JDC-Miller Motorsports Planning ST Debut With Michael Johnson In BMW

Subtitle:Paralyzed Driver to Race BMW 228i Equipped With Hand Controls

JDC-Miller Motorsports, the Prototype Challenge (PC) class winner of the 2016 Rolex 24 At Daytona, will soon be making its debut in the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, fielding a BMW 228i specially equipped with hand controls for Michael Johnson, the first and only paralyzed driver to be licensed by IndyCar.

Johnson will co-drive with Rolex 24 PC winner Stephen Simpson, competing in the Street Tuner (ST) class. The team will take delivery of the new car next week and will do some testing before debuting at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on April 30, although the next round at Sebring International Raceway on March 18 is possible.

The car is specialty-equipped with hand controls provided by GuidoSimplex. Due to Johnson being paralyzed from the waist down, his car has a complicated brake, gearshift, and throttle system—he presses a ring on the steering wheel forward to accelerate, then pulls another ring toward him to brake. The car was built by Burton Racing, the 2013 ST team champions.

Michael, you were at Daytona watching the opening race of the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge. Looking ahead, what are your thoughts as you prepare for your debut in the series driving for JDC-Miller Motorsports?

“I’m very excited to get going. It was really competitive at Daytona. I liked how everybody was racing each other hard. Pit stops are going to be new to me, I’m excited for that. I really have a chance to drive as a team effort, instead of just only acquired by me out there. I’m excited to go as a team, and have some fun in a different type of car that I’ve never really raced before. I’m very ready. My fitness level is all there, and I think will be a very fun experience.”

How are the preparations coming for the new BMW?

“Unfortunately, it’s taking longer than any of us hoped, but we’re making the right steps to make it right. I was at the shop in Minnesota with the car, and got the hand controls fitted to me. It feels really good, we just making the final steps. I’d like to race Sebring, but if we can get some testing in before we get on track, our first race might be Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. I think the biggest thing for me is to get used to the car, and everyone’s working as hard as we can to get it ready. The car is a 228i. It’s an upgraded version of the BMW 128i. I wish it came together two months earlier, but it is what it is. I’m just super excited to get going.”

How do the hand controls work?

“The rings on both sides of the steering wheel are really unique to my hand position. I can utilize every part of my hand and finger tips for using the brake and accelerator. The paddle shifters are going to be very good, as well – they’re right by my thumbs. So I have real good range and full use of them. It’s a very unique system, and I can’t wait to try it out.”

How is this different from the cars you’ve raced before – and even your street cars?

“It’s much different. It’s what I’ve always wanted to use, but we couldn’t get the system right. In my street car it’s very simple. I have a lever by my left knee, and I push up for the brake, and push down for the accelerator. It’s bolted in below the steering column. Anybody can use their feet – just like in the BMW.”

Could the GuidoSimplex technology have applications for street cars?

“It’s technology that’s already out in Europe, but it hasn’t been out in the U.S. for very long and not too many people know about it. I think it’s going to hit off really well in the coming years, especially when I promote it more and more in my race car, and get it in my street car. I think people are going to like it a lot.”

What is your experience with JDC-Miller Motorsports?

“I’ve been with JDC – with John Church and the whole group – since I started in USF2000 in 2012. This will be my first year with the JDC-Miller part of it, and I have a good grasp of staying with the team and taking this relationship to the next level. They do a very good job. They’re the best in the business. They were able to pull it off at Daytona, which was a real big fete for the entire time. They didn’t make many mistakes and didn’t have many issues with the car. Winning Daytona is a very big thing, and hopefully someday I can be part of that.”