[Nfbnet-members-list] Dan Parker Completes Successful Run on Bonneville Salt Flats

[Freeh, Jessica]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Chris Danielsen
Director of Public Relations
National Federation of the Blind
(410) 659-9314, extension 2330
(410) 262-1281 (Cell)
<mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org>cdanielsen at nfb.org

Dan Parker Completes Successful Run on Bonneville Salt Flats

National Federation of the Blind Congratulates Blind Motorcyclist

Wendover, Utah (August 27, 2013): 
<http://www.nfb.org/>The National Federation of 
the Blind (NFB) today congratulated Dan Parker, 
who yesterday became the second blind man to 
publicly operate a vehicle independently and the 
first blind man to race at the Bonneville Salt 
Flats.  Parker, an experienced automobile builder 
and racer who lost his sight in a racing accident 
last year, completed a two-mile run on the famed 
Bonneville Salt Flats on a motorcycle he 
constructed himself, reaching an officially 
recorded top speed of 55.331 mph.  Parker 
independently operated the three-wheeled 
motorcycle with the help of a GPS system that 
gave him audible cues in order to help him 
maintain a straight course.  Parker made his run 
as part of the 2013 BUB Motorcycle Speed Trials. 
The National Federation of the Blind is one of 
several sponsors contributing funds and equipment 
to help Parker complete his “Quest for the Salt,” 
and Parker wore leathers with the logos of the 
National Federation of the Blind and its 
<http://www.blinddriverchallenge.org/>Blind 
Driver Challenge™.   Additionally, the 
Federation’s Mark Riccobono, the 
<https://nfb.org/node/1003>first blind person to 
drive a vehicle without the assistance of a 
sighted person, witnessed Dan’s run, which was 
also documented on the <http://www.twitter.com/NFB_voice>NFB’s Twitter feed.

Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National 
Federation of the Blind, said: “We are pleased to 
congratulate Dan on his successful run on the 
Bonneville Salt Flats. Through his own effort, 
determination, and skill, Dan once again 
demonstrated to the public that, given the right 
tools, a blind person can safely and 
independently operate a motor vehicle, and he did 
so at an impressive speed.  The National 
Federation of the Blind is immensely proud to 
have participated in this historic achievement.”

This weekend Dan Parker will have his 
custom-built motorcycle on display in the Star 
Racing Pro Stock Motorcycle pit area of the 
Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, Indiana.


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About the National Federation of the Blind

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is the 
oldest, largest, and most influential nationwide 
membership organization of blind people in the 
United States.  Founded in 1940, the NFB 
advocates for the civil rights and equality of 
blind Americans, and develops innovative 
education, technology, and training programs to 
provide the blind and those who are losing vision 
with the tools they need to become independent 
and successful.  We need your support.  To make a 
donation, please go to <http://www.nfb.org/>www.nfb.org.

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