Dan Parker lost his vision in a horrific drag-racing wreck in 2012. On Aug. 26, Parker became the first blind person to independently drive a motorcycle during the annual speed trials at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. He talked about his experience with the Ledger-Enquirer's Mark Rice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKmnNwVOGp0

 

Blind speed record holder: Dan Parker
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDwtYhvXlIE

"I'm not a blind man trying to race. I'm a racer who went blind." ~Dan Parker

As many of you know, March 31, 2012 I was in an accident that forever changed my life. So much has happened since then and I've exceeded specialists expectations in my recovery. I want to start by thanking everyone that have helped me through my healing, and to all who have contributed to my dream of being the first blind man to race the Bonneville Salt Flats……It’s always been a dream of mine to race on the Salt. After the accident, I thought that dream was over. Then it came to me one night in bed that I could do this. Losing my eyesight did not have to stop my goals and dreams.
My land-speed trike is a specially constructed configuration using an Aprilia 50cc motor and a 20mm Lectron carburetor. I've designed the frame and bent the tubes myself using bump dots on my tubing bender and friends have helped with the welding.

My journey is not over. I plan to return to the Salt and have many plans in the works. All of you know someone who is disabled whether it be a disability from birth, progressing through the years, or a tragic accident. We don't want to be seen as disabled but an individual who has talents and has to use a little ingenuity.