Blind driver to race GP circuit
2010-02-05 09:01
Blind Capetonian Hein Wagner is back with the need for more speed. This time Hein and his navigator Ray Wakefield will attempt to race a Grand Prix circuit.
In October of last year Hein claimed the world land speed record for a blind driver, piloting Lolly Jackson’s Mercedes-Benz SL65 Black Series AMG to a 322.5km/h run at Upington’s airport.
New challenges
Now Hein will attempt to lap the legendary (and rather challenging) East London Grand Prix circuit on the 13 February, as part of the Historic SA Motorcycle TT Day of Champions
Initially Hein wanted to run a demonstration lap at this weekend’s opening event of the Springbok series at Killarney, yet found the organizers slightly apprehensive to such an idea.
Fundamentally, the greatest challenge for Hein and Ray will be devising a communication and parameter system which must now factor in many new dynamics. During Hein’s top-speed runs Ray would use a number system to indicate how far left or right of centre his steering was and Hein could correct accordingly.
On a circuit like East London deceleration, turn in and acceleration points will all factor into the equation too.
Boasting the two fastest corners in local motorsport (Potters pass and Rifle range, both taken flat-out), there will be little room for error when Hein and Ray to circuit. At this stage it’s unclear what car they’ll be driving.
Busy guy
Beyond driving, Hein enjoys running. In 2006 he completed the New York City Marathon in 4 hours and 27 minutes. He also performed his first skydive in 2005, from a height of 10 000ft.
He completed a cycling race, the Construction du Cap, as a solo cyclist. Hein also participated in the Cape-to-Rio yacht race and has climbed the ten highest mountains in the Western Cape.
On Hein’s itinerary for the remainder of 2010 is a solo row to Robben Island and across the English Channel and the flying of a Boeing 747-400. Busy guy.
