Press Release:
World Blind Speed Record Attempt (Motorcycle)
16
March 2006
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World Record Resists First Assault
The worlds fastest motorcycle speed record BLINDFOLDED, set at 265.33km/hr by Blind Billy 'the Whiz' Baxter of England, withstood a concerted effort by motorcycle stunt rider David Russell on the salt lakes of South Australia last week. Battling rough and dusty terrain in the South Australian interior to even reach the salt lake was the first hurdle. One hundred and fifty km of dirt road, covered with fine dust and dotted with cattle grids led to the first sight of the pristine white salt flats. Three days of stifling heat, unsatisfactory track conditions and unforseen hold-ups resulted in only three sighted runs on the main track. Frustration among the officials and other competitors led to the most important test run being cancelled, and ended hopes of coming home with a record.
Shortcomings in the helmet communications also became evident at these speeds - conditions far exceeding their design criteria. Imagine travelling blind at over 240km/hr and not being able to hear instructions! After many successful
unsighted test runs at the World Superbike event at Phillip Is, and
the test track at Lake Gairdner, there is no doubt that given the correct
venue the record is within reach. Some minor modifications to communications
equipment should fix that problem. The hunt is now on for a suitable
airstrip - look out Blind Billy! The record attempt is supported by the following sponsors:
Richard
Suter
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After
two runs exceeding 150mph (240km/hr) it became obvious that salt is
not the right surface to be riding on unsighted. The blindfolded rider
must be confident that any steering input will have a predictable result
- on two occasions even when sighted steering corrections were unable
to be made due to the vagaries of the salt surface.Copyright (c) 2006 Integrated Digital Systems Development Industries
ABN: 79 7339 23722