Dan Parker Completes Successful Run on Bonneville Salt Flats

National Federation of the Blind Congratulates Blind Motorcyclist

WENDOVER, Utah, Aug. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- 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 Blind Driver Challenge™.   Additionally, the Federation's Mark Riccobono, the first blind person to drive a vehicle without the assistance of a sighted person, witnessed Dan's run, which was also documented on the NFB's Twitter feed.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120815/MM57966LOGO )

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.

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 www.nfb.org.

SOURCE National Federation of the Blind