United Spinal Association Invites Members and Non-Members to Participate in Florida’s Solo II Regional Autocross Event; Fee Waived For All Disabled Drivers
Orlando, Florida––On June 2, driver enthusiasts will converge on Sebring International Raceway for the Solo II Regional Autocross event presented by Central Florida Region Sports Car Club of America (SCAA). A partner and participant in the competition, United Spinal is a national disability rights organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries and disorders. The partnership is part of United Spinal’s new “Motorsports” campaign, a nationwide initiative to encourage people with disabilities to learn about the variety of adaptive automotive controls and participate in competitive motorsports. The program also seeks to cultivate partnerships within the automotive industry to help raise awareness about spinal cord injuries and disorders.
“Whoever has never done this before, it’s over the top,” said Rick Balderson, regional executive of the Central Florida Region SCCA. “It’s the place where somebody with no experience can come and get instruction on car control no matter their ability.”
Autocross emphasizes the driver’s ability and the car’s handling characteristics. Drivers are timed as they maneuver through a paved course designated with traffic cones in a low-hazard location. Autocross car competitions are not wheel-to-wheel racing but time trial events. Many novice drivers benefit greatly from participating in autocross.
“When competing in Solo, it’s just you against the clock,” said Bill Hannigan, director of United Spinal’s Sports & Recreation Department. “Disability is no longer in the equation.”
Peter Keane, United Spinal member and SCCA Racing board member, will be holding novice clinics for people with disabilities. Keane is a top driver who finishes on the pole and has been competitive since 1989. There will also be representatives on hand giving tips for first-time autocross participants. Individuals with disabilities can participate in the event for free. All participants are required to bring a car to compete in; drivers with disabilities also need to bring their hand controls. A helmet and instructor will be provided at the event.
For more information about the Solo II Regional AutoCross event, please call Rick Balderson at 407.310.4397 or email rickbalderson@yahoo.com. You may also visit www.cfrscca.org.
For more information about United Spinal’s Motorsports program, please visit www.unitedspinal.org or call 800.404.2898, ext. 268. Inquiries can also be e-mailed to motorsports@unitedspinal.org.
ABOUT UNITED SPINAL ASSOCIATION:
United Spinal is committed to providing expertise, creating access to resources and strengthening hope, thereby enabling people with spinal cord injuries and disorders to fulfill their potential as active members of their communities. Guided by the belief that the benefits of athletic competition are no different for athletes with disabilities than for the able-bodied, the Association also sponsors a wide variety of wheelchair recreational and adaptive sports programs. Membership in United Spinal is free and open to all individuals with spinal cord disabilities. For more information, please visit www.unitedspinal.org or call our toll-free number, 800.404.2898.