Latest news with #TeamBRIT
South Wales Argus
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- South Wales Argus
Deaf Pontypool teenager secures podium finish in Snetterton
Caleb McDuff, 17, from Pontypool, is the UK's only male deaf racing driver. He competes with Team BRIT, the world's only all-disabled competitive racing team. He recently claimed a second-place finish in his McLaren 570S GT4 at Snetterton. Mr McDuff said: "It was a challenging weekend, since we had technical issues in quali, meaning we had to start at the back of the grid for race one. "Thankfully, the mechanics got the issue fixed in no time, and we could show what we can do in this car. "It was a really nice ending to our race weekend and we have a trophy to come back home with – to show our family and everyone who supports us, what we're working so hard for." Mr McDuff shares driving duties with teammate Noah Cosby, who is paraplegic following a motocross accident. Both races at Snetterton were affected by technical difficulties that forced them to start from the back of the grid. Despite this, Mr Cosby made up nine places in the first race before handing over to Mr McDuff, who finished fourth in class. In the second race, after being spun out following contact with another car, Mr Cosby fought back before Mr McDuff took the wheel, helping the team finish fourth overall and second in class. Mr McDuff was diagnosed as deaf at the age of two following severe ear infections as a baby. He now has moderate hearing thanks to cochlear implants. Team BRIT has developed a technical solution that enables him to use his implants and communicate with the pit crew while wearing his racing helmet. His rise through motorsport has been rapid since joining the team last year. He began in a BMW 1 Series and finished the 2024 season with an overall championship class win. He also claimed a class victory in a BMW M240i in his second race. Mr McDuff was named Young Deaf Sports Personality of the Year at the national Deaf Sports Personality of the Year Awards.
South Wales Argus
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- South Wales Argus
Caleb McDuff and Team BRIT's £1k for hearing dogs charity
Caleb McDuff, 17, from Pontypool, joined his Team BRIT teammates to support Hearing Dogs for Deaf People at a Silverstone race on May 4. The charity trains dogs to alert deaf people to important sounds they would otherwise miss. The team, which is the world's only competitive team of all-disabled racing drivers, used the Britcar Endurance Championship event to promote the charity. They were assisted by Zach Allen and his hearing dog Echo, and charity representatives Jo Wengler and Vicky Ryan. Caleb, who was diagnosed as deaf at the age of two, competed in a McLaren alongside his teammate Noah Cosby. They finished fourth in their class. More than 120 guests attended the event, donating money and purchasing the team's old tyres, which can be upcycled into coffee tables and planters. The team is continuing to raise funds for the charity throughout May. Caleb, who has worn cochlear implants since he was four, began karting at the age of six and joined Team BRIT last year. The team has developed a technical solution that allows Caleb to wear his cochlear implants under his helmet and communicate with the pit crew. Team BRIT principal Mike Scudamore said: "It was a real pleasure to welcome Echo and Zach from Hearing Dogs for Deaf People to our race at Silverstone. "Caleb's dad, Ian, introduced us to the charity and was keen for us to help them. "We were immediately keen to support this, with the charity and everything it does having a special place in the hearts of Caleb and his family." Vicky Ryan, community fundraising manager at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, said: "We were honoured to be invited to Silverstone to celebrate the incredible achievement of Caleb and his teammates at the Endurance Championships. "We're so grateful to Team BRIT for choosing us as their charity of the month and for raising such an impressive amount in just one day." The funds will help to train more puppies to become hearing dogs.
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Fareham driver selected for all-disabled team in major competition
A Fareham racing driver will once again represent an all-disabled team in a major competition. Paul Fullick, a lower leg amputee following a motorbike accident, has been selected for the fourth year running to drive for Team BRIT. The team, known for its groundbreaking approach, is the only one in the world composed entirely of disabled drivers. This year, Mr Fullick will compete in the Britcar Endurance Championship, driving the team's McLaren 570S GT4. He will team up with Aaron Morgan from Basingstoke, a paraplegic following a motocross accident. The duo uses Team BRIT's world-leading hand control technology, allowing them to compete against able-bodied drivers. In the 2024 season, the pair delivered strong performances despite facing technical challenges that cost them points in some races. However, they managed to secure multiple class podiums, finishing third overall at Snetterton. The final performance left the pair fourth overall in championship points and second in their class. Paul said: 'I feel really proud to have been selected to drive for the team again this year. It's a real passion of mine, and the team is like a family. "My driving has gotten stronger and stronger with every season and after a mixed, but positive season last year, I know we can be incredibly competitive this year and push for a championship win. 'A massive thank you to all my personal sponsors and to every organisation that has helped our team in recent years, we simply couldn't do it without them." Paul, now 43, was medically discharged from the Army in 2006 after a diving accident. A keen motorcyclist and instructor, he suffered an accident in September 2021, which resulted in the amputation of the lower part of his right leg. He completed his first full season of racing with Team BRIT in 2022, teaming up with Tyrone Mathurin in the Britcar Trophy. Alongside his role as a driver, Paul serves as a coach and mentor to rookie drivers and works as the team's business development manager, leading community outreach programmes. Mr Fullick's season began with winter testing in Portimao, Portugal earlier this month, ahead of his first race at Silverstone on April 5.
