Accessible Racing and SpeedwayEXPO are bringing the world of short-track
racing to physically challenged individuals. Accessible Racing will debut
its new 'Arrive & Drive' program at SpeedwayEXPO--a real-time,
internet-based simulated-racing competition with equipment adapted for use
by persons with disabilities. Physically challenged participants at
SpeedwayEXPO will have the chance to qualify to drive a specially adapted
race car on an area oval track in June.
The simulator system at SpeedwayEXPO is based on the popular
iRacing software platform and a specialized driving module. "Most racing
simulators require the use of pedals to drive the car," explains Brian
Hanaford, president of Fairfield, New Jersey-based, non-profit Accessible
Racing. "Our platform uses modified hand and wheel controls, which allows
persons who do not have the use of their legs to compete in sim racing."
The Accessible Racing simulator will be available for use
throughout show hours, and participants will be able to qualify for the
chance to win a spot driving the world's only 'Arrive & Drive' race car
modified with hand and wheel controls at the Loon Mountain Driver Skills
School and at White Mountain Motorsports Park under the lights on June 26,
2009.
Video therapy is a being increasingly used for rehabilitation
therapy for patients recovering from strokes, broken bones, and combat
injuries. Arrive & Drive is the first application involving the exciting
world of race car driving.
On February 26th, the day before the opening of the SpeedwayEXPO,
Accessible Racing will bring its racing simulator to Shriners Hospitals for
Children in Springfield, MA. This visit will provide children with
orthopaedic conditions the opportunity to operate the simulator, taking the
sim car for a few laps around the track.
Von Brinker (left), Lee Perry (right)
and the Accessible Racing Car in the pits at the Pep Boys 500 at the Atlanta
Motor Speedway.
For information on Accessible Racing, contact Brian
Hanaford at 603-726-6477 or
brianhanaford@aol.com, or visit
www.accessibleracing.com. For information on Shriners Hospitals for
Children, contact Bernadette White at 413-735-1291 or
bwhite@shrinenet.org.
Coupons ($5 off) for discount admission to SpeedwayEXPO are
available at more than 160 participating Sunoco dealers throughout New
England. Tickets can also be purchased in advance to save $5 off the price
at the gate ($16 for adults, children 10 and under free). These money-saving
tickets are available at 978-465-9099 x 103 or online at SpeedwayEXPO.com.
Produced by Speedway Illustrated Magazine and sponsored by Sunoco,
SpeedwayEXPO will be at the Big E, in West Springfield, MA, Feb. 27 - March
1, 2009. It is the largest event for drivers, teams, tracks, and racing
vendors in the Northeast. SpeedwayEXPO will launch the 2009 racing season
with more than 200 new race cars and old favorites, and hundreds of exhibits
for drivers, crews, and fans from a dozen states and Canada. Thousands of
enthusiasts pack more than 130,000 square feet of exhibit space to take part
in seminars and demonstrations; see retailers of racing gear and
memorabilia; and meet today's and yesterday's racing celebrities.
For the latest information on SpeedwayEXPO presented by Sunoco and
to sign up to receive the free SpeedwayEXPO '09 E-newsletter, visit
SpeedwayExpo.com.
SpeedwayEXPO
The Big E - West Springfield, MA
Friday, February 27..........5:00pm - 9:00pm
Saturday, February 28......10:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday, March 1..............10:00am - 5:00pm
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