07/20/2009
Blind Man To Compete In
Race At
Riverhead Raceway On Saturday, August 8th
by Bob Finan
On Saturday, August 8th, Riverhead Raceway will have its
first blind man compete in a race. This is both a historic and a
heartwarming moment. The driver, Albert Rizzi, is an exceptional
man. He is a former kindergarten teacher and principal who
received his BA from Manhattanville College and he has a dual
Masters of Science in education - one in early childhood and the
other in administration and supervision from St. John's
University. He lost his sight to meningitis just 3 ½ years ago.
The race Mr. Rizzi will be entering is one in which the other
racers all drive with a bag over their heads so they too have no
vision and they are directed by a "co-pilot," as will Mr. Rizzi,
making for a very level playing field. This particular race
called "The Blindfolded Taxicab Race" is run several times
during the Riverhead Raceway season and is very popular with the
race fans.
The decision or the challenge to compete in this race came about
when John, one of Mr. Rizzi's students, asked him what he missed
most about not being able to see. The answer came fast and
furious. What he missed most was not being able to drive. Ten
year old John, who is a race fan whose family attends races at
Riverhead Raceway, informed Mr. Rizzi that there was a race he
could compete in at the racetrack. John threw out the challenge
and Mr. Rizzi was delighted to accept it. He looks at his
blindness not as a disability, but as a characteristic. He is an
inspiration to all who know him.
Mr. Rizzi's co-pilot in the race will be Michael 'Cheesebox'
Rommeney. Michael Rommeney, who will also supply the car for the
race is a very experienced participant and a great personality
at the racetrack, and, like most racers, is always there to
help.
Saturday, August 8th is the date. For more information, please
contact (631) 842-RACE or Ann Young at (516) 381-8023.
Source: Bob Finan /
Riverhead Raceway
Posted: July 20, 2009
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