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    13 July 2017

    One man proves you only need your mouth to drive a car

    By Mitchell TulkMitchell Tulk

    Former IndyCar racer, Sam Schmidt crashed at 210mph (338km) back in 2000 at the Indianapolis 500.

    Lucky to escape with his life, Schmidt was left paralysed from the neck down. Meaning he could never drive again, or could he?

    You can't keep a good man down and Schmidt was determined to once again get behind the wheel.

    Sam back at the Indianapolis track where he crashed 17 years ago. (image credit: Ars Technica) Sam back at the Indianapolis track where he crashed 17 years ago. (image credit: Ars Technica)

    Teaming up with a company called Arrow Electronics, his dream has finally become a reality.

    Using a Chevrolet Corvette Z06, the company has filled the car to the brim with computers to give Schmidt the ability to drive the vehicle like anyone else.

    The computer system is estimated to be worth $US 1 million. The computer system is estimated to be worth $US 1 million.

    Accelerating and braking is controlled by blowing and sucking on a tube, the harder you blow the faster you go.

    What about steering? Camera’s detect what way he is facing by reading the sunglasses he wears while driving the Corvette.

    A pair of sunglasses and a tube is all that is needed to control 485kW of power. (image credit: USA Today) A pair of sunglasses and a tube is all that is needed to control 485kW of power. (image credit: USA Today)

    What's even more impressive is that in 2016, Schmidt participated in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb event.

    With the thinner air and the 156 turns, Schmidt did find himself out of breath but managed to complete the course.

    Truly an inspiring story.

    Could this be the future for quadriplegic driving on the road? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

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