BLIND navigator Andrew Komosa made motorsport history when he contested the Proflex Stages.

The Blackburn-born solicitor used to navigate regularly on road rallies during the 1980's before he suffered the total loss of his eyesight due to diabetes.

After an 11-year battle with the sport's governing body, the MSA, to secure a navigator's licence, Komosa took his place in the passenger seat of John Gorton's Triumph TR7.

Using specially prepared maps Komosa bravely guided Gorton, also from Blackburn, up through the field, making up 26 places during the day to finish to an excellent 38th overall.

"I was nervous beforehand, but once we got into the swing of things I was okay," said Komosa.

"I didn't have any difficulty following the route because I could feel the movement of the car through the seat of my pants, and besides, a good co-driver never looks up anyway!"