New vehicle adaptation guidelines of motor sport vehicles for disabled competitors launches
New vehicle adaptation guidelines containing general advice on the adaptation of motor sport vehicles for competitors with disabilities have been launched.
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Disability and Accessibility Commission launched the guidelines to coincide with International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2022, which took place on 3 December.
The Vehicle Adaptation Guidlines are intended to provide recommendations for the best practices for vehicle adaptations. They present high-level information on adaptations and systems that the FIA Disability and Accessibility Commission has studied in recent years.
Created with the aim to provide best practices to people with mobility impairments working towards adapting their racing vehicle, the guidelines also give a reliable guidance to National Sporting Authority requirements, regulations, and safety standards (ASN Regulations/ASNs) for sanctioned motor sport competitions.
With a multitude of possibilities to adapt vehicles, the key is that the design and manufacture of the adaptations are sound, developed in such a way that they are safe, are based on the needs of the individual, and do not provide a performance advantage to the competitor, according to the FIA.
The guidelines, which will be periodically updated by the FIA Disability and Accessibility Commission, will grow with the support received from competitors, experts in the field of vehicle adaptations, and ASNs, to enable the sport to consolidate experiences and share best practices and learning.
In welcoming the work of the FIA Safety Department and the Disability and Accessibility Commission in launching this initiative, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “These Guidelines bring together the lessons learned from all the members of the commission, in particular, the FIA adaptations working group, which since 2018 has been working with the FIA safety and technical departments to facilitate safe and fair access to racing for mobility-impaired competitors.
“Safety is a key priority for our community, and the FIA is committed to protecting motor sport competitors, spectators, officials, marshals and the media. Safe adaptations for competitors with disabilities is therefore critical.”
The FIA has produced a short video overview about some of the adaptations covered within the guidelines document. Watch the video below: