Performance Driving with Just Hands Foundation

(Lime Rock Park, Lakeville, Connecticut)

On June 20th, 2026, Jack Trottier Foundation teamed up with Just Hands Foundation - a comprehensive organization that gives individuals with mobility disabilities the opportunity to get inside (and drive) a performance vehicle on a dedicated track.

“High Performance Driving Events are adrenaline-pumping track days where drivers push the limits of a car in a safe, high-speed setting. Imagine roaring down the straightaway behind the wheel of a Just Hands car, engine screaming, as you master tight corners and feel the thrill of precision driving.

With the guidance of expert instructors, you’ll learn advanced techniques to control a car at the edge of its capabilities, all while surrounded by the electrifying atmosphere of a professional racetrack. It is a combination of speed, skill, and raw automotive power—without the pressure of competition.” (Just Hands Foundation Website)

JTF selected three drivers and two ride-along participants to test their skills and learn what it takes to operate a race car through the Lime Rock Park course alongside other novice and intermediate level drivers. All but one participant had no prior experience in a performance driving setting.

From 9am to 4pm, sessions included ride-alongs for all participants, with guided instruction from Just Hands founder Torsten Gross, a professional driver and C6 quadriplegic. From there, several participants transitioned from passengers to drivers, using hand controls provided by Mobility Innovations - a German company providing left and right side mechanical hand controls for much of the world’s adaptive driving solutions.

“Just Hands operates and maintains several high performance cars, including a Porsche 981 Cayman and a Volkswagen GTI. The Porsche 981 Cayman, was donated by Hoffman Auto Group, and the VW GTI was donated by the VW Group. Both were "track prepped" by the legendary racing wizards at Hairy Dog Grrrage with a lot of modifications not found in regular street cars.”

On straight-aways, the Porsche can be seen reaching speeds of 130mph with agressive braking before navigating several S-curves while gripping the road at 70mph through tight corners. With safety as a priority, passengers and drivers are equipped with race-style bucket seats, a tight 4-point harness, helmet and neck bracing, and microphone communications between driver and passenger.

Participants used adaptive foam to customize comfortable seating and Velcro straps for leg stability to accommodate for G-forces. JTF volunteers with OT and CTRS experience were present for transfers and setup in the vehicle. Here’s what Josh Conti, Rhode Island resident and adaptive driving participant had to say about his sessions:

“I had an incredible and truly unique experience at Lime Rock Park with the Jack Trottier and Just Hands foundations. Getting behind the wheel of a Porsche with hand controls was both thrilling and freeing. The feeling of driving at speed on a track like that is truly incomparable. The entire day felt inclusive, thoughtful, and empowering—it wasn’t just about speed, but about being fully present and capable in the moment. I’m truly grateful for such a meaningful and memorable experience. “

Sessions included laps around Lime Rock Park, accompanied by 6-8 other able-bodied drivers. As Torsten puts it, “Theres no other sport in the world where the playing field is even between adaptive and able-bodied athletes.” Several other vehicles present on June 20th were popular models from Porsche, McLaren, Ferrari, Chevrolet, VW and Mazda.

Torsten, competes competitively across the nation in a Porsche GT4 heavily modified for adaptive driving, performance, safety, and weight-reduction. His story, and competitive pursuits can be seen through his Amazon Prime documentary, Just Hands: For the Love of Racing, and can be streamed HERE.

For more information about Just Hands, please visit https://www.justhands.org/performance-driving

To inquire about track days through JTF, please inquire by email to anna@jacktrottierfoundation.org