On behalf of myself and my coworkers at the Cerebral Palsy League, a very sincere thank you for all the efforts you and your staff performed in coordinating an absolutely outstanding and memorable program and event. I do not have adequate words to express how impressed all of us were with your work. The Accessible Racing event which we attended and participated in was inspiring. To see how dramatically is has affected and changed the lives of those you serve is clearly impressive and remarkable. The opportunities you have provided and given to people, to experience and achieve their dreams and goals, has enhanced their lives abundantly. I along with my coworkers and student and his family were deeply honored to have been part of this life changing experience. All of your hard work, planning and devotion has inspired us all. A sincerely thank you for your effortless devotion into enhancing the lives of others. With much gratitude and sincere thanks,
Jacki Powers

Magic in the Mountains 2-day Accessible Racing Event. Friday - Owen and Ryan drove 10 or so laps around the track in the driver's seat! Saturday - first went to the pits and visited some racers, then on to a box to view the Nascar Race in Louden, NH! A wonderful inspiring time that will be etched in Owen and Ryan's minds for a long time to home. Forever grateful -
Trinka Callaghan Russell

I am a 37 year old C5-6 incomplete Quad and have been injured for 18 years as the result of a drunken driving accident. After my accident I played Quad Rugby. I graduated college, Co-Owned a business and I current reside in Norwich Town, CT where I own my own house. I am the President of the National Spinal Injury Association Connecticut Chapter and have volunteered with the Chapter for the past 17 years. I work for The Home Depot and have been employed there for 8 years as a Sales Associate. I have spent many of nights dreaming about driving a race car and my dream was fulfilled in New Hampshire at White Mountain Motor Speedway. The experience was mind blowing and the sense of feeling alive was "priceless." I didn't hesitate to drive the race car on that day and I would do it again in a heartbeat. There is nothing you can substitute for that feeling, I don't care how fast you fly down the highway or drive on city streets. For one day my concentration was on something that once strapped in with a fire suit and helmet didn't involve a disability it only involved the fulfillment of a "dream." Even though there was a passenger when I was racing around that track for 25 laps it was just me and that car, living in the moment, in my own world truly feeling "alive." How many people, disabled or not, have ever taken a chance to feel that raw emotion?
Jeff Dion

I was an airplane mechanic working in Salisbury, MD for a commuter airline when I crashed my Kawasaki 750. Moved back to Wheeling, WV where I grew up and went back to school for computer programming and later landed a job with the Social Security Admin here in Baltimore, have been there for 20 years. When I first got hurt I did a lot of road racing and track competitions, then when I moved to Baltimore I jointed the N.W.B.A. and played for various Baltimore teams for around 10 years. Also jointed USSA and started ski racing in 1990, went to 3 nations and had a few podium finishes. Other sports I like to do include bike riding, kayaking and some trap shooting and hopefully some more time with Accessible Racing. I had been searching the internet for a race car driving experience, and there are plenty of them out there, but not for the disabled. None of them would even answer my e-mail asking about hand controls. So when somebody sent me an e-mail that had Accessible Racing's website listed I signed up right away and it was everything I thought it would be - a blast! I think I could be really good at driving that car with more experience.
Kit Nugent

I have a long story to tell regarding Mr. Newman and myself. I have attempted to write a few times over the last three years, but end up deleting each letter.
I was involved in a very serious motorcycle accident on March 19, 2006 in Marathon Key. I nearly lost my life and spent a month in a Miami hospital. Mr. Newman happened to be on the road traveling that day with a Dr. friend, I believe they had been fishing and were headed for dinner. I was hit head on and his friend came to my rescue and saved my life. During my hospital stay, Mr. Newman phoned me to check on me. He asked a number of questions and wished me well. He never once let on to who he was other than he was there that day. My Dr. told me the following day who the phone call had been from, and I was very much surprised and thankful that he took the time to inquire about me. I lost my left leg in that accident along with some other serious injuries. It took me awhile to get better, both mentally and physically. Shortly after my accident a year or so, I was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer and fought that for the next year. In the meantime I heard of Mr. Newmans passing. I cried at the fact that he had died of cancer, cancer that I was fighting at that very moment. But I was also sorry that I had never had the opportunity to tell him how much his call had meant to me.
I have since become aware of an awesome group that needs help promoting its cause. They are called Accessible Racing and have a website. I know that this may not be passed a long to the right person to read, hope that it does. Please deliver this thank you and if you could at least look into Accessible Racing, which is for people with hand controls I would be forever grateful.
Ruthie Kutil Metzler
Dexter, NY

