Did the star in a reasonably priced car get round the Top Gear Test Track faster than two known people despite being completely blind and lead around track by Jezza? Apparently so. When Billy Baxter wrote and asked for a go on the track, Top Gear couldn't resist. Billy had just one slight disadvantage: he's blind. He made it round in a touch over 2 minutes, which beat both Sir Terry Wogan and Richard Whiteley.
About Billy[]
Billy Baxter served with the 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery in Bosnia. Whilst serving in 1997, he lost his sight after contracting a rare disease.
On August 2, 2003, he set the blind solo world land speed record on a motorbike with a speed of 164.87 mph (265.33 km/h).
For the past few years, Baxter has been involved with various blind charities as a public speaker, educating groups of all ages about being blind as well as discussing his life experiences so far. He is currently enjoying life with full intensity, taking part in motorcycle riding, PSHE, learning to ski, and is now enjoying amateur dramatics.
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."