Disabled drivers hit top speed thanks to Kwik Fit and Pirelli

Physically and mentally disabled drivers will be hitting the racetrack on fresh rubber after Kwik Fit and Pirelli Tyres teamed up to support the charity, Speed of Sight.

The charity offers a unique service for physically and mentally disabled people who are unable to drive on the road to enjoy the experience on a racetrack. All cars have been specially designed and adapted with dual controls and two steering wheels to provide people aged 7-90 with a life changing experience they would otherwise have no access to. 

Three of the charity’s bespoke cars, two Caterhams and a Jaguar XJR, were fitted with new Pirelli tyres by the team at the Kwik Fit centre in Chorley Road, Manchester and are now ready to hit tracks up and down the country.

Speed of Sight was set up four years ago by Mike Newman - who has been blind since birth – and his friend John Galloway. Mike always dreamed of becoming a race car driver and currently holds land, air and water world speed records for the blind.

He said: “I have always wanted to be a racing driver despite being born blind.

“My disability has never held me back and I wanted to help others enjoy an experience they never thought they would get. It’s also great to give this back to people who have lost their sight later in life as driving is always something people who have lost their sight say they miss the most.

“Speed of Sight allows people to get out and experience driving with the assistance of our trained racing drivers on a track and off the road. All of our vehicles need to be adapted in a certain way and we often have difficulty sourcing the correct tyres for them.

“I would like to thank Kwik Fit and Pirelli Tyres for their generosity and for ensuring we got the correct tyres and also fitting them for us. Without the support of businesses like Kwik Fit and Pirelli, Speed of Sight would not exist.”

Kwik Fit communications director, Roger Griggs, said: “We are delighted to have been able to support the fantastic work Speed of Sight does across the UK.  People really rely on them to deliver an experience they thought they would never get and we wish the team every success as they continue to deliver this unique service with their new Pirelli tyres and let drivers test their skills to the limit.”