Wakefield racing driver who cannot use his hands or feet builds his own car

LABOUR OF LOVE: Chris Meister behind the wheel of his Phoenix. Picture by SWNS.LABOUR OF LOVE: Chris Meister behind the wheel of his Phoenix. Picture by SWNS.
LABOUR OF LOVE: Chris Meister behind the wheel of his Phoenix. Picture by SWNS.
A racing driver who was the first quadriplegic in Britain to get a motor sport licence has built his own car - despite being unable to use his hands or feet.

Chris Meister, 50, from Wakefield has been confined to a wheelchair since a motocross accident in 1984 when he was just 17 years old.

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But he continued to indulge his love of motor sport and made history when he was granted a licence to race in an adapted car when he was 28.

Now he has designed and built his own car from scratch - including a clever system which enables him to accelerate, brake and change gear using the steering wheel.

LABOUR OF LOVE: Chris Meister behind the wheel of his Phoenix. Picture courtesy of SWNS.LABOUR OF LOVE: Chris Meister behind the wheel of his Phoenix. Picture courtesy of SWNS.
LABOUR OF LOVE: Chris Meister behind the wheel of his Phoenix. Picture courtesy of SWNS.

Chris completed the project despite only being able to use tools with a clenched hand.

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The 330bhp car - nicknamed ‘Phoenix’ - made its public debut at a race event at the weekend.

The car finished in 9th place in the drag strip race - 0.29 seconds ahead of a Dodge Viper - and 5th in the handling circuit, an impressive 0.53 seconds ahead of a Ferrari V8.

Chris said: “I designed it, built it and fabricated it myself - it’s definitely built, not bought.

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LABOUR OF LOVE: Chris Meister behind the wheel of his Phoenix. Picture courtesy of SWNS.LABOUR OF LOVE: Chris Meister behind the wheel of his Phoenix. Picture courtesy of SWNS.
LABOUR OF LOVE: Chris Meister behind the wheel of his Phoenix. Picture courtesy of SWNS.

“I don’t like to throw money at it but my family, friends and people I know have been very good to me.

“I’m often only a few seconds behind cars that someone has spent £60,000 on, which makes you think really.”

Chris’ condition means he cannot fully extend his fingers so he relies on friends and family to help and transport the vehicle.

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He managed to use a fabricator and standard tools during the four-year build - but only clutching the tools with a clenched fist.

The finished vehicle has a unique control system designed by Chris which has a ‘twist grip’ throttle.

Chris pushes forward on the steering wheel to brake, pulls back to change up a gear and downshifts are performed via a paddle on the wheel.

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The project was completed with friends and family to support him logistically and with the heavier machinery.

Chris added: “Everyone needs an interest and I’m not into fishing or hand gliding. It’s something I can do on a level playing field. I’ve found something out there for me. ”