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Blind And Racing His Motorcycle On The Bonneville Salts

Published by Cyril Huze August 27th, 2013 in Builders, Editorial and Events.

blind1blind2In Bonneville, Dan Parker is making history by being the 1st ever blind person to race a motorcycle on the Salts of Utah. 43-year old Parker, a race car pilot, lost his sight 17 months ago in an accident. With no intention to go faster than other participants, he spent last weekend getting a feel of the salts, riding his 3-wheeler motorcycle on a separate track.

Before arriving in Bonneville, Parker did some training on an airport runway, testing his equipment and instructions he receives through his helmet from his supporting crew.

His No. 214 racing motorcycle was almost entirely built by himself. On it, a GPS and a tiny computer linked to his assistance team and receiving instructions while collecting all parameters of each run. To follow the track, Dan Parker steers by sounds coming from his helmet earphones. Sound gets louder if deviation from track centerline increases.

Parker’s racing efforts in Bonneville are sponsored by the National Federation of the Blind. During the weekend he completed tests on the track, reaching speeds of 35/40 mph. Then, like it is done for all participants, he had his motorcycle inspected by the AMA officials to be authorized to race on Monday morning. A first historic record during the 2013 Bonneville BUB Trials.

17 Comments

17 Responses to “Blind And Racing His Motorcycle On The Bonneville Salts”

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  1. 1 CHOPMONSTER66 Aug 27th, 2013 at 9:45 am

    This is great , A man that is not going to let any limitation stop him from what he wants to do!!! Dan wish you all the best !!!!

  2. 2 takehikes Aug 27th, 2013 at 10:08 am

    He’s already a better rider than I am for even attempting it. Go for it!

  3. 3 Lyle Landstrom Aug 27th, 2013 at 10:14 am

    Wow, what an inspiration. That’s one strong guy that won’t let what would be devestating to most of us, ruin his life. There’s no way I could do that blind.

  4. 4 richard Aug 27th, 2013 at 10:19 am

    WOW! This guy is special.

  5. 5 Dar - Brass Balls Cycles Aug 27th, 2013 at 11:38 am

    Awesome!

  6. 6 Rodent Aug 27th, 2013 at 11:53 am

    Great inspiration !

  7. 7 Devil's Plaything Aug 27th, 2013 at 11:55 am

    Wishing you ALL THE BEST!!!!

  8. 8 Dave Blevins Aug 27th, 2013 at 5:27 pm

    Definitely the most interesting motorcycle news of the week! Good luck sir!

  9. 9 Drive The Wheels Off Aug 27th, 2013 at 6:27 pm

    Double thumbs Up, man!

    (Hopefully you have a tablet app that is reciting these well wishes to you)

  10. 10 DAYTONA DONNY Aug 28th, 2013 at 9:13 am

    GOD’S SPEED TO ALL THOSE ON THE SALT

  11. 11 burnout Aug 28th, 2013 at 9:51 am

    I know Dan and sadly had no idea the he is now blind. GO MAN!! peace

  12. 12 Freedomlaw Aug 28th, 2013 at 11:32 am

    May God bless and thank you brother for your inspiration.

  13. 13 Steve The Producer Johann Aug 28th, 2013 at 3:21 pm

    This should be headline news at least make it to the morning TV talk Show circuit as being a true inspiration to all of us.

    My prayers are with you Dan for safe ride.

  14. 14 martin twofeather Aug 28th, 2013 at 7:04 pm

    I wish him the best and the best ride ever!

  15. 15 rags Aug 28th, 2013 at 9:04 pm

    thats awesome,just got back from week on salt,you can get lost with both eyes open,congrats to ya dan

  16. 16 Bean're Aug 29th, 2013 at 6:17 am

    an inspiration to us all!

  17. 17 Harlan Schiilinger Sep 2nd, 2013 at 3:05 pm

    Bravo…Ride on. insperational.

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Cyril Huze