Blind Driver is Speed King

Manchester Evening News - Page 17 - 14th August 2003 - Amy Caulfield

Mike Newman has roared into the history books - by setting a 144mph new world land speed record for the blind.

Mike was alone behind the wheel of the £58,000 super-charged 155mph Jaguar XJR 4.2 during the successful bid to beat the 141mph previous record at an old aerodrome at Elvington, York, yesterday.

Mr Newman, 41, a bank manager from Sale, carried out his brave bid to raise money for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

In an emotional celebration, in which he hugged his wife Kristen, 15-year-old daughter Becky, son Sam, 13, and guide dog Ross, Mr Newman said it felt "fantastic" to have broken the record.

"I'm so happy. This car is top. I love it and I'm going to cry when I give it back. It goes like the clappers," he said.

Spectators watched Mr Newman drive the car loaned by dealers Mead of Bolton, in extremely windy conditions at an average speed of 144.75mph over two runs.

He reached 142.8mph on his first run, driving into the wind on the 1.9mph long runway.

He was in constant radio contact with his stepfather, also named Mike Newman, who followed at a distance and gave him directions and advice.

Mr Newman senior, 48, said: "He's had to work really hard. He's done really well."

Wife Kristen added: "I don't know what he's going to come up with next and that's the worrying part.

"I'm very proud of him, although I've never sat as a passenger in a car with him, especially at nearly 150mph."

Nr Newman hopes to raise up to £5,000 for Guide Dogs for the Blind and his next ambition is to break the 89mph motorbike speed record for a blind driver on a a circuit.

He said: "It will involved going round bends and corners. That will be a serious challenge."