuit but bigger

I would guess that most of the circuits wouldn't go very long without mentioning the phrase "risk assessment".

Maybe an option is to make it a sponsored event, or get the media involved.

Shame that "Jim'll fix it" isn't about!

I'm told that taking blind people out in dual-control cars used to be a regular occurence on the runway at BAe Samlesbury. Unfortunately I couldn't get any more info than that. No idea why it stopped or who arranged it but it might be worth contacting some of the disability support groups. He might not fall into any of their neat little boxes but his situation is pretty similar in that he can't safely drive on the public highway but with a little assistance (by the sounds of it very little) he could do it in a controlled area.

Iain

I've had a word with a disabled friend who does scuba diving and has just done a tandem sky dive (he is usually in a wheel chair).
He does drive but an adapted car, he has tried various places for adapted cars on a track without success, however he feels that if you explain to the people the history they MAY be sympathetic and do an individual assessment and make a decision after that. Only a maybe.
He also said that there is a private group that cater for disabled people at the following motorsportsendeavor.com
(not sure I spelt it right but try it).
They organise go karting events and the such, they went to the Mclaren mercedes F1 base yesterday for a look round (saw engines been tested and the like) and they often organise such events, it is funded by those that want to go to these sorts of places as they get no help from government or local authorities. So if your friend wanted to go karting he would pay his portion of the cost.
Basically try the first option and if that doesn't work maybe join in with the other one.
Good luck.

Thanks for that info, A nice lady called Helen Bret at Donington Park was very sympathetic to my cause but no matter how persuasive we tried to be the instructers were each absolutely adamant that no one goes on the track without a current driving lecence that they have held for at least one year. Thanks for the other info
Malc Jones

It seems a bit OTT are'nt there some classes you can race in before you're 17 ie no driving licence I believe there's a class for juniors in grasstrack.

It seems to be the tarmac race circuits that insist on the licence.

Can abyndoy tlel me whree the selpl cehekcr is on tihs seytsm?

Malc, Are the circuits the problem or the instructors