Page 40 - KCRPCA Sept Oct 2019

40 SEP / OCT 2019 Obviously, Blake requires easy access to the rear seat. His BMW offers a forward/ rear switch on the passenger seat shoulder. Most cars place that switch either on the passenger door or on the outside edge of the passenger seat. Also, a latch located beside the seat adjustment switch releases the seat back so it can be folded forward. How does Blake control the brakes and throttle? After much research, a portable driving aid was located on Amazon. (Do those people have everything or not?) It can be used in a variety of vehicles as it requires no holes cut through the dash. An aluminum horizontal rod is attached to a shaft with plates that rest on the brake and throttle. By pulling, pushing and twisting, Blake is back on the road and in control. Not an easy task, but Blake does it, and does it well. Imagine driving in regular going-to-the grocery store traffic with this contraption. One hand on the steering wheel while the other is manipulating the brake and throttle. Remember trying to pat the top of your head, rub you belly, hop on one leg, and sing Dixie? Difficult for sure, but let’s up the ante. Let’s go out on a road course, zip around with other sporting drivers, and, oh yeah, all this while doing 120 mph on the straights. Perhaps now you might get a taste of Blake’s addiction to speed and his drug, adrenaline. Those years honing his driving skills prior to the accident have allowed him to continue his quest of fun through speed. What is in Blake’s future? A new home, custom built to make life more manageable, is in progress. Beyond enjoying life behind a steering wheel, Blake is searching for more to engage his mind and hands on an everyday routine. Presently wood lathing has captured his interest. There have also been thoughts of putting his experiences down in a book, though Blake says he is no writer, so he could share how he won his battles and perhaps be helpful to others facing similar hurdles. When Blake hit the track for the DE, he said he hadn’t been that happy, that kind of school boy giddy, since before the accident. He believes other impaired men and women would jump at the chance to partake in a DE to feel the self-control and freedom that Blake feels. Even if one could not drive, the experience on track is better than any ride Disney World could ever provide. If you want an example, pull up YouTube’s video of F1 star Lewis Hamilton taking quadriplegic ex F1 driver Frank Williams on a lap of Silverstone or Indy driver Robert Wickens, a paraplegic, driving a custom Acura on a parade lap before the recent Toronto race. So much has occurred in this young man’s life in only 25 years, I think he has earned the time to pause, reset and refocus on what is ahead. There is no doubt in my mind that Blake will move forward with his grit and determination and become even more of a success than he has already been. Remember when you are being passed at the next DE by that white BMW with the handicap plates. There goes Blake, whooping and hollering, grinning from ear to ear, squeezing out every last drop of adrenaline as he enjoys his freedom once again. Hope to see you, and Blake on the road. - Jim