World Driving Challenge

Short Summary

I NEED YOUR HELP TO RAISE $1,500 FOR OUR NEXT DISABLED NASCAR DRIVING EXPERIENCE! 

My name is Brian Hanaford, Co-founder and President of Accessible Racing. I grew up in an auto racing family and choose a different path in life.  Running became my passion and I won the state Junior Olympic mile championship in 1978.  A car accident resulted in a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) that changed the course of my life.  After years of recovery and emotional distress, I decided to modify a racecar to assist the physically challenged. Seeing the look on other disabled peoples’ faces when they took a ride in my NASCAR racecar was a life changing experience for me. Improving somebody’s quality of life in this way is more fulfilling then any self help book or organization I learned of in 30 years.  I want to continue sharing with others what has been a gift from God to me.

Here are a few videos showing how Accessible Racing has helped disabled civilians and veterans over the years:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=V-TebTMfdak

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=kQzjdGa67UQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=E91HDaLrODE

The Accessible Racing NASCAR driving experience provides an exciting and therapeutic experience that helps disabled individuals rediscover their capabilities.  It opens up the possibilities in their lives after an accident, illness or injury. 

Accessible Racing has been featured in numerous high profile news stories covering our disabled driving experiences.  SPEED Associate Producer Justin Burnett was honored with a 2012 Russ Catlin Award for his Veteran's Day 2011 feature on Accessible Racing that ran as part of the popular program, NASCAR Race Hub.  "For me, this piece crystallizes everything that makes racing, and sports in general, great", said Burnett, "Far away from the bright spotlight of a NASCAR race weekend, Accessible Racing is using their passion for racing as a vehicle for inspiration and change.”

What We Need and What You Get

We need $1,500 to launch our next NASCAR Disabled Driving Experience at Rockingham Speedway in February 2013.  The $1,500 will be used to publicize the event, attract disabled participants from the civilian and military veterans’ communities, and fund sponsorship efforts.   Up to 50 civilians and veterans with disabilities will have the opportunity to drive or ride in our NASCAR race car at this event.  Significant efforts are required from multiple individuals and sponsoring organizations to deliver an event of this magnitude.  Your contribution is vital to fuel our “Race to Rockingham 2013“!!!

Here is what you get:

$25 Membership card includes discounts on road side assistance, on-line shopping at all major retail outlets, and more!

$49 Membership card above and Accessible Racing team polo shirt.

$99 Membership card, Accessible Racing Polo Shirt, access to iRacing.com and world leading software providing incentive rewards such as driving a KART, NASCAR or INDY car at participating race courses across USA, Canada, and UK.     

$500 participate as a race team member at our NASCAR Disabled Driving Experience at Rockingham Speedway in February 2013, PLUS all of the above. 

What the Funds Will Be Used For

$500 for sponsorship sales packages (these will be used to raise approximately $10,000 in further sponsorship for transportation, fuel, food, film production, insurance, legal, accounting, etc.)

$1,000 for social media, PR and website advertising

Product and Services Already Committed

We have received substantial commitment already for our “Race to Rockingham 2013”, including:

Accessible Racing’s adapted NASCAR race car 

Rockingham Speedway, the home to Andy Hillenburg's Fast Track High Performance Driving School, and used extensively for NASCAR testing

Goodyear racing tires 

Penske racing shocks

The Impact on Disabled Driving Experience Participants

Rehabilitation professionals recognize the importance of sports and recreation in the successful rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities. When first faced with the reality of a disability, many experience a loss of confidence, depression, and believe their lives have ended. They are often alienated from family and friends because there are no shared positive experiences.  Physical and emotional rehabilitation need to begin in the recovery stage before victims dwell on the mental list of things they can no longer do.   

Sports and recreation offers the opportunity to achieve success in a very short time period; to use this success to build self-confidence and focus on possibilities instead of dwelling on what can no longer be done. The ability to participate in a sport, such as auto racing, snowmobiling, or jet skiing, to name a few, provides the opportunity to reunite with family and friends in a shared activity.

Competition improves sports skills. It allows individuals to experience the excitement of competition and the thrill of victory, as well as the agony of defeat. These experiences help prepare individuals after rehabilitation to face the adversity of a disability in their lives and to learn to bounce back in the face of challenge and change.

Accessible Racing is a media magnet and has been featured multiple times on national TV on Memorial Day Weekend and Veterans Day. Our events bring valuable awareness and media coverage to support disabled civilians and veterans.  Your contribution will help us continue this positive impact!