The short version
- Jim Alison, a 95-year-old veteran who lost his license due to macular degeneration, drove at speeds up to 55 mph during a charity event in Wales.
- The Speed of Sight charity uses modified Mazda MX-5s with dual controls and tactile instructor signals to enable blind participants to experience driving.
- Founder Mike Newman established the program to help people regain confidence and enjoyment after being forced to surrender their driving privileges.
A specialized motorsport event in Wales recently enabled visually impaired individuals, including a nonagenarian veteran, to drive cars on a professional circuit. The gathering at Llandow Circuit in the Vale of Glamorgan was organized by Speed of Sight, a charity dedicated to helping people with disabilities experience the thrill of driving. Participants, who had previously surrendered their licenses due to vision loss, took turns behind the wheel of modified vehicles under the close supervision of instructors equipped with dual controls.
Jim Alison, a 95-year-old resident of Abergavenny and former Royal Engineer, was among those who participated. Having worked as a chauffeur in London before his eyesight deteriorated due to macular degeneration, Alison had not driven for five years after being registered blind. During the event, he navigated the track alongside an instructor, reaching speeds of approximately 55 miles per hour on the straightaways. He described the experience as absolutely fantastic, noting that he trusted the instructors implicitly while managing the limited visibility required for such high-speed maneuvers.
The vehicles used in the program are modified Mazda MX-5s, named after guide dogs associated with the charity's founder. These cars feature dual control systems that allow instructors to intervene if necessary. Participants rely on tactile cues rather than visual ones; for instance, one tap on the leg signals acceleration while two taps indicate braking. This system allows drivers to focus on the sensation of speed and wind without the immediate pressure of navigating complex road networks or blind corners.
Mike Newman, who founded Speed of Sight in 2012, was born blind and faced skepticism regarding his passion for motorsports. Despite being told that racing dreams were impossible for someone with no sight, Newman secured several world records for driving before establishing the charity. His motivation stemmed from encounters with many individuals who felt a profound sense of loss after giving up their licenses. He aimed to create an environment where participants could forget daily challenges and rediscover the joy of mobility.
The event attracted participants of various ages and backgrounds, including younger individuals like Harley, a 14-year-old with visual impairment. Harley had previously participated in the program at age ten and returned for a second session. He described the experience as a blur of happiness, excitement, and wonder, emphasizing the adrenaline rush that comes with high-speed travel. For young participants, the event offers a rare opportunity to engage with motorsports in a way that is typically inaccessible due to their disabilities.
Dean Twaite, a 68-year-old former member of the Royal Corps of Transport, also took part in the driving sessions. Twaite lost his sight in an industrial accident and has been without a license since 2007. He admitted feeling frightened initially because he could not see ahead, but praised the instructors for their support. The sensation of wind against his face brought back a sense of freedom and confidence that he found difficult to articulate. Twaite viewed the experience as proof that perceived limitations can be overcome with the right support systems.
Many attendees were repeat participants, jokingly referred to by instructors as offenders who return year after year. The program serves not only as a recreational activity but also as a therapeutic exercise for those who have experienced significant life changes due to vision loss. By placing these individuals in controlled, high-adrenaline environments, the charity aims to demonstrate that enjoyment and empowerment are still possible despite physical limitations.
The event highlights the broader impact of adaptive sports programs on mental well-being. For veterans like Alison and Twaite, who spent decades operating vehicles professionally or recreationally, the loss of driving privileges often correlates with a loss of independence. The Speed of Sight initiative provides a temporary but powerful restoration of that autonomy. As Newman noted, if one can drive on a racetrack, it opens up possibilities for enjoying other aspects of life that might otherwise seem out of reach.
While the event took place on a damp day, conditions did not deter participants from engaging fully with the experience. The circuit near Cowbridge provided a safe environment for these high-speed runs, ensuring that safety protocols were maintained throughout. The success of the program underscores the importance of inclusive activities that challenge societal assumptions about disability and capability. It offers a model for how specialized interventions can restore confidence and joy to those who have faced significant physical setbacks.
Looking ahead, the charity continues to expand its reach, aiming to include more individuals who have been forced to give up their licenses. The feedback from participants suggests that such events have lasting psychological benefits, reinforcing self-worth and challenging internalized narratives of inability. As more people become aware of these opportunities, the potential for broader social impact grows, encouraging a shift in how society views the capabilities of visually impaired individuals.
Sources behind this briefing
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- BBC News↗'Fantastic' moment blind veteran, 95, drives again after giving up licence
