The racing industry includes everything on wheels except for electric wheelchairs, until now.

The sport of electric wheelchair racing has long been overlooked and even shunned by some due to the misguided belief that it is bad luck to “play” in a wheelchair. This is a shame, as electric wheelchair racing provides severely disabled individuals with the opportunity not only to engage in a fun and exciting sport, but also to potentially make a career out of it.

Unfortunately, the sport of electric wheelchair racing has been largely ignored by mainstream media and has received no attention or support from major sports organizations. This lack of recognition and support has made it impossible for physically challenged sports individuals to pursue racing as a fun hobby or an actual career.

However, there is hope on the horizon. More and more disabled individuals are breaking through the barriers and proving that they are just as capable of competing at a high level as able-bodied athletes. In recent years, physically challenged individuals have been participating in an ever-expanding range of sports, from basketball and soccer to cycling and swimming. Because of this, new sports are being created specifically for wheelchair users, WCMX for example. (The wheelchair version of BMX)

“Electric” wheelchair racing is no exception. With the help of advanced technology and specialized equipment, physically challenged individuals are now able to compete at professional levels. Some could even become professional racers, earning prize money and sponsorships.

It is time for the sport of “electric” wheelchair racing to be recognized and supported as a legitimate and exciting sport. It is time for the stigma surrounding disability and racing “Electric” wheelchairs to be broken down and for physically challenged individuals to be given the opportunity to pursue their passions of racing and possibly even make a career out of it.

(Indyenableus500 is currently developing a website for anyone to easily create an event, contact venues, design a racing bio, assemble a team, and participate in over a dozen types of electric wheelchair races. You’ll even be able to choose which nonprofit organizations will receives the proceeds. however, Indyenableus500 is a “for-profit” company owned and operated by physically challenged entrepreneurs.)

Vincent Lopresti

Racing@indyenableus500.com

Www.indyenableus500.com

“enable us to be independent and race!”