I think that what you guys are doing is amazing, more than equipment, but also the inspiration that you are giving to so many people - in a fun way! It would have been great to have had something established like you guys when I was in, and getting out, of rehab. I've definitely met my fair share of folks who've been through heavy events in their lives, so it means alot to me, to be able to be involved and show people just how far a little belief in something can take you - even if it's just simple living.
Kristen Smith, NJ

Regarding the simulated driving experience that Brian Hannaford and Peter Ruprecht offered to the children at Shriners Hospitals for Children: first and foremost I thought it was empowering for the children. It gave them an opportunity to exert power and control in a way that transcends their regular pattern of mobility. It was accessible to most. Finally, it was the type of experience that offers hope; not only to the kids but to their families. Every child thinks of the day when he or she might drive a car. This rite of passage symbolizes a level of independence and responsiblity that although many dream, some do not believe that they will be able to experience. An experience such as this helps them to see first-hand that technology and opportunity exist to allow them to overcome a challenge and potentially experience life to its fullest.
Debra A. Latour, M Ed, OTR/L
Shirners Hospitals for Children
Springfield, MA

"Brian - I don't know you very well personally, and as you say worry looks around and sorry looks back. What I do know about you is that you are persistant in a VERY good way and are always looking forward with an optimistic attitude. You have so much passion for what you believe in and have overcome so much (things I don't and shouldn't know about) It is this passion that shines through every e-mail and phone call. You never give up and that right there is why some day I will flip on NASCAR and there will be a guy with no legs racing next to able body drivers in one of your cars. You dream big and you will pull it off!
You have faith, Bob (Roadside Stories)

"I would just like to let you know that what you guys are doing for people in wheelchairs is one of the greatest things that I have ever seen. I have a close friend, Kevin Hudson, that wll be driving in New Hampshire in 2009 and I have never seen anyone so excited in my life. I wish I was financially able to donate to your cause but for now you will just have to settle with a big THANK YOU! I am sure that you have changed the lives of many disabled people. Again thanks for giving them this chance at something they will never forget."
Debbie Swain, Kicker's Bar & Grill, www.kickersbar.com

"The weekend is officially over and I need to say - WAAAAHOOOOO! That was one of the most thrilling experiences of my life and I think the rest of the Accessible Racing team agreed. SMILES SAID IT ALL!  You and Drivemaster worked your asses off and it proved to be so successful. Your passion to give another element of freedomto people with disabilities totally paid off. YOU SHOULD BE SO PROUD OF YOURSELF.  Thanks for a great weekend."
Veronica

"I must say, the Accessible Racing presence at the Atlanta Motor Speedway was certainly impressive! The realities of Accessible Racing's acceptance in the racing community seems to be taking hold, and the people running the whole show there treated us really great! I am so happy that I was able to be a part of the Accessible Racing experience, and I want to thank you, Brian, for letting me be a part of such a fantastic project - to not just meet people's needs, but make life really fun to live! People can forget for awhile and just have pure fun! I could see the great time everyone had, whether they drove the car or just hung around the thing. The group had great energy, and the Accessible Race Car parked right next to Speed TV and the Accessible Race Game beside Dale Earnhardt Junior's trailer, made it seem like a dream! It did happen, didn't it?"
Lee Perry, President
Driving Aids Development Corporation.

"Wow!! What an experience, I recently got the chance to participate in Accessible Racing's exhibition at Atlanta Motor Speedway. I am a t10 paraplegic from a motorcycle accident and confined to a wheelchair. To see other people with wimilar disabilities driving a dual hand controlled real stockcar around Atlanta Speedway was a sight I will not soon forget. Accessible Racing and their pit crew of pros and ex-racers have provided the ultimate experience for people with all different disabilities! They have created a fun and safe learning environment for active sports minded people like myself!!

Thank you - Von Brinker.

