WORLD SIGHT DAY HERALDS NEW WORLD BLIND LAND SPEED RECORD
14 October 2005 - Speed of Sight

Mike Newman and his Speed of Sight team have rewritten the Guinness Book of World Records, again!

On Tuesday October 11th 2005 at Evington Aerodrome near York, Mike Newman rewrote his World Blind Land Speed Record, driving alone in a BMW M5. The 507hp M5 powered to an average speed of 167.32mph over a measured mile in both directions, being the Guinness criterion for the record. In the process, Mike hit a peak speed of 178.5mph.

After breaking the record, Mike Newman said: ''This is dedicated to the charity VISION 2020: The Right To Sight on World Sight Day. The aim of VISION 2020 is to eradicate the world of preventable and avoidable blindness by the year 2020.''

He continued: ''Not enough is done to help the visual impaired communities around the world. In many cases, increasing the levels of Vitamin A in a child’s diet or a simple cataract operation would transform a life. I hope this record draws increased attention to this very important global issue.''

Mike Newman broke his existing record of 144.7mph (set in a Jaguar in August 2003 at Elvington Aerodrome) in a specially-engineered BMW M5. While the car is normally electronically limited to 155mph, BMW produced a one-off, derestricted car for the record attempt capable of a top speed of 205mph, given a longer distance than available at Elvington. Factory-standard Continental tyres ensured the M5 kept in contact with the runway at all times.

The record was made possible by state-of-the-art computers, communications and microSAT GPS equipment supplied by sponsors Scan Computers, Site Link and Datron Technologies while the project was managed and coordinated by mantado-pr.

www.speedofsight.co.uk

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