Motor-racing is not for the faint-hearted. But when you are deaf and blind, it takes on a different dimension.
All 19 drivers who took part in this unusual race on the tarmac of the Lodz airport in central Poland earlier this month are hearing and visually impaired.
"Out of 19 participants, 12 had never driven a car before, while seven used to drive before they became disabled," said Mateusz Kotnowski, from Poland's Deaf and Blind Aid Society.
"Some are completely deaf and blind. Those who can still see or hear a little wear masks and helmets to ensure an equal playing field for all," he said.
Each participant had to complete two timed laps of the circuit while under the watchful eye of a co-driver.
First, though, they had two days of training to get a feel for the steering wheel.
Three driving schools volunteered a parking lot, five cars and a handful of instructors -- who first had to work out a language based on touch to communicate with the drivers.
Zbigniew Palgan, the owner of a driving school, gave out a clear set of instructions to his deaf and blind driver, whose face showed concentration.
"When I touch the left side of your knee, turn left. When I touch the right side, turn right," Palgan said while demonstrating motions.
"When I touch the top of your knee, straighten the steering wheel, and when I press down, accelerate."
For safety's sake, the instructor could stop the car at any point. But with every kilometre, the drivers became more confident.
Kamila Dobrzynska, a 30-year-old who is blind in one eye and partially deaf, made it up to 50 kilometres per hour by the end of the straight.
"It's a weird feeling. There's fear," she said.
Sylwek Slipek, who is deaf and blind, drove for the first time in his life -- and with wife Kasia, born blind, along for the ride.
Riding in the back seat, she gave her husband a pat on the shoulder and said "Good luck" before a woman waved the checkered racing flag and Sylwek set off.
By taking part in the event, the couple hoped to help break stereotypes of those with disabilities.
"Perhaps others will realise that if deafblind individuals are able to drive a car, then they can just as well have a job and work," said Kasia Slipek.
Sylwek completed his laps flawlessly, earning sixth place overall.
But the trophy went to Kamila, who not only broke stereotypes of disabled people, but of women drivers as well.AFP.
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