Team BRIT – a motor racing team of injured military troops, has announced it is opening its doors to civilian drivers for the first time. Currently, the team consists of drivers who are ex or serving military troops who have each sustained serious injuries, and is now looking to become the first ever all-disabled team to compete in Le Mans.
To date, drivers have all come from military backgrounds, but the team is looking to add rookie drivers to the team – who are civilian drivers with disabilities. The team’s first rookie day was held at Brands Hatch on 21st August, with further days for both troops and civilians will be taking place soon.
The team has developed a highly-advanced hand controller (pictured above) to allow its drivers to compete on equal terms with able-bodied competitors. It is looking to ‘normalise’ disability and improve access to motorsport for disabled people.
The team is currently competing in the Fun Cup championship, and recently completed ‘the longest race in the world’ – the 25 hours endurance race at Circuit de Spa Francorchamps.
“This has been a significant decision for us,” explained team founder Dave Player. “Our roots have and always will be within the military. We have a strong commitment to supporting troops who have been injured to access motorsport, which we know can be so beneficial to their recovery. This will never change and will continue to be a huge part of our work through Team BRIT and KartForce. However, the message we are keen to promote is that disability is not a barrier, and that with the right hard work, determination and support, disabled drivers can seriously compete at the highest level. We are opening doors and breaking boundaries and we want to widen the opportunities to disabled civilian drivers.”
