Project Track Champion to be part of PMRA, Quick 32 Sportsman Series season opener at Cayuga's TMP

Individuals with disabilities experience real racing action at first PMRA and Quick 32 Sportsman event of 2010 

CAYUGA, ONTARIO (March 17, 2010) – Individuals with disabilities will have an opportunity to ride in a race car on a track for some true racing excitement.

Organized and presented by Voices Unlimited, a self-advocacy group in the Haldimand and Norfolk communities, these individuals will be offered an incredible opportunity to grasp a true sense and feeling of experiencing a ride in a real race car.

A one-of-a-kind, specially-equipped vehicle has been developed and built for those wishing to experience a ride in a race car. This car is part of Project Track Champion, and is a non-competitive, modified vehicle built exclusively for such a purpose. It resembles a real race car but is fitted to allow passengers with or without physical disabilities.

Project Track Champion, recognized as the world’s first non-competitive wheel chair accessible race car, will provide those with a variety of disabilities an opportunity to experience the thrill of being in a real race car at Toronto Motorsports Park on the Cayuga Dragway on the weekend of May 21-23. 

The purpose of the present car is to educate the general public at local and international levels on the importance of being more accessible in our day to day activities. Project Track Champion is not about the physical car, it is about the people that benefit from the experiences in the vehicle and it purpose to heighten awareness of accessibility.

This exciting activity is presented by Voices Unlimited of Haldimand and Norfolk, and is supported by Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, Ontario, the Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA) and the Quick 32 Sportsman Series.

The car was the innovation of project founder and co-ordinator Denny Snider, of the Durham, Ontario area.

What started as a drawing sketched on a notepad several years ago has resulted in the transformation of a Ford Thunderbird into a modified machine boasting a 302 cubic-inch engine, and equipped with performance parts. Safety is paramount in such a vehicle, and the Thunderbird was designed and built with this in mind.

Setting the car apart is its wheelchair passenger accessibility. Its roof has been raised eight inches on the passenger side and the floor dropped four inches on the passenger side to accommodate a wheelchair. It also has an onboard ramp and loading platform.

Project Track Champion features extra seating for support staff or family members allowing them to ride along. The car is equipped with a five-point Q'Straint Wheelchair Securement System with a shoulder strap along with its own First Responder Medical Team.

Project Track Champion is endorsed by Jones Brown Motorsports, Canada's only dedicated motorsport insurance provider, with the most experienced and knowledgeable personnel offering the broadest coverage in Canada.

For more information on Project Track Champion, contact Voices Unlimited at (905) 774-7323 Extension #67.

About Project Track Champion:

Project Track Champion is dedicated to the promotion of accessibility for persons with a disability in the racing environment. Project Track Champion is committed to creating, promoting and securing measures to remove barriers that would normally restrict a person with a disability from having an interactive roll within the racing community and other non-related venues.
Website: www.project-track-champion.com

About Voices Unlimited:

Voices Unlimited are a self advocacy group made up from people in Haldimand and Norfolk.  Their vision is that all people will be treated and respected equally and fairly as all community members.  Their goals are to provide opportunities for people to learn more about their rights, provide training in leadership, empowerment and advocacy skills, to become mentors for others, to work with other self advocate groups to share ideas/ resources, and to teach others in the community about rights, respect, acceptance and inclusion. The group was founded in 2001 and works closely with Community Living Haldimand and Community Living Access Support Services.