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Blind Man Posts 200 MPH Record In A Mercedes SL 65 Black Series

 
3 2,378 views October 7, 2009

2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series

2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series

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South Africa’s Hein Wagner has posted a new land speed record of 200 mph in a Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series. Why the record headline? Because Wagner is completely blind and has been from birth.

This wasn’t Wagner’s first record, however. The motivational speaker from Durbanville previously broke the land speed record for a blind person back in 2005 behind the wheel of a Maserati Grand Sport.

His latest achievement took place on a closed off runway at Upington International Airport in South Africa. During the run, Wagner maintained the 200 mph record speed for more than half a mile before coming to a standstill. To ensure he stayed on track, close friend Ray Wakefield sat shotgun to guide him.

Wagner described his achievement of cracking the 200 mph mark as a milestone for any driver, regardless of whether they're sighted or blind. He now wants to use funds raised from the event to support Vision Trust organisation, which is aimed at making technology more accessible to the blind.

[News24]





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Comments (3)

  1. By Mike Posted: 10/14/2009 2:13am PDT

    That's awesome!!!!!!! The car looks really stunning though! I read its latest review and pictures, but I think that most people can only dream about it- the Mercedes costs fortune!!
     
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  2. By  simonsays Posted: 10/14/2009 6:03am PDT

    Whilst this guys achievment is awesome
    it is not actually a World Record
    to Qualify as such he has to abide by the rule slaid down by Guiness
    the Rules state that to be recognised the driver must complete 2 runs over a measured mile in
    opposite directions within an Hour and then the average speed is taken , the same pules that apply
    to non Blind records
    The current Blind land Speed record Holder is Mike Newman from England who also drove unassisted
    though guiness make no distinction on this front
    Kind regrds
    S
     
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  3. By  vitamin b6 Posted: 12/14/2009 9:58pm PST

    yes it has to save weight. the regular sl65 amg weight 4479 so they shave of 359 pounds with the use of extensive carbon fiber from the inside to the out.
     
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