Today in motorcycle history, August 2, 2003

 

 

  The friendly folks at Guinness World Records are on-hand as Billy Baxter sets the Blind Solo Land Speed Record with a speed of 164.87 mph while riding a 1,200cc Kawasaki Ninja at RAF Boscombe Down, Wiltshire, UK, on August 2, 2003. 

 

  Billy Baxter served with the 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery (British Army) in Bosnia.  While serving in 1997, he lost his sight after contracting a rare disease.

 

  In 2007 he completed a Blind Solo Lap of Donington Park.  "My biggest challenge yet, I rode my Ducati Monster around the hallowed circuit of Donington, the home of motorcycle racing, raising awareness for Vista, a charity helping blind people in the Midlands, an amazing experience and great fun."