George White, long time crew member for Bobby Allison and President of Speedway Safety Equipment and High Tech Mobility has announced the formation of a racing league geared entirely for the handicapped racers. “This is a civil liberties issue,” stated White. “Several drivers have shown a great deal of interest in this venture and with diversity in racing being such a hot topic, we feel the time is right to give these racers a chance at enhancing their skills and providing them with the chance to realize their dreams.” The International Handicapped Racer’s League, or IHRL, is in it’s early stages of development and has hopes of initially obtain four to five older NASCAR Busch or Winston Cup cars to rebuild and equip each with the hand controls needed. The idea is to outfit the cars with the needed controls while allowing for each team to build and maintain the engines. The IHRL will address all safety issues dealing with their cars and will have it’s own safety committee to coordinate those specific safety issues. Speedway Safety Equipment has personally designed specially adapted head and neck restraints and specially designed body restraints in combination with seats designed by NASCAR legend Brian Butler. It is note worthy that Jerry Nadeau’s car was fitted with Butler seats which aided Nadeau in surviving one of the most violent side impacts ever recorded in NASCAR’s history. Legendary racer Bobby Allison, who personally understands devastating crash injuries, has agreed to be IHRL’s national spokesperson. Exhibition style races, 25 laps or so, is the current planned format much likeà IROC races. This will not only provide exciting competition for the drivers and fans alike, but, will assist as a stepping stone for these drivers to move into other racing series. Ray Paprotta, a paraplegic driver from Alabama, will be a one of the drivers in the IHRL. Ray has competed in two Goody’s Dash events this season as a teammate to Danny Bagwell. Goody’s Dash fans have welcomed Paprotta with open arms, giving him standing ovations at driver introductions. Paprotta has plans to compete in at least two additional Dash events this season. More info and contact info – email/phone at Catchfence .(5-24-2003)
