TWO of Team BRIT’s drivers made a special visit to the spinal injury unit at Salisbury District hospital to give patients a taste of what it is like to drive in the fast lane.
Having made history by becoming the only all-disabled competitive team to race in the British GT Championship, they also developed the most advanced hand control technology. It is this that enables disabled drivers to compete on equal terms against able-bodied drivers.
Simulators are equipped with the team’s hand controls and give users the chance to try out the technology on sim-versions of iconic UK racing circuits.
On Monday September 5, drivers Steve Crompton and Tyrone Mathurin gave the patients a lesson in how to use the controls and shared their experiences of racing with the team.
Team BRIT driver Steve Crompton, a former patient at the hospital, said: “It was really special to be able to come back to the hospital that supported me as I recovered from my injuries and began to rebuild my life as a paraplegic.
“I’m coming back at a completely different stage in my life, having recently joined Team BRIT and setting out on the start of my motorsport journey.”
Steve suffered a spinal injury following a car crash and Tyrone has limited use of one side of his body after a motorbike crash caused brachial plexus injury.
Steve added: “When I was here in the hospital, it was seeing another patient coming in for a check-up and arriving by car that inspired and encouraged me to know that I could still drive and still have my independence.
“I hope we have shown the patients that there are still incredible opportunities out there even after injury. We’d love to welcome them along to a race soon.”
Spinal Unit physiotherapist Rebecca Hobbs said: “A huge thanks to everyone at Team BRIT for visiting our hospital. Patients have been telling me how much they loved it and one of them said it was their 'favourite day in 4 months' which is pretty amazing feedback.
“It was so nice to see them enjoying it so much and doing something really different. It definitely opened their eyes to what is possible now.”
Team BRIT is not a charity but a competitive racing team vying against teams of able-bodied drivers, and they offer track day experiences to disabled clients. They help people to face physical and psychological challenges by demonstrating what can be achieved through motorsport.
Their ten drivers are racing across four championships this year.
More information can be found on Team BRIT's website.
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