Blind driver to debut new technologies at Daytona race track

A blind man will drive a car during a public demonstration at Daytona International Speedway in Florida.

The Saturday demonstration of non-visual technologies is a part of the pre-race activities leading up to the Rolex 24 race at the track.

Mark Riccobono has been legally blind since age 5. He was selected to drive a modified Ford Escape Hybrid by the National Federation of the Blind, as part of its Blind Driver Challenge. The challenge encouraged universities and colleges to create non-visual tools that can safely direct blind drivers.

The project began three years ago in collaboration with students from Virginia Tech University and TORC Technologies. The students developed the tools Mr. Riccobono will use. TORC integrated those into a working vehicle.