SPECIAL SANDOWN HOT LAPS

VIC V8S along with the Warrandyte Lions Club will create some lifelong memories by taking the vision impaired and their families for hot laps around the iconic Sandown Raceway this Sunday, July 14.

Across eight race cars including XV, VF, VT Commodores, more than 100 vision impaired people will get a memorable ride.

Whilst the cars are limited to 100km/h it is still a special experience for both the driver and passenger.

The event is called “In The Drivers Seat” and has been running for around 25 years.

“Some are totally blind or impaired so they like to touch and feel the cars. It is a good feeling for them and also for us to see them enjoy it so much,” Vic V8s treasurer Arthur van Orsouw said.

“We put them in the passenger seat, strap them in for a couple of hot laps.

“It is a great day out and the passengers and our members love it.

“Last year we had about eight race cars but we also have other cars too like fun cars. Some of them have an SS Commodore or Camaro that is really quick.

“We have a variety of cars and will have at least six race cars, so it should be a great day.”

In addition to hot laps, some will also get the chance to get behind the wheel themselves and work with driving instructors.

At a recent running of the “In The Drivers Seat” event, Jathleen Hammond got to drive a car for the first time in a decade and loved it.

“This means I get to do something I don’t normally get to do. Something that all my friends get to do everyday,” she said at the time. 

“I’ve only got 20 to 15 percent vision left. I’m not allowed to go get my licence, I’m not allowed to go work or anything like that, so today it’s a great day, I get to go driving.”

It will be held from 9.00-14.00 AEST this Sunday with other car and motorcycle clubs also present.

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