More than 20 disabled drivers from across Scotland have experienced the thrill of the race track after a ‘disability motorsport showcase’ held at Knockhill Circuit on the 25th 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. All came together to enjoy unique access to world-class technology and teams of expert racers to welcome them into the world of racing.
The event saw Team BRIT teaming up with partners 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, drivers from Team BRIT and DMS spent time on track, as well as members of Spinal Injuries Scotland.
16-year-old Ally Chalmers from the south of Glasgow, broke his neck, collar bone, ribs and back during a skiing accident in 2022 and has now got his sights set on becoming a Team BRIT rookie. The team has provided advice, and supplied a Citroen C1 for him to practice in, which he uses at Knockhill Circuit. He is the first disabled driver to sit his Association of Racing Driver Schools (ARDS) test in Scotland, supported by Minimax.
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.”
19-year-old Brynn Hauxwell travelled 350 miles from the Shetland Isles to attend the day. Brynn is autistic and has ADHD, severe asthma and fixed ankle contractures which means he uses a wheelchair. Brynn is a massive motorsport fan and keen sim racer. He is working with DMS to establish a Sim racing academy and also hopes 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.
“My motorsport goals are not only to compete in racing on track, as that has always been my dream, but also virtually via SIM racing and I would love to become a coach in the UK to find and train the next generation and prove to them that disabilities don’t have to hold you back.”
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 said: “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.”
Minimax Team Principal Scott McKenzie said: “It was great to see so many people attend the first disability motorsport showcase at Knockhill racing circuit. The atmosphere around the paddock and pit lane was buzzing. After helping Ally get through his ARDS test and become the first wheelchair user in Scotland to do so, Minimax Motorsport hope we can inspire others to get in touch with us and follow in Ally’s tracks to take the first stage of being on a grid in the future.”
Chairman of Disability Motorsport Scotland, Colin Duthie said: “We’re delighted to work with Minimax Motorsport and Team BRIT to further disability motorsport in Scotland.”