"To all the guys at Accessible Racing, I can't thank you enough! This experience was incredible! The feeling of getting behind the wheel of that race car is unbeatable and the instruction from the guys at Skid School is worth its weight in gold. Thank you so very much for this wonderful opportunity."
Domonic Carradin
Owner - eXtreme Abilities
Madison, NJ

"An unbelievably exciting day. Driving the 9-11 car was absolutely THE most fun thing I have EVER done. The noise, the power, the adrenaline rush, the professionalism, and qualifications of the staff, the local support...I can't wait to do it again. Everything was top notch. In a word—YEEEHAAAAA!"
Kimberley Barreda
Whitefish, MT
Managing Director, BLAST Adapted Sports Funding Program

"Every aspect of Accessible Racing leaves you wanting more. A TOTALLY VICIOUS EXPERIENCE!"
Veronica Gonnello
New York, NY
Show Manager, Abilities Expo

"Accessible Racing is not just racing—it's living."
Professir X
Montclair, NJ

"Accessible Racing had me stepping out of my comfort zone and trying someting I never even imagined I'd be able to do!"
Santina Muha
Branchburg, NJ
Communication Associate - National Spinal Cord Injury Association (NSCIA)

"I was so impressed with how Peter and Brian and how they put this event together. Th driving was the wildest and spectacular thing I have ever done. Sorry Peter I went to fast on my first take off...I was so moved by all of the drivers, the staff, and most of all Skid School and their employees. Anyone who wants to rock their world, try this... It will rock your world."
Madonna Long

"Accessible Racing enabled me to finally experience a life-long dream that I was sure would never happen after my injury! It was nothing short of incredible!"
Tom

"Opportunities like this one are a rare commodity, and I am VERY thankful that I was able to capitalize on this one. The day was amazing. The support, effort, and care of everyone involved was well beyond anything we could have hoped for. The instruction was clear, informative, and applicable. All in all, this was nearly the most fun I have had in my 6 years post-injury."
Lt. (Ret.) Ian James Brown
Pilot, United States Air Force
East Coast Representative, Lasher Sport LLC

"Accessible Racing knows no limits!"
Collen Macort
Bessemer, AL

"The team at Abilities Expo would like to thank Accessible Racing for your participation at our 2007 New York Metro Event. The adaptive race car was by far one of the greatest and one of the coolest special events we have ever had. The attendees were very impressed with it and the press loved it even more. With the help and ingenuity of Drive Master and Hanaford Assoc., I think the car just proves once again that the disabled are far more able to do anything they put their minds to. Thank for you allowing them the chance to live out their dreams. You were a pleasure to work with and I look forward to working with you on multiple opportunities for the future.
Veronica Gonnello
Show Manager, Abilities Expo

"Accessible Racing has taken a unique racing experience enjoyed by thousands of Americans and found a way to make it available to the more then 50 million citizens with disabilities."
Manager of NRA Disabled Shooting Services, Dave Baskin

“Our motto is ‘Go Anywhere, Do Anything!’, and after seeing what Accessible Racing had to offer, we knew that anything truly was possible!”
Craig & Andrea Kennedy – AccessAnything.net

Just touching base as I begin to plan for the Spring issues of NHToDo Magazine. As always, feeling like the luckiest Editor/Writer in the state, I am reviewing some of the experiences I have had while finding the excitement and adventure we promise our readers. One of those on the top of my list is the driving experience that Charlie and I had at with you up North. We still talk about it and do hope to not only repeat the opportunity one day, but hope to meet up with Dave Dion as well. I hope the racing world knows what a gem they have in him. Not only does he promote the sport, but also sets the bar for celebrities on dealing with the public in personable, approachable, and genuinely enthusiastic ways. And educational—we had no idea what it took to get those powerful machines around those tracks! We have a new appreciation for professionals racing and certainly watch it now with new eyes."

"I am looking forward to sharing a bird's—eye view of the driving experience with readers this spring. It's a pleasure working with you and I wish you and professionals who work with you every success."
Cam Mirisola
NHToDo Magazine
www.nhtodo.com
Discover New Hampshire's Excitement & Adventure

"My wife, son, and I had a great time this summer at Riverside Speedway in New Hampshire. Driving the Accessible Racing car was a once in a life time experience for me. However, the real treat for me was meeting Dave Dion. I so enjoyed learning about the sport and talking with him of his experience as a race car driver. The whole experience was awesome. In fact, I went to see Dave race at Thunder Road in Vermont the next night. We were hooked. I have become a NASCAR fan and have followed it ever since. I would highly recommend the experience to anyone. Well worth the money."
Steven Poole
Chelmsford, MA

"If you are looking for a great stock car experience, you can't miss with Hanaford Associates Driving Experience. We had a great day at Canaan Speedway, that is more laps and driving time than any other race experience available for considerably less cost. If you want some real time behind the wheel at a short track that is much more demanding than any of the others I have attended, try these guys."
Mike Sherman
Material Processing Sales Manager
Southworth-Milton Inc

