VIDEO: Ford previews blind man unleashing inner Mustang
Most of us take for granted the ability to enjoy driving cars. Whether it's with a clunker or a supercar, there is a wonderful freedom that comes with getting behind the wheel of an automobile. No one knows that more than Roger Keeney, a man from Athens, GA who lost his sight twenty years ago. As we reported earlier, Keeney caught Ford's attention with his application for the '10 Unleashed' program, and decided to fulfill his dream of driving a Mustang. Ford had the cameras rolling during the whole thing, and will be posting a series of videos on the 2010 Mustang web site. Both the trailer and chapter one have already been released, and we've embedded them after the jump.
Gallery: Roger Keeney's 2010 Mustang Drive
[Source: Ford]
PRESS RELEASE:
DEARBORN, Mich., June 23, 2009 – With the warm Arizona wind pelting his forehead and his entire body vibrating from the mighty roar of the engine, Roger Keeney took a brand new 2010 Ford Mustang convertible on an amazing ride, doing donuts on the pavement and amassing speeds of up to 90 mph.
This would be a thrill for anybody but what makes this truly remarkable is that fact that Keeney has been blind for the past 20 years.
Sixty-two-year-old Keeney, who lives in Athens, Ga., won the chance to drive the new 2010 Mustang by participating in "The '10 Unleashed" promotion, which asked people to describe their ultimate Mustang dream experience in 250 words or less. A video diary chronicling his extraordinary ride will be featured starting today at www.the2010mustang.com.
"When I got the phone call from Ford saying that I had won, I thought someone was playing a joke on me," said Keeney, who lost his sight in a farming accident.
It was definitely not a joke, says Ford Car Communications Manager Patricia Piedrahita.
"Without a doubt, his essay caught our attention," she said. "His submission hinted that he may be blind, so we had to talk to him to learn more. Upon speaking to him we knew he would help us see the Mustang from a different point of view."
On May 7, 2009, Ford flew Keeney down to the expansive Ford Proving Grounds just outside of Phoenix, Ariz. With safety their number one concern, the Mustang team arranged for former professional racer Tommy Kendall to ride shotgun in the car.
"Tommy said, 'When you were a teenager, did you ever do donuts?' And I said, 'Yeah.' So I got it rolling a bit in first gear, cranked it hard to the left and revved it up and popped it and did three donuts before we stopped. When we stopped, we could hear the camera crew cheering from clear across the field. I was in awe of both the car and the experience, it was truly a dream come true."
"The most life-changing thing you can do for folks with disabilities is put them in a situation that everyone else has told them is impossible. The experience for me in the Mustang with Tommy Kendall next to me and driving that wonderful automobile was really great," Keeney added.
The rush and exhilaration of Keeney's dream come true is brought to life through the video chapters available for viewing at www.the2010mustang.com.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
larry a 8:05PM (6/24/2009)
Haha yes! I was hoping there would be a video of this, good PR for Ford
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jeff miller 8:22PM (6/24/2009)
Very Cool. All teared-up. Very nice....
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Tyler 8:22PM (6/24/2009)
How blind is the man? Legally Blind? Blind like love? Completely blind?
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larry a 8:53PM (6/24/2009)
blind as in he can't see and needs to use a cane to get around...
Yoink!
banana2011 9:30PM (6/24/2009)
He's blind but found unleashed on the internet.. LOL
Randy 7:17PM (6/25/2009)
ever heard of braille or computer accessability options or screen readers?START---PROGRAMS--- ACCESSORIES--- ACCESSABILITY OPTIONS
derek 3:07PM (6/25/2009)
He is "Legally Blind".
And FORD has done such a great job with The '10 Unleashed promotion. They really are changing lives.
:)
chambo622 8:37PM (6/24/2009)
blind as in he can't see and needs to use a cane to get around...
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chambo622 8:38PM (6/24/2009)
dammit replied to the wrong comment...let the downranks begin :)
stupid comment system can't go back and edit the comments lol
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Seminole 9:10PM (6/24/2009)
This along with the American Dreams commercial from a few years ago (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFVQKLjLXgM&feature=related) are two of the most touching advertisements I have ever seen.
I understand the root of both of them are to advertise Ford products, but they do it a very respectful way that doesn't overpower the message of the commercial.
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fmwso 3:35AM (6/25/2009)
The commercial that you mentioned was great, I remember watching it back then and it sure is a touching advertisement even though it was quite long lol...and kudos to Roger he sure is someone who loves driving, I don't think anyone else could have deserved this chance more than him.
KIB2 9:16PM (6/24/2009)
They're doing a good job at PR.
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Scott K. 10:09PM (6/24/2009)
"Upon speaking to him we knew he would help us see the Mustang from a different point of view."
Did anyone else groan when they read this?
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Jared 9:28PM (6/25/2009)
*groan*
Bob H. 11:33PM (6/24/2009)
Does anyone notice a different management style from Ford vs the other "US" car companies?
There seems to be real people making sensible decisions?
Maybe it's time I've "....driven a Ford lately" always been a Chrysler and Porsche guy.
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Acefighter 2:47AM (6/25/2009)
No joke. I think Ford is making a lot of great decisions. NOT taking the bailout money, something like this...
It's not wonder they are the only one of the Big Three that aren't filing for bankruptcy.
jpm100 7:27AM (6/25/2009)
Given choice between liquidation and bailout money, Ford would take it too.
Why Ford didn't have to choose is a matter of timing. They were in GM's position 2 years earlier. The difference was not only was the private credit market not paralyzed, but it was still in the reckless stage where it was given out credit like it was going out of style that created this whole situation.
From My Cube 7:42AM (6/25/2009)
how the hell can you be a chrysler and a porsche guy....one is full piss poor quality and the other is a top end premium manufacturer
welp 9:51AM (6/25/2009)
@From My Cube.... i dont really consider chrysler a "top end premium manufacturer".. but i've never owned one, maybe you have and thought it was great?
Ken 11:47PM (6/24/2009)
He wanted a Red Mustang convertible, they told him that's what he was driving :D
I'd use the same effect as their one Ford Puma commercial and make him the guy chasing Steve McQueen in a future Mustang ad.
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