3 days ago
- 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.
