Scotland’s national racing circuit has given more than 20 disabled drivers from across the country the chance to experience a thrilling on-track race day.
Knockhill Circuit hosted the exclusive motorsport showcase with the world’s only competitive racing team of all disabled drivers – Team BRIT – on Wednesday 25 September.
Drivers including 16-year-old Ally Chalmers from Glasgow – the first ever wheelchair user to take and pass their race licence test in Scotland, and 19-year-old Bryn Hauxwell from Shetland, were among the people who came together to enjoy unique access to world-class technology and teams of expert racers to welcome them into the world of racing.
Team BRIT collaborated with Disability Motorsport Scotland (DMS), Spinal Injuries Scotland, Minimax Motorsport and the team at Knockhill, to help disabled drivers learn more about the opportunities and technology available, and to introduce the teams and organisations that can help with entry to the sport.
As part of the event, the disabled drivers who got the chance to drive on track were able to do so through advanced hand control technology which enables disabled drivers to compete equally with able-bodied drivers.
16-year-old Ally Chalmers from the south of Glasgow, broke his neck, collar bone, ribs, and back during a skiing accident in 2022.
He has now got his sights set on becoming a Team BRIT rookie, after he managed to become the first disabled driver to sit his Association of Racing Driver Schools (ARDS) test in Scotland
The team has now provided advice to Ally and supplied him with a Citroen C1 for him to practice in, which he continues to use at Knockhill Circuit.
Ally said: “The Team BRIT hand controls are a game changer for racing, you can’t be competitive without them. It was brilliant to welcome Team BRIT to Scotland and to see them work with DMS and MiniMax to create such a brilliant event. There was a real community buzz throughout the day, and lots of other people at the track were keen to find out what we were up to.
“Driving the team’s BMW with their driver Paul Fullick was amazing. I’m so excited for the future – this has given me something to fill my need for a high-paced, competitive sport. I hope to continue my training and work towards a season of racing with MiniMax, supported by Team BRIT next year.”
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Also taking part in the event was Brynn Hauxwell who travelled 350 miles from the Shetland Isles to attend the day.
The 19-year-old is autistic and has ADHD, severe asthma, and fixed ankle contractures which means he uses a wheelchair. DMS is now working with him to establish a Sim racing academy to help improve access to sports for those in rural communities.
Brynn said: “Ever since I can remember I have loved competition and racing. In 2017 I found my real passion for motorsports after sim racing with a friend and just wanted to get even more involved.
“A few years ago I wanted to try karting but was refused due to my disabilities, because of that I thought that I would never be able to compete in any racing events apart from wheelchair racing, which I was already involved with. Everything changed when I met Colin and the DMS team who introduced me to the adrenaline rush of racing around the Knockhill Racing Circuit. DMS showed me that it is something I could achieve with the right support, practice and dedication.
Ally, Brynn and other guests spent time meeting current Team BRIT and DMS drivers, and testing out Team BRIT’s hand control technology on a top of the range simulator.
Team BRIT Team Principal Mike Scudamore added: “What a fantastic day we had with our Scottish partners and friends at Knockhill. We regularly race and test at circuits across England, but have yet to spend time in Scotland, so it was great to spend time over the border and to meet so many new people.
“The feedback from our guests was extremely positive and I know a lot of drivers got so much out of their time on our sim and out on track. We’re always looking for new potential rookie drivers, and new sponsors and supporters, so hope to continue to build our Team BRIT family in Scotland.”
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