The Hudson Project
Pictures and a Brochure
Randy's Updates
Inspiring Performance. Inspiring Hope.
The Michael-Ryan Pattison Foundation is sponsoring the development of a quadriplegic and paraplegic
accessible 1947 Hudson Race Truck. The Hudson is designed and built by Randy Simmons, a California
entrepreneur and inventor specializing in robotic engineering.
The Hudson will be the first ever race vehicle designed to set land speed records while being controlled
and driven by a quadriplegic who has no mobility below the collar bone. Michael-Ryan will use a specially
designed mouthpiece to control the throttle and steering of the Hudson.
The Foundation is sponsoring this project to send a message of hope--to show that anyone can accomplish
dreams no matter how great the hardships. The Hudson has the capability to not only reach high speeds,
but also the ability to spread the Foundation’s message of hope to all that have the opportunity to see it.
The Hudson Project not only gives Michael-Ryan a chance to accomplish a feat that no one saw possible at
the time of his accident; it will help the foundation reach its ultimate goal by raising money and awareness
through sponsorships and events set up with the Hudson and Michael-Ryan Pattison.
Hudson: A Truly Unique Race Truck
The real innovation of the Hudson Project lies in the custom-designed controls that will enable a
quadriplegic to race the vehicle. A one-of-a-kind mouthpiece, built by Randy Simmons, allows Michael-Ryan
to control the throttle and steering. A bite pressure sensor in the mouthpiece controls the speed, while
three sensors inside the mouthpiece control steering direction. Randy, who will be co-driving, will handle
gear selection, braking, and can assume total control of the Hudson in case of emergency. Along with the
custom mouthpiece, the Hudson has a custom containment seat designed to hold Michael-Ryan comfortably and
in driving position. The powered seat can swivel out of the vehicle, and the truck bed holds a lift crane
that swings out to pick up Michael-Ryan and place him into the vehicle. All of this is done to ensure the
safety of Michael-Ryan and make it accessible for other paraplegics and quadriplegics.
Future of Hudson
This season will include numerous racing events and car shows for the Hudson. After the season, events
will be held to allow others with spinal cord injuries to drive the Hudson. Randy is working on developing
hand controls, much like the ones used by paraplegics to control their personal vehicles, to make it easier
for more people who are disabled to control the Hudson.
If you are interested in setting up an event with the Hudson racing truck, contact Jeff Gilchrist.
While the Hudson is on the racing circuit, the development of its innovative control system will continue
well into the future. "The ultimate goal is for Michael-Ryan to have full control of the Hudson," says
Randy Simmons. "Not just throttle and steering." While this control system is in an experimental phase,
the hope is that it could be adapted for more practical uses in the future. Inspiring hope, and
empowering those who are disabled--this is the essence of the Hudson Project.
Sponsor the Hudson
Sponsorships and donations will help the Foundation to pay for travel expenses for Michael-Ryan as he
attends Hudson events throughout the year. Multiple sponsorship packages are available, providing
your organization a powerful way to communicate to your customers. The Hudson Project represents a
truly unique opportunity to showcase your brand to automotive enthusiasts, while also associating
your organization to a positive cause: healing those with spinal cord injuries.
The benefits of sponsorship:
- Featured signage on the Hudson and transport vehicles
- Sponsor mentions in interviews
- Limited rights to use team personnel, car and equipment in advertising and promotions
- Up to ten passes to all car shows and race events
- Limited driver and race truck appearances at your events
For more information on sponsoring or donating to the Hudson Project, contact Jeff Gilchrist.
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