"Our group had a wonderful time and is still talking about it. I've done other driving experiences in the past and none of them compare to the Hanaford Driving Experience. We all felt like we had the VIP treatment. The cars and your personnel were all first rate. We look forward to doing it again next year. This was a great morale builder for all the guys."
Jeremy Hiltz, President
Hiltz Excavating

"Cost is extremely reasonable compared to other driving experiences. I've attended Petty Driving Experience at three different super speedways, including Daytona, as well as driving Formula and BMW Z3 Roadsters at Derek Daly Performance Driving Academy in Las Vegas. All were a thrill but Hanaford Associates short track driving experience was a greater thrill then all the others combined."
Roland L'Heureux
President, Pillsbury Plumbing & Heating

"My husband, John, took me to the driving experience in Canaan, NH, for my birthday weekend. Brian you told me it would be a good time but WOW! It was the best time I have ever had. Getting behind the wheel of the #2 race car, with 550 HP, was a total turn on, nothing in like it! What an adrenaline rush! WOW! How bad have you got it, this is great therapy! Sunday at the Winston Cup, the general public was so excited to find out that they could actually drive the race car! You need more race cars. Cumberland Farms stores is now my favorite coffee stop on my way to work. 'Can You See me Now!'"

"If you're not sure, then definitely do it! It is a great magical memory to keep with you the rest of your life."
Phil Aquino
New Hampshire

"I wasn't sure I would want to get in; I can't see why not now!"
Rick Hammond
Maryland

"It was one of the best and fastest experiences I have ever had, totally awesome I will be back."
Ron Earl
Pennsylvania

"Life is short and will pass you by whether or not you truly lived, this experience is exactly what living is all about. We at Pepsi look forward to this event for years to come."
Shawn Bird
Pepsi Bottling Group

"Watching a race will never be the same after this. I would recommend this experience to anyone and everyone just to get a taste of racing from a driver's point of view."
Mike Early
Pepsi Bottling Group

"Fabulous time. You have just the right experience for everyone and anyone."
Don Welch
ACT Dodge Tour

"Thanks for such a thrilling experience! I never would have guessed how much fun going around the track would be. I'll be sure to recommend this to everyone I know. Yeeha!"
Bonnie
Gorman@NHHappenings.com

"I gained a whole new respect for the drivers that do this every week. Every fan should try this!"
Bob Stanhope
Speedway Advertising

"I've driven almost everything made, i.e. Ferrari, Porsche, BMW, Mercedes, Corvette, Mustang, Big Block Chevy, Big Block Mopar, and they don't come close to Hanaford Associates stock cars. See you on the 27th."
willfixit@yahoo.com

"I have never done anything like that before. This whole thing is going to be a big success, I know it!"
Ben Gorman

"Since driving with Brian, Dave, and Stub, I have been traveling a lot—spent a week partying on the French Riviera in Cannes, a couple of weeks in London, and been all over Rome and Italy with one of the world's top models—but the only thing I can think of is 'How can I get back to New Hampshire to drive again?' (I'm currently looking into direct flights from Rome to Canaan!)"
T.K. Knowles
Executive Producer/Partner
Bob Industries
Venice, CA

"Just wanted to say thanks again for the fantastic driving experience two weeks ago. Oh my God, I think I'm addicted. You've created a monster. How do you expect me to drive my station wagon around town now? And why are the turns on my street not banked! Thanks for helping me realize how weak and lame my car is. Time to find me some sponsors! Thanks again. I'll be back."
Don Shelford
Arnold Worldwide

"Brian is onto something here—an affordable and legal rush. The scream of the engine as you pull down hard on the wheel going into a turn at break neck speed-what an experience. Do yourself a favor and race with Hanaford—it's all you will be talking about with friends and co-workers for weeks."
Chris Breneman
Sales Rep

"What a rocking experience. Hanaford's dedication, mellowness, and the whole spirit of the event made it fun in the car or on the sidelines. Everyone should know about this big fun and great way to spend a day."
Marion Carol
WIZN Radio

"As I was driving into town I felt like I would drive like a bat out of HELL. After a few laps with a real driver, fear became my guide. A humbling experience, but a great experience."
Michael Bernal
Stowe, VT

"Greatest day of my life—I feel like I've died and gone to heaven! It's great having something this close to home. Staff is professional and friendly—a pleasure to do business with. Can't wait to do it again!"
Tom Huddelston
Maine

"This was the most amazing time I have ever had in my 45 years. The boys were very, very professional. Thanks so much."
John St. Jean
Cumberland Farms Winner
P.S. I always shop at Cumberland Farms.

