Team BRIT was set up in 2015 with the aim of becoming the first ever all-disabled team to race in the Le Mans 24-hour endurance race. It supports people with physical and psychological challenges in accessing motorsport and has developed the world’s most advanced hand control technology to enable disabled drivers to compete on equal terms against able-bodied drivers.
The team have created a ladder of motorsport opportunities for disabled drivers, ranging from driving experiences with its racing academy, to entry-level endurance racing and entries in the British GT Championship – the pinnacle of GT4 racing in the UK.
Through technological innovation, the team have created the world’s most advanced hand control technology to enable disabled drivers to race on equal terms with able-bodied competitors.
Developed by Team BRIT, and Slovenian motorsport experts, MME Motorsport, the system uses a combination of pneumatic, electronic and hydraulic technology to enable the steering, brakes, clutch, throttle and gears to be controlled seamlessly using just your hands. What’s more is that the system can be instantly removed, unplugged and replaced with an ordinary steering wheel. This means that drivers with a range of disabilities can drive on the same team.
Drivers have incredible stories including 31-year-old Aaron Morgan who broke his back in a motocross accident when he was 15.
Following a lengthy period of recovery, whilst he was in the hospital, he was told he could apply for his driving license early due to his disability. He then headed out for driving lessons from the hospital, then returned to his ward. Later on, after achieving a 2:1 in Sports Science at Brunel University, he returned to his passion for motorsport, becoming the youngest disabled person to achieve a National B Race Licence. Now having raced the Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT4 in the Britcar Endurance Championship in 2021, 2022 will see Aaron race the McLaren in the British GT championship.
“People are often surprised to hear me say this, but I consider myself lucky.” Aaron says, “I’m lucky to be alive and it’s probably because I was so young when I had my accident, that I’ve been able to adapt and create a positive life around my disability.”
“Racing has always been a passion of mine and it’s been so important for me to continue this, despite my disability. Motorsport also provides an opportunity for me to compete on a completely level playing field against able-bodied racers, something no other sport can offer. Team BRIT provided me with the next step forward in my career, opening doors to GT4 racing.”
Inspirational to all – we can’t wait to see Aaron and the team cross the finish line!
Visit Team Brit to find out more.
