A DRIVER from Hest Bank is hoping for pole position when he lines up at Brands Hatch in September. But rather then speeding off the starting grid, John Teesdale will be more concerned with 'mirror, signal, manoeuvre.' For the former mechanical engineer is one of the favourites to take the title of RAC Disbaled Driver of the Year.

John, 38, who had his right arm and lower right leg amputated after a motorcycle accident in his twenties, came a close second in the northern heats last week and is looking forward to challenging drivers from around the country in the final.

"I'd hoped to reach the top four but coming a close second means that I'm in with a good chance of being there or thereabouts in the final," said John, a father of two.

"I got the best manoeuvrability score but my advanced driving is one area which I could definitely improve. On the day there was very little in it and all the competitors are good drivers and stand a chance."

In the northern heats John faced 19 other drivers in their converted vehicles, from vans adapted for wheelchairs to small family hatchbacks. But the judges were concerned only with the competitor's driving skills as they took part in an advanced road assessment, a manoeuvrability and car control test and a highway code examination. All the entrants are orange badge holders and John has been swatting up on his highway code and practising his driving for the contest, which has a £2,500 holiday for first prize. Added John: "For the final I think we get the chance to drive around the Brands Hatch circuit, which I'm really looking forward to. I'm just going to do the best that I can."

John Teesdale

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