Hein Wagner hails from Cape Town, South Africa. He’s blind but has still managed an amazing list of life accomplishments including the title of land speed record holder for the blind. The man drove over 200 mph on a runway, sightless. His co-driver should have a title as well. Something involving bravery would work.
After having been bit by the straight line bug, Wagner decided that his next vehicular conquest would be to drive a road course. Since there was to be a large racing event held at a Cape Town track known as the Kilarney Circuit in early February, Wagner thought that it would be the perfect place to try a solo hot lap or two. Race organizers were not exactly thrilled about the idea and ultimately shot his quest down.
Undeterred, he found another event being held the following week (actually last weekend) that would allow he and his co-driver to lap the track during the day. We’ve not been able to find a follow up report, and that may be a good thing because if there was a fiery wreck, it would have been front page news.
Interestingly, Wagner was studying the course by using a piece of rope nailed to a board in the shape of the track. By visualizing what he feels by running his hand around the rope he was trying to get a mental picture of what he would need to do in the car.
It’s a cool story that totally puts mundane day to day issues into perspective. It is also a great commentary on just how strong and deep our gearhead urges run. Hein Wagner won’t be denied his shot on the track, and that is pretty cool.
Source — Motoring.iAfrica.com — Blind driver on the track!
