'Thumbs Up' For Hand-Controlled Karts

AKA press release

The Southern Go-kart Club’s new hand controlled go-karts were given the ‘thumbs up’ by a group of physically disabled drivers at the Bolivar Raceway, near Adelaide, yesterday.

Designed for use by drivers who have minimal use of their lower body and legs the hand controlled karts are believed to be the first karts in Australia to use an FIA approved steering wheel and throttle mechanism.

Above: Dale Elliott traded his wheelchair for a different set of wheels yesterday
(Pic: photowagon.com.au)

Former commercial pilot Dale Elliott, who suffered a spinal injury during a motorcycle accident six years ago, was one of four drivers to put the 100cc karts through their paces during yesterday’s unveiling.

“All day long I’m pushing wheels, this time the wheels were pushing me around – it was awesome,” said Elliott.

“Prior to my accident I’d had a go on a dirt track at Morgan and also had a spin on the hire karts, so to be able to get back behind the wheel was a great feeling.

Above: Elliott gives the hand controlled karts the thumbs up
(Pic: photowagon.com.au)

“I’d always been keen getting an adrenaline rush, I love my snowboarding and sky diving as well, but all of that stopped when I fell off a motorbike six years ago. Even though I’m in a wheelchair that side of my brain is very active but until now I haven’t had an avenue to release my desire for speed.

“An opportunity like this is a great way of building confidence for wheelchair bound people and also an opportunity for younger physically disabled people to learn car control skills at an early age."

Southern Go-Kart Club President Dave Kissock was delighted with the feedback provided by yesterday’s drivers.

“It was great to see these guys get behind the wheel, they all seemed to have a ball The aim is for one day, soon, have a physically disabled person regularly competing in our great sport,” said Kissock.

Yesterday’s unveiling of the hand-controlled karts will be a part of the lead up to the 2008 City of Adelaide Titles to be held at the venue this weekend.

The City of Adelaide Titles is one of the longest running blue ribbon events in Australian karting. With over $6,000 of cash and prizes up for grabs in the two ‘Pro’ categories for Junior and Senior drivers the racing will be full of action across the weekend.

The Bolivar Raceway is located on Summer Road, Bolivar. Racing will be held from 9am on both Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free for spectators.

Above: Yesterday’s unveiling of the hand-controlled karts will be a part of the lead up to the 2008 City of Adelaide Titles to be held at the venue this weekend
(Pic: photowagon.com.au)

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