Hand controls developed that help injured troops race karts
British control specialists Venhill Engineering have been instrumental in developing a set of hand controls that allow troops with injuries as severe as triple amputees to compete in karting on a level playing field with their non-injured comrades.
Although hand controls are produced that would allow injured troops with lower limb disabilities to be able to take part in kart racing, there was nothing available for the many troops who only have the option to use one arm. So KartForce (www.KartForce.org) and their partner Enable Sports (www.enablesports.co.uk) approached Venhill to produce a motorcycle style lever that carried all necessary controls and could quickly and easily be switched from left to right.
With decades of experience manufacturing hydraulic brake lines for motorcycles, quads, cars, and karts, Venhill was able to supply and fit accelerator cables and brake systems for the prototype hand controls in a tight time scale.
Initial testing has shown the controls to be highly effective, enabling injured troops to have an opportunity of enjoying an action packed programme of kart racing and socialising, competing with the able-bodied, which is a key focus for KartForce.
For details of the full range of controls for karts, cars and motorcycles contact Venhill on 01306 885111, or visit: www.venhill.co.uk