Team BRIT eZine: Issue 13, Spring 2024

February saw us return to warmer climes in Portugal for our annual winter testing.

THE LIFE OF AN ORANGE HERO

Former marshall

has clocked up more than 30 years of marshalling across the UK.

BRITISH ENDURANCE SEASON PREVIEW

We catch up with BEC Director Claire Hedley for some insider insight into the season ahead.

Steve Tarrant

THE WORD FROM.......

HQ

Finally! The season begins! By the time you receive this, we will have competed in the first round of the British Endurance Championship (BEC) and the Britcar Trophy.

Our drivers and crew are ready and raring to go, after months of waiting and preparing for what looks sets to be a fantastic season ahead.

We have a new driver line up, featuring some of our most experienced team members and some new faces. As a result, we’re setting our sights high on podium positions whilst also planning on a consistent season of development and learning for our rookies.

Four of our drivers were able to get behind the wheel early with our annual winter testing in Portugal. It might not have been as warm as we’d hoped, but it was dry, beautifully sunny, and the crew were able to enjoy two full days on the incredible Algarve circuit, as part of a quiet test session, giving drivers km upon km of valuable testing time.

Focusing our energies and attentions on BEC and Britcar, both run by championship organiser Claire Hedley, who you’ll read more about in this edition, means we can bring together our crew, resources, drivers, sponsors and community at the same location on each race weekend.

The impact of this shouldn’t be underestimated, our rookies will learn so much from being around our GT4 drivers who race the same weekend, and drivers will support each other throughout, epitomising everything that makes our team so great.

Aside from the race track, we’re fully settled into our new HQ in Washington, West Sussex, which is looking amazing thanks to Al, his team and the many companies who have helped us with supplies, equipment and services.

We’ve announced an exciting new partnership with Tunley Environmental. In what may be our biggest challenge to date, Tunley Environmental will be helping us understand our carbon footprint and the ways in which we can make a difference to our environmental impact through realistic sustainability measures. The terms ‘green’ and ‘motorsport’ do not often go together, but we’re putting our heads above the parapet and accept our industry simply must do more.

As always, thank you to every sponsor, fan, supporter and friend who continues to back us this year. We’ll see you trackside.

Team BRIT Founder DAVE PLAYER

IN THIS ISSUE:

WINTER TESTING REPORT

Pages 14 & 15

OUR YOUNGEST DRIVER YET

16-year-old Caleb McDuff, the UK’s only male Deaf racing driver, is the latest signing for our team, and has also become our youngest ever driver! Page 14

BEC SEASON PREVIEW

We catch up with British Endurance Championship Director Claire Hedley for some insider insight into the season ahead. Page 26

THE LIFE OF AN ORANGE HERO

Steve Tarrant is retired from his marshaling service, but has clocked up more than 30 years of voluntary marshalling across the UK. Page 20

BOBBY’S NEW SUPER TEAM

Team BRIT driver Bobby Trundley will pair up with a fellow autistic racing driver to create a ‘super team’ for the 2024 Club Enduro Championship. Page 29

THE FUTURE’S BRIGHT FOR JAMIE Page 16

JOIN US TRACKSIDE IN STYLE Page 19

PAUL TAKES NEW KEY TEAM ROLE Page 23

OUR NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH MOTABILITY Page 25

SPONSOR FOCUS: ATL Page 30

FIVE QUESTIONS WITH JACK WEBBER Page 31

FACES TEAM BRIT’S NEW

OF 2024

The 2024 season is a-go, and we have a stellar line up of drivers ready to take on an epic year of racing.

2024 will see us focus our efforts on two homegrown championships – the British Endurance Championship and the Britcar Trophy Championship.

Both offer our drivers and crew a competitive, professional and expertly-run series, with opportunities for us to enter our drivers at the most appropriate level of racing for their experience.

We welcome two new drivers to the team, see three move up to levels of racing they haven’t previously competed in, and one driver retains his place as the most experienced on the team.

