Opening the door to motorsport for disabled drivers
NEWS
Team BRIT – the most inspirational team in motorsport – is creating an exciting opportunity for disabled drivers, through its new Racing Academy.
The Team BRIT racing team, which consists of disabled drivers and aims to be the first all-disabled team to race in the Le Mans 24 hour, is launching the Team BRIT Racing Academy in 2019, supported by Brit Insurance.
The academy will offer something never previously available to disabled drivers. It will offer expert tuition, coaching and instruction, along with the chance to take an ARDS (Association of Racing Driver Schools) test. If passed, it will equip the drivers with a race licence, enabling them to race at circuits all over the UK.
The Academy will offer:
- full coaching and guidance on competitive racing
- training at track days all over the country
- private one-to-one coaching if requested
- access to race-prepared cars, ranging from VW Polos to BMW 116s and supercars
- use of world-leading hand controls
- training on a top-of-the-range Vesaro simulator
- on-board footage and analysis to take away
- ARDS test and licence (when successful) .
The Team BRIT Academy is open to both disabled and able-bodied drivers. The Academy’s cars will be equipped with top-of-the-range hand controls and standard pedals, so can suit a wide range of requirements.
Disabled drivers who successfully attain their ARDS licence may also be offered the chance to try out as rookies with Team BRIT. In addition, track days using supercars fitted with hand controls will be available in conjunction with partner, Supercar Drive Days.
Says Team BRIT Founder and CEO, Dave Player, ‘I am extremely proud to be able to launch the Team BRIT Racing Academy in 2019. Our goal has always been far greater than Le Mans. We want to revolutionise motorsport and normalise disability. Motorsport should be accessible to everyone, and through our academy, we’re giving any driver with a full UK licence the chance to get behind the wheel and learn how to race.
‘Our technology means that drivers with a wide range of disabilities can learn to drive competitively, and can line up on the grid against able-bodied drivers. I hope we’re showing people what’s possible and that a disability doesn’t take away the chance for competitive sport. I would urge anyone tempted to give it a go to get in touch. We’re particularly keen to hear from female drivers, who are massively under-represented in motorsport. We may even find our newest Team BRIT rookie.’
About Team BRIT
Team BRIT is a branch of KartForce, a charity set up to inspire people with disabilities, PTSD and mental health issues by demonstrating what can be achieved through motorsport. It aims to show injured military personnel and disabled people that they can achieve what they never thought possible, that they can compete at the highest level, and to equip them with a wide range of personal and professional skills through understanding the business of motorsport.
To find out more, visit www.teambrit.co.uk