Content and Pictures taken from Tiger Racing

"The Tiger Racing Mustang GT is loosely based on the 2003 Ford Mustang. It is, however, a purpose built road racing car with a number of significant design features that make it unlike any other Mustang in the world."

"It incorporates a unique paddle shift gear box clutch system developed especially for this car by Ford Motor Company’s Advanced Powertrain Division. It allows high speed shifting controlled by two simple, thumb switches located on the steering wheel. Brake and throttle controls developed by Tiger Racing for this car are also located on the steering wheel, as is the radio push-to-talk button."

I have been looking at all of the pages on their site, and the technology they put into the car, and it is unbelievable. For example:

The steering column is designed to be telescopic with mechanical linkage to the cars brake master cylinder. The driver can cause the vehicle to brake by merely pushing the steering wheel away from her body. The motion is a simple arm extension much like bench pressing. Only about 50 lbs. of force are required for full brake lockup.

The throttle is drive-by-wire implemented by means of a concentric ring mounted on linear bearings about two inches in front of the steering wheel rim. The ring is in turn connected to a throttle position transducer.

This car is absolutely amazing! Take a look at their site for all the details, pictures and info on their owner/driver Carol Hollfelder. I gave them a call and req'ed a interview, maybe soon I will have something for you all.

The Pentagon, and it's research facility, have decided on who will build it's new super soldier suit. This suit was designed by the Utah based Sarcos, whose site has absolutely no information on it at all.

The design apparently uses one internal combustion turbine engine and a tank containing a 24 hour fuel supply. The turbine engine will then drive high pressure hydraulic fluid to servo valves on each joint, amplifying the force used to move each limb when the wearer’s motion is sensed.I assume the suit uses the myo-electric sensors that are so promising as a technology to help the disabled population.

A few months ago, I covered a story about a battery powered, myoelectric sensor exoskeleon built in Japan named HAL-5. This suit very nearly summited the 13,741 foot Matterhorn while carrying a quyadriplegic, missing by only 500 yards.

You could say that "very nearly" is the same as not at all, but these suits will be so much better than any wheelchair could ever be, and when coupled with FES (Functional Electrical Stimulation,) Exoskeleton technology will blow the doors wide open for disabled people, and the militrary too.

It absolutely amazes me just how many events there are in the world for wheelchair athletes. I just found out about the 8 day, 267 mile hand cycle and wheelchair Sadler's Ultra Challenge race in Anchorage, Alaska. The event's organizers accurately bill it as the "Race of a Lifetime."

This years winners were
- Monica Bascio: Women's Handcycle
- Alejandro Albor: Men's Handcycle C
- Peer Bartels: Men's Handcycle B
- Paul Nunnari, Men's Wheelchair

Check out their site for more details including course descriptions and profiles, photos and more.

Stepnow.org or "Stand Together to End Paralysis."

"The purpose of the site is to explore and develop global plans to aid in the fight for a cure for paralysis. This is a site that aims to go beyond politics, beyond national boundaries and cultures – a site whose task in hand is to support all viable and promising research leading to clinical trials and ultimately to a cure. Wherever you are in the world, and whether you have a spinal cord injury or are a family member or caregiver, this is your site. You are invited to take part in it in whatever way you can. Join our mailing list and/or contribute to our forum and let’s see what we can make happen. "

I have done alot of research about disabled adventurers and their journeys in the world. There have been some truly amazing trips and the people that undertake them deserve all the glory that a/b's get. That said, here is a short list of some of my favorites,in no particular order.

> *UPDATE* Jimmy Goddard attempted to be the only para to ever attempt an ascent of Africa's Mt. Kilimanjaro. He is currently in the planning stages of another, more scientific attempt in '07.

> Vinny Lauwers, Australian Paraplegic who is the first paraplegic to single hand (by himself) sail non stop around the world. Check out his site here.

> Peter Rieke, American Paraplegic - Climbed to the summits of Mount Rainier (14,411 ft.), Mount Hood (11,239 ft.), and Mt. Shasta (14,162 ft.) using only his arm strength and his custom built, human powered SnowPod.

> Hilary Lister, U.K. Quadriplegic and the first quad to cross the English Channel in a sip and puff sailboat. I got an interview with her not long after her trip and you can read it here.

> Rick Hansen, Canadian Paraplegic and the first to self propel a chair around the world. 40,000 kilometers, thirty four countries and four continents.

> Mark Wellman, American Paraplegic scales El Capitan the highest vertical face in the world.