Former Army Major tries out with Team BRIT
NEWS
Bernie Broad, a former Army Major with the Grenadier Guards, recently spent the day with Team BRIT, which aims to be the first ever all-disabled team to race in Le Mans.
The team took part in the UK Fun Cup championship in 2017 – the first stage of their motorsport journey – and will move on to GT4 racing in 2018. He met the team at their recent race at Oulton Park and was invited back to take part in a testing day at Brands Hatch.
After medically retiring from the armed forces in 2014, having lost both legs below the knee due to injuries sustained in an explosion in Helmand Province in 2009, Bernie has used sport to kick-start his drive and fitness, and regularly swims, walks and plays golf. Last year he was invited to head up the UK team at the Invictus Games in Toronto.
At Brands Hatch, Bernie was able to test the team’s world-leading hand controls, which have been designed to ensure that the team’s disabled drivers can compete on a level playing field with able-bodied drivers. He was also taken out in the cars by current rookies undergoing coaching at the track. Bernie was invited back for further coaching sessions over the winter so that he can learn more about the team and the potential to become a driver in 2018.
‘I had such a great day at the track with Team BRIT,’ says Bernie. ‘The last time I had such an adrenaline rush was when I was dodging rockets in Afghanistan, however the racing was definitely a lot more fun! The team, the ethos and the supporting staff just inspire confidence in what is a very demanding sport. What a fantastic opportunity to be able to participate in such a challenging sport, only made possible by the team and the supporting staff who give drivers the confidence to achieve.’
Fancy yourself behind the wheel? Find out more about Team BRIT here: www.teambrit.co.uk You can also follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for regular updates.
