Paralyzed 19 years ago when hit by a drunk driver while riding his motorcycle, Speakman’s dream of a motorsport career was seemingly shattered after having signed a deal to compete in the 1993 Australian 600 Super Sport Championship.
Speakman is excited about the prospects of racing in GT3 Cup Challenge and has plans to compete in Australia’s premier one-make sports car category, Porsche Carrera Cup Australia, in the 2014 season.“My entry into the 2013 GT3 Cup Challenge series has been 25 years in the making and I’m extremely excited,” said Speakman.“It has taken everything I have to gain this opportunity and now I’m seeking support from corporate Australia for this season and then Carrera Cup in 2014.
I guarantee an extremely strong on track performance and return to sponsors.“It has been incredibly frustrating sitting on the sidelines for the past 18 years knowing full well of my racing capabilities.
Now that I have broken down the barrier that stopped paraplegics being allowed on Australian race tracks I intend to really show that I deserve a career in Australian motorsport.”
“Matt commissioned McElrea Racing to improve on the original design of his hand controls. My team built a new system incorporating a combination of the best design aspects we had found in other disabled drivers’ race cars and then customised them to the Porsche GT3 Cup car,” said McElrea.
“Our team has always tried to do things a little differently and having Matt on board fits with this idea. We have three tests planned for this season before Round 1 at Mallala so we can’t wait to get into it.”
“Matt has faced many challenges in his life and I suspect adapting to the Porsche GT3 Cup car will be a minor task in comparison. Matt has a competitive edge and if his determination is anything to go by I have no doubt he will be on the pace early in the season,” said Blaikie.
“GT3 Cup Challenge is known for its amazing atmosphere and great camaraderie between the drivers. Matt will be welcomed with open arms and fit in very well with our great group of racers.”
Speakman has also been a member of the Australian Paralympics Alpine Ski team, competed in the 1994 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and now volunteers his time educating high school students about the Road Safety Education programme and is an ambassador of SpinalCure Australia.
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Our aim is to improve driving skills on an ongoing basis, enabling to drive more safely and deal more effectively with hazards on roads. And yes, also to use the full dynamic potential of a Porsche on the racetrack. Starting with the basic fundamentals to professional driving skills. The Porsche Sport Driving School is now based in 14 different locations – across Europe, America, Asia and Australia and now also in Russia, kicking off in Ninzhniy Novgorod.International Porsche Sport Driving Schools Locations – Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG
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Mark Visser Rides JAWS at Night! | Mark Visser | International Big Wave Surfer.
Professional surfer Mark Visser rode 30-foot waves at night.
Keep an eye out for a new documentary series – 9 Lives.
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Mark Visser is a Big Wave Surfer.
Mark Visser is an international, professional big-wave rider. His job consists of hunting down and riding some of the biggest waves on the planet. Mark is an extraordinary athlete, one of the fittest surfers in the game and can hold his breath underwater for over six minutes. He has had several waves entered into the XXL awards for biggest wave ridden in only his first year of big wave competition. Mark finished in the top 10 in both the APT tow-in tour event in Chile and the Nelscott Reef Big Wave Paddle In event in the USA. Mark placed as a runner up in the 2008/2009 Oakley ASL Big Wave Awards and once again in 2009/2010.
Mark maintains a constant strive to remain at the peak of his field constantly testing his limits in surfing, fitness and adventure.
NAME: Mark Visser
SPORT: Big Wave Surfing
INFLUENCES: Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan and anyone who has done more than what is required of them.
FAVORITE PLACES TO SURF: Teahupoo, Fiji, Hawaii
GOALS: To have done things that no one thought were possible
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