Making NASCAR History
By Sports 'N Spokes, Vol. 29, No. 2, p. 32Publication Date: March 2003
Article discusses how Ray Paprota became the first racecar driver with paraplegia when he competed in the National Association for Stock Car Racing Goody’s Dash Series Georgia Pacific 150 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on October 25, 2002. Paprota, who was paralyzed to a 1984 motor-vehicle accident, modified his car with hand controls that allow him to compete against other veteran racers. He worked with HiTech Mobility, a custom durable medical equipment company in Hueytown, Alabama, who help him create a system that utilizes pneumatic cylinders to actuate the brake and clutch pedals and a cable-operated throttle for the gas. Paprota pushes a button on the transmission shifter in order to dictate how quickly his clutch is released, allowing for smooth acceleration. His racing standings and performances are briefly outlined.
Published by: PVA Publications (Website:http://www.pvamagazines.com)
Paralyzed Veterans of America (Web Site: http://www.pva.org )
