The Dream of Racing

Hi everyone my name is Nick. I'm new to the forum and wasn't sure where to post this. I am 26 and in college. Back in 2004 I had a stroke that left me paralyzed and in a wheelchair with no feeling in my legs. That day forth I told myself that I can do anything I set my mind to and I'm sticking to that. I have been in a automotive shop since I was little and worked for my grandfather for many years at his shop. I love working on cars and want to pursue a dream of racing cars. I've been having a lot of trouble finding the right organization or club to get involved in. Trying to see if there is a entry level track or auto cross racing in Northern Virginia. If anyone can answer any of these questions it would mean a lot to me. I appreciate the time your taking to read this just need a little direction. Thanks

Great to have you aboard Nick, there are plenty of knowledgeable people around here.

My .02cents worth, is join your local SCCA or NASA and get involved, from officially to wrenching, everyone needs help.

If you were closer I would ask you to join us, I bet someone closer will invite you along

Do you currently have a car set up for your use? if so what is it?

See your other thread, come out and get to know some people and the path will become clear.

Welcome aboard Nick!

Welcome, Nick, good to have you here.

There is a gentleman here who has a highly-developed Miata autocross car with an automatic transmission and hand controls. The car is white with blue stripes. I am very embarrassed to admit I forget his name at the moment, though. However, once somebody smarter than me points you in his direction, I'm sure he can help.

The gentleman Duke is referring to is mthomson22, I think.

Oh, and welcome Nick.

There is always a way to get involved (and successful) in motorsports.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bootie_Barker

Great attitude.

Many years ago, I heard of a guy that used to race karts (go-karts) with a hand control system.

I think I vaguely remember reading about a car w/o foot controls on Corner Carvers. Might want to look into that.

Hi Nick...glad to have you.

I know there was an autocross driver from the Chicago area several years back that had a chair and used hand-controls in his autocross Corvette (was a C4 vintage in street-prepared trim as I recall)...I'll try and dig up some intel for you.

I know a guy who is also in a WC. He used to race here in the Midwest using hand controls. He still runs A/X's but no longer races. He used cars with an auto trans and they are just not competitive in road racing in IT trim. He still comes to our races and usually works grid as chief. I have worked with him on many occasions helping him in grid.