Billy Baxter served with the 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery in Bosnia. Whilst serving in 1997, he lost his sight after contracting a rare disease. On August 2nd, 2003, he set the blind solo world land speed record on a motorbike with a speed of 164.87 mph (265.33 km/h). In 2004, he was a guest on the BBC television programme, Top Gear, and drove a lap of their circuit as the "Star in a Reasonably-Priced Car". He was guided around the circuit by the slightly nervous host, Jeremy Clarkson, and his lap time was 2:02 minutes, which is faster than two of the fully-sighted contestants (Terry Wogan and the late Richard Whiteley).[1] Currently Billy is enjoying life with full intensity taking part in motorcycle riding, white water rafting, rock climbing, boxing and has learned to ski.
References
- ^ Top Gear. "Celebrity Laps". Press release. Retrieved on [[16 April 2007]].
External links
- Action For Blind People - An audio self-discussion with Baxter.
- - Billy Baxter Official Website
