The day thirty blind and partially sighted people roared around a racetrack with Speed of Sight.
Speed of Sight wrote, “This is what collaboration looks like. This is what kindness makes possible. And this is what happens when one person’s passion helps open the door for many others.”
Eye Matter would like to say a huge thanks to the Amanda and Martin Port Foundation who kindly sponsored 20 places, to take part in an exclusive Speed of Sight experience on Monday 22nd June, at the Bicester Motion Circuit, Oxfordshire. In a meticulously planned event, thirty visually impaired members accompanied by our fabulous volunteers, were driven from Kings Cross station in a most welcomed air-conditioned coach to this amazing experience.
22nd June 2026, Clive A wrote, “Myself, alongside the other 29 lovely Eye Matter members and volunteers enjoyed a great exhilarating experience with Speed of Sight today. I had heard about Mike, the chap that started Speed of Sight and how he holds the world speed record holder as a blind person, on a motorbike and a car which is 240 mph solo. It was a truly great day and look forward to meeting up again.”
Here we met a host of volunteers both on and off track. At any one time there were four cars on the track enabling us all space to complete our laps. A huge thanks to the team of supportive drivers who included Ralph the Rocket, Stewart and Mat. Safety was paramount, as we were strapped into the bucket seats, wearing balaclavas and crash helmets. Eye Matter was so fortunate that the sun remained shining whilst we all roared around the track for approximately 20 minutes each, in either a racing car, or an all-terrain buggy, supported by an instructor. For some, it gave a sense of past driving memories whilst for others it was their first time behind a wheel.
22nd June 2026, Belinda said, “Have had the most brilliant day, one I’ll remember forever! It was my first time ever behind a wheel of a car. I’ve had a really memorableday with the most amazing bunch of people and wonderful volunteers. Thanks to Eye Matter for giving me this opportunity, it’s something I’ve always wanted to try. By the 3rd lap I was gaining confidence, my instructor Dave was encouraging and helped put me at ease. The set up was brilliant, the volunteers were so friendly and amazing, and they really made the day.”
22nd June 2026, Fiona wrote, “It was 35 years since I was last behind a wheel of a car and today was a fantastic experience for me too.”
23rd June 2026, Chanel wrote, “I just wanted to share my thoughts / experience about the Speed Of Sight Driving Experience. It was absolutely fantastic!!!!! It was my first time ever behind a steering wheel so to experience that was absolutely amazing!! I had a really fantastic time!! Thank you once again for the opportunity!!! Overall, in my experience a 10-10!!!!!!”
Of course, having so many blind drivers in one place attracted the attention of the local BBC Oxfordshire radio and television who interviewed Eye Matter members, Jade and Poolin, about their experiences.
Speed of Sight explained, “For several years, Joseph Port has been part of the Speed Of Sight family a much-loved participant, guest driver and one of our loudest cheerleaders.Joseph is on a mission to raise awareness of Speed Of Sight, while also helping other charities like Eye Matter create unforgettable opportunities for their members. For this special event, Joseph nominated Eye Matter to receive funded driving experiences through the generosity of his family’s Port Foundation.” In this video, we hear from Joseph, Eye Matter founder Suzie Simons, and her visually impaired colleagues as they share their thoughts, emotions and reflections after taking part.
Speed of Sight is a UK charity co-founded by the multiple world record breaking blind racing driver Mike Newman. It provides unique driving experiences for people with disabilities, including visual impairments. Speed of Sight uses specially designed dual-control cars to promote inclusion, independence, and self-esteem through the thrill of driving.
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