Wakefield racing driver who cannot use his hands or feet builds his own car
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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Hide AdBut 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.
Chris completed the project despite only being able to use tools with a clenched hand.
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Hide AdThe 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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Hide Ad“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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Hide AdHe 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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Hide AdThe 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. ”