A ride on the race track

9.08.2023 Poznań (Poland)

I've always loved the adrenaline rush, and riding a race car had been my dream for a long time, even before I became disabled. When I found out that it was possible to buy a ride in a sports car on a race track in Poland, I started seriously planning to make it happen. My friends knew about this dream, and for my 50th birthday, they gifted me a voucher for rides in two cars. I couldn't have asked for a better gift!

I chose the race track in Poznań because it is the longest in Poland. Other tracks are about 1.5 kilometers long and are mostly karting tracks, while the Poznań Main Track is over 4 kilometers long and allows for professional car races. For me, the most important thing was achieving high speeds and getting as much driving time as possible.

I contacted the company where I had the voucher to reserve a date and choose the race cars. As a passenger, I could select from three cars. I chose the Subaru Impreza WRX and the KTM X-BOW. Subaru is a legend among rally cars, and KTM is a pure racing car that resembles a Formula 1 car. The best part was that when I mentioned that I am a person with a disability, the organizer had no objections and assured me of assistance with transferring from the wheelchair to the car.

Ready to ride on the track

On the scheduled day, my friend and I arrived at the race track in Poznań. I quickly registered, received my race numbers, and a company balaclava for the helmet. Everything went smoothly, and after a few minutes of waiting, I was inside the Subaru WRX. The staff helped me transfer from the wheelchair to the car. As the car took off, I was immediately pinned to the seat. I flew from side to side on the corners, even though the driver was aware of my paralysis from the neck down. The ride was dynamic, enjoyable, and most importantly, gave me a sense of safety while providing plenty of thrills. I was very happy to experience a top-tier sports car ride.

KTM X-BOW Extreme Ride

The wait for the KTM ride was a bit delayed due to the condition of the track. There was a risk that the KTMs would not go on the race track because it had rained earlier, and driving these cars requires a perfect surface. Fortunately, the sun came out, and the track met all the requirements for the KTMs. Due to the specific design of this race car, the best option for placing me in the cockpit was to use my hoist. My friend and the staff quickly handled all the challenges, and within a few moments, I was comfortably seated in the KTM. The four-point harness strapped me in securely, ensuring comfort.

The KTM X-BOW's start feels like a rocket launch. The acceleration was more powerful than in the Subaru. Braking, gaining speed, and cutting corners were on an extreme level. I was tossed around, but it was enjoyable. Seeing my excitement, the driver gave me an extra lap as a bonus, allowing me to enjoy the high-speed ride even longer.

A Dream Come True on the Race Track

Getting me out of the race car was quick and efficient. I was overwhelmed with joy that I had fulfilled another dream. I imagined a dynamic ride, but the impressions I had during the KTM ride far exceeded my expectations. The Subaru ride was a great warm-up before the real extreme ride with the KTM.

If anyone is interested in motorsport and has a disability, they can easily take advantage of companies offering these rides. I encountered great willingness to make my track rides happen. The Poznań Main Track has no issues with access to the starting area. The only downside is that the grandstand is not accessible for people in wheelchairs, but I hope that will change.