Our Story
How it began
It All Started with a Dream.......
It's not just about the thrill of the drive. It's about transformation, it's about proving what IS possible.
Speed Of Sight began with one extraordinary man - Mike Newman, who was born blind.
From a young age, Mike dreamed of becoming a racing driver, a dream most people believed was impossible. But Mike never believed in limits. Instead, he asked himself, "What if?" That one question sparked a journey that would go on to challenge perceptions, break records, and inspire thousands.
Our history
A Chance Encounter That Sparked a Movement
In 2002, while working at a bank, Mike met John Galloway. What began as a casual conversation, quickly transformed into something extraordinary. Mike shared his vision to one day create a charity that would allow people with disabilities to experience the thrill of driving, something so many had been told they'd never be able to do.
With his boundless energy and passion for uplifting others, John became the perfect partner. Some call it coincidence - We call it destiny.
Together - Mike and John co-founded Speed Of Sight - a charity built on one motto: To prove that disability does NOT mean inability.
Our Mission
At Speed Of Sight we create life-changing driving experiences for children and adults living with disabilities. But it's about more than motorsport - It's about revealing what's truly possible.
We believe every individual deserves to feel joy, freedom and confidence. Each experience is designed to inspire empowerment, build self-belief and prove that limits only exist if we choose to accept them. Our experiences are specifically crafted for those who may never be able to hold a driving license or who have had to give theirs up.
Empowering Journeys in Eight Unique Cars.
We now have eight specially designed and built vehicles - five racing cars and three all-terrain buggies that enable people of all ages living with disabilities to experience the excitement and thrill of driving. Each vehicle is named after Mike's guide dogs and feature dual controls with twin steering wheels. Most are also equipped with hand controls. Our driving days are held nationwide at various racing circuits and off-road tracks.
About Mike Newman BEM
Mike Newman is one of the UK's most inspiring figures.
A man who has never allowed blindness to define him. He is a seven-time Guinness World Record holder and a fearless pioneer who has accomplished what many sighted individuals would never dare attempt...
Accomplishments & Awards
In 2001 Mike achieved his first Guinness World record by riding a motorcycle, gaining the record for the world’s fastest blind rider.
This was just the beginning!
Mike’s tally of world and Guinness world records include:
- 2001 Guinness world record on a motorcycle
- 2003 Guinness world record in a car – 144mph (driving Jaguar XJR)
- 2005 Guinness world record in a car – 167mph (driving BMW M5)
- 2010 Most loop the loops in a plane – 26 loop the loops in close formation with 3 other planes
- 2013 -Guinness world record in a car – 186mph (driving Porsche GT2)
- 2013 Guinness world record in a Power Boat – 93mph (Silverline 45 foot powerboat)
- 2014 Guinness world record in a car – 200.4mph (driving Nissan GTR)
- 2015 Guinness world record in a racing truck – 120mph
In 2012 Mike Newman BEM founded Speed Of Sight, a charity that delivers life-changing driving experiences for people with disabilities including sensory loss, cognitive and physical impairments.
2016 Online Campaign
Commercial for Michelin Tyres viewed by more than 1 million people in week one. See advert Michelin Tyres Driving Passion
2017 Online Ad Campaign
Commercial for Audi Italia viewed by more than 4 million people online. Because of the online success it moved to televised ad campaign on Italian TV.
See Audi Italia commercial: Audi Trust Race
2017 Mike Newman listed in Power 100
Britain's most influential disabled people (8th place out of 100)
TV appearances
Car SOS programme on National Geographic and More4 - Channel 4, ITV News Wales.
Has appeared on… The One Show, 5th Gear, My Big Day ITV documentary, Inside BBC Documentary, BBC News, ITV News, Channel 4 News, Channel 5 News, Sky News, Discovery Channel, ITVs Good Morning Britain and Mazda TV Documentary channel
2023 Awarded New Year Honour
Awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for his outstanding service to people with disabilities.
Speed Of Sight Isn't Just a Charity
It's a movement.
A movement powered by unshakable faith in people and the courage to defy limits.
We are here to support, uplift and celebrate individuals who have been told time and again "No You Can't" and show them that they absolutely can.
Join us.
Be part of something extraordinary.
Help us prove that when people are given the chance - they can do the IMPOSSIBLE!
