One blind man successfully drove 1.5 miles and avoided obstacles in a historic demonstration before the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday.

Mark Riccobono, who directs the technology research and education programs for the National Federation of the Blind, drove a Ford Escape hybrid equipped with non-visual technology that enabled him to navigate part of the road course section, according to a news release.

Riccobono practiced driving at Virginia International Raceway in January. Riccobono avoided not only stationary obstacles, but also avoided those thrown into his path at random from a van driving in front of him. The Ford Escape was equipped with laser range-finding sensors that sent the information to a computer that conveyed directions through vibrations in the driver’s gloves and seat.

The NFB Blind Driver Challenge is a research project of the NFB’s Jernigan Institute. So far, Virginia Tech along with TORC is the only team to step up to the challenge.