The UK’s first racing academy for disabled drivers has been launched by Team BRIT, with the support of British racing driver, Nicolas Hamilton.
With the aim to inspire people with disabilities, PTSD and mental health issues, by demonstrating what can be achieved through motorsport.
CHALLENGE
Competitive racing is a challenging industry to break into, and it can be even harder for people with a disability.
Now, Nicolas Hamilton, brother of Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton, is working with Team BRIT to change this.
There have been an influx of disabled drivers attempting to step into professional competitive racing.
From Nicolas, who has cerebral palsy, to Billy Monger, who became a double amputee after a near fatal crash in 2017, disabled drivers are showcasing their talents behind the wheel.
CHANGE
Nicolas says: “I’m all about championing disability in motorsport, having been working at establishing myself in the sport since 2011.
“Disabled people are used to being told what they can’t do. I’m all about proving what’s possible, and I’ve learnt that sharing my story inspires others, which can only be positive.”
And the Team BRIT Academy is here to help. Determined to offer the two million disabled drivers across the UK an opportunity to get involved with the exhilarating world of motorsport.
SPEED
Drivers with a full UK licence have the opportunity to receive race coaching, mentoring and tuition.
Adaptations will be made available to suit all driver’s needs, with the Academy giving participants access to their world-leading hand controls – using fly by wire technology to provide electronic acceleration – and wheel adaptations.
Supported by Brit insurance, the Academy is a fantastic opportunity for people interested in getting into the world of motorsport. The team are also working tirelessly to become the first ever all-disabled team to race in the 24 hour Le Mans race.
“Disabled drivers make up around 5% of the UK’s driving population, but historically, accessing motorsport has been incredibly hard,” adds Dave Player, Team BRIT founder and CEO.
“The Academy gives anyone interested in racing the chance to give it a go, something that hasn’t been possible before.
“We will support them right from the start, providing simulator training before they get on the track, expert coaching and specialist controls to suit most disabilities.”
Working their way up from kart racing, many of the coaches involved in the Team BRIT Academy are veterans using motorsport as part of the rehabilitation and recovery. And they want you to get involved too.
Got a need for speed? Find out more about Team Brit here.
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