"It was an awesome feeling a lot different from the stock car I am used to driving. People were great and treated us with a lot of respect. I would recommend this experience to anyone interested in stock car racing."
Jamie Robideau
ACT Driver

"Brian treated us great; I'm really glad I got a chance to come down today. The cars are so much more powerful than my street stock. I think the throttle vs. break in the corners will help me become a better driver. It was a blast!"
Justin St. Louis
ACT Driver

"It was a great day of racing. Driving this car will help me develop as a race driver and move up to the next level. You guys were great and treated us wonderfully."
Davydd Welch
ACT Driver

"Great to find the limits on a top level race car and see what all the rave is about. It's a test of skill and nerve. Incredible experience."
Bode Miller
Olympic Ski Team Silver Medalist

"I want to take a moment to thank Hanaford Associates for helping the Family Readiness Group for the US ARMY Manchester Recruiting Company organize a successful fundraiser. Many thanks to you for giving us the opportunity to assist with the drawing for a racing experience at the Concord Race Fever Street Fair July 20, 2001. Your fundraiser was truly a rewarding experience; it helped us raise funds for upcoming events within our group, which help sustain the morale of our soldiers and their families. It also was a great opportunity for family members within the company to work together and get to know each other better. It was an experience we hope to make an annual event. Thank you again for your support and patriotism. It was an event we hope to make an annual event, and we look forward to working with you in the future."
Michael D. Brophy
Captain, U.S. Army

"The most exciting experience in my 70 plus years on this Earth. I haven't stopped grinning yet. It is one thing to see the action from the stands, but being down on the track, looking up at the enormity of the stands, accelerating down pit lane, and then going around the track at breath taking speed—it was a thrill I'll always remember. I've told everyone who will listen to me (about CFI driving experience). It was the best, and I wish you great success bringing this thrill to everyone."
Walter Flynn
Meredith, New Hampshire

"Hope the project works out for you, it's a good one."
Ken Squire
Squire Productions Waterbury, VT

"One-on-one driving instruction proved invaluable and provides a personal intense driving opportunity. Freedom and control is much greater than what is found at larger more expensive driving schools I have attended."
Russ Pearl
Student @ Richard Petty Driving Experience

"Many thanks to Hanaford Associates for helping us with our first annual preseason fundraiser. It was a great success and we plan on making it an annual event. We raised enough money to provide some scholarship help, purchase training equipment and generally get off to a good start financially. Thanks again for your support and we hope to work with you in the future. The racers are looking forward to a very busy and successful race season."
Garlyn Manganiello
Race Secretary
Tenny Mountain Ski Club

"This can only be good for our area, and all the people involved, especially the sponsor. I know they have this type of thing available nationally, but the emphasis needs to be directed toward New England fans and drivers for a regional business to benefit. We need to build a fan base and they need to sell more product to benefit, that's the bottom line!"
Dave Dion
1996 Busch North Series Championship & 1976 NASCAR North Series Champion

"Sponsorships are the life blood of motorsports at all levels. We've seen how tremendously successful sponsorships have been for major corporations at the national level. This could be a great marketing tool for regional touring teams to deliver the same successful local and regional business the same way Winston Cup competitors drive sales at the national level."
Al Robinson

"What a rush! The experience was absolutely exhilarating—FANTASTIC! I will truly always remember it."
Lauren Meehan
Miss New Hampshire 2000

"Anybody who could do this, young or old, would have a blast!"
JR
Disc Jockey, Super Hit Country

"For once in my life I am virtually without words. If watching auto racing on TV pales in comparison to when you're there at the track, being at the track pales when you are actually sitting in and driving the race car."
Dave Berman
Berman Bit's

"Being a bit of a celebrity for a day was an exciting opportunity for me, my friends, and family. I always wanted a chance to race but never believed it could happen. The instruction was great and I had an excellent time. This was an amazing opportunity and I'd recommend it to anybody that is willing."
Coors Sweepstakes Winner, Kerri Biller
 
"My pulse was recorded at 72 before the experience and 120 after. That was more of an adrenaline rush then my first rescue call in Boston."
Sweepstakes Winner Bill Cronnin
EMT

"As you gain confidence, you go faster, and drive better lines. I would recommend this to anybody to see, smell, and feel the power of a grand national stock car."
John Saffo

"It was a great experience and amazing concept. I can't imagine being out there with 30 or 40 other cars. Now I can appreciate what drivers go through out there and will never again laugh at somebody that's a lap down—it's a lot more difficult then it looks."
Jim Pennard
Coors