Alongside offering us new personalities, we’re also working with drivers who live with disabilities we have not worked with before, meaning we have spent time understanding their needs and ensuring our cars are equipped with the technology or adaptations they need to compete at a high level, safely.

All our drivers will race at the same track across each race weekend, meaning our crew and team members can come together for the best thing about our job – the racing!

Read on to learn more about Team BRIT’s class of 2024...

2024 BRIT 570S GT4 TEAM LINEUP

AARON MORGAN

Aaron retains his place as the most experienced driver in our team, having spent years racing on his own before joining Team BRIT in 2021.

Aaron is a paraplegic following a motocross accident when he was 15, leaving him paralysed from the waist down.

Last year, Aaron competed in three rounds of the British GT Championship before moving over to the inaugural McLaren Trophy Series Europe, alongside Bobby Trundley.

Aaron uses our hand controls and will team up with Paul for the first time.

PAUL FULLICK McLAREN

Paul is a lower leg amputee following a motorbike crash.

This is Paul’s first season with the team as a GT4 driver, having spent two seasons driving our BMWs.

In 2022, he teamed up with Tyrone Mathurin to drive our BMW 1 series in the Britcar Trophy. 2023 saw him progress to the BMW M240i alongside Tyrone, where the pair secured multiple podiums. Paul then finished the season as part of a special 2 McLaren team entry in the British Endurance Championship, where he raced in the car for the first time alongside James Whitley.

Paul has also been spending time coaching other drivers and working on business development for the team – read more on this later in the ezine!

M240I

ASHA SILVA

Asha was diagnosed with adult Autism and ADHD when she was 38. She joined the team in 2023 as a complete rookie, with no previous experience in racing.

Asha was part of the Citroen C1 series driver line up, gaining priceless experience in entry level racing in her inaugural rookie year.

Asha’s teammates and coaches have all been blown away by her natural talent for racing and her eagerness to learn.

With Noah at her side as teammate, she’s set to have an impressive second year, chasing personal bests and class wins in the Britcar Trophy.

NOAH COSBY

Noah is paralysed from the waist down after damaging his spinal cord in a motocross jump that went wrong.

2024 marks Noah’s second full season with the team, after an impressive rookie year in the Citroen C1 Series in 2023.

In his first full season with the team, Noah learnt his race craft and got to grips with our hand controls, sharing the C1 with three other drivers.

Now, in a big jump up to the powerful M240i, he’s setting his sights on podium finishes alongside teammate, Asha.

CALEB McDUFF

16-year-old Caleb is the youngest member of the team, stealing the ‘youngest’ title from Noah.

Caleb is the UK’s only male Deaf racing driver and brings years of karting and racing experience to the team.

He has already impressed with Championship wins in karting and delivering an impressive performance in his first full year of car racing last year in the Junior Saloon Car Championship.

We’re working on some new advanced solutions for Caleb’s pit to car communications and will have news of an exciting new partnership in this project soon. Caleb teams up with Dom Shore to make our newest rookie pairing.

DOM SHORE

Dom was born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, the abnormal build-up of fluid on the brain. He is paralysed from the knee down.

Having only obtained his race licence at the end of 2022, Dom has no experience in racing to date, but has been a life-long fan of motorsport.

Dom will use our hand controls to enable him to pair up with Caleb, and is set to take on a year of learning and development in the Britcar Trophy.

Team BRIT & Brit Insurance

In late 2016, we saw one of Team BRIT’s drivers interviewed on TV. Their ambition, passion –and of course the Brit name – resonated strongly with us. A few months later, we launched a supportive partnership with Team BRIT; so our employees had the chance to get to know the team and get involved.

The business behind the logo

Brit is a global specialty insurance company. We are a leading syndicate of Lloyd’s of London, the world’s oldest specialist insurance market. Combining technical expertise with industry knowledge, we create best in-class insurance solutions that help people and businesses face the future and thrive.

Redefining what’s possible

Like Team BRIT, our collaborative culture embraces diversity. It empowers and enables talented individuals, whatever their