Deaf drivers?

cos · 3 Oct 2006, 19:36 (Ref:1726869)

Didn't really know where to post this one, but thought the club forum would be a good place to start!
Anyways, does anyone know if there are any racing drivers out there who are deaf? Is a deaf person even allowed to get a licence to race?

Dan Friel · 3 Oct 2006, 20:08 (Ref:1726906)

Interesting question!

Can't imagine why there would be any sort of problem with the MSA. Shall have a look at the Blue Book later.

Al Weyman · 3 Oct 2006, 20:19 (Ref:1726921)

Hearing or lack of it is not mentioned on the medical licence application form so probably irrelevant especially as some drvers stick earplugs in their ears it may actually have some advantages.

EvilPumpkin · 4 Oct 2006, 08:13 (Ref:1727249)

Yes and yes. In fact there's actually a symbol for it. I know there was definitely one racing in Minis for a while, because I remember seeing the symbol on the car.

You should be able to get more detailed info from British Motorsport Association for the Disabled. They should be able to give you all the regs and requirements and probably put you in touch with other deaf racers.

David Butler is a lovely guy and will give you as much help as he can.

HTH

Bob Pearson · 4 Oct 2006, 09:28 (Ref:1727343)

The only occasion I can think of when it could be a problem is in formulas where a pacecar is used and it is a requirement to use an audible warning of the PC's use through the helmet, FR for instance. The rest of the time it would probably be quiet nice to blot out the induction roar of a modern single seater

cos · 4 Oct 2006, 10:59 (Ref:1727458)

Thanks for all those replies - very interesting! Would not being able to hear the engine note be of any particular disadvantage for a driver?

Bob Pearson · 4 Oct 2006, 13:11 (Ref:1727618)

I can only speak for driving single seaters, if it is of the type which draws in air through an airbox above the drivers head ( most modern cars are ) all you tend to hear is the roar from that which easily drowns the exhaust note. You drive by the rpm's shown on the dashboard, so while not belittling a deaf persons problems, I think not listening to the induction roar would be a nice change.
The only time we may listen to the exhaust note without thinking about it is pulling away in the paddock or pit road.

***MagnetON*** · 4 Oct 2006, 13:15 (Ref:1727623)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Pearson

The only occasion I can think of when it could be a problem is in formulas where a pacecar is used and it is a requirement to use an audible warning of the PC's use through the helmet

Replaced with some form of visual warning like a flashing LED inside the helmet? Or some form of vibration alert perhaps?

The STIG · 12 Oct 2006, 21:49 (Ref:1736640)

We had a deaf competitor at the Llandow sprint earlier in the year. the problem comes when you're shouting at him to get out of the car (if nessasary) - but this is easily done by hand signals anyway

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