DAREDEVIL racing fan James Don hopes to break a land speed record by driving at speeds of more than 200mph - while blindfolded.

James, 25, who runs a video company which makes films of motor racing, will attempt to smash the 144mph world record for driving while wearing a blindfold, in aid of Cancer Research UK.

James, who lives at Tadcaster, will drive a specially-enhanced Ferrari F-40 while completely blindfolded - but with an instructor in the passenger seat giving him steering directions. The determined fundraiser aims not only to break the record, but to go through the 200mph barrier.

He said: "It might seem like a mad thing to do, but I love motor racing and have always wanted to do something like this.

"But the only reason I am putting my life at risk is to raise money for charity.

"I feel like I am putting my life in the hands of my instructor - but I know he will want me to get it right if he wants to live too!

"Travelling at 200mph means covering a big distance in just seconds, so you pretty much have to put your foot to the floor and go for it. The hardest part is braking from such a high speed without going out of control or damaging the car because of the forces involved."

James will be up against other keen motor racers in the week-long event at Elvington Airfield, which is being filmed for a series called Speed Academy being made for BBC3.

He is taking part in memory of his father, who died of cancer when James was only 13.

Test runs will take place at the airfield, before James's actual record-breaking attempt on September 27.

He is asking businesses which would like to sponsor him to phone him on 07970 707886.

Updated: 12:30 Wednesday, August 10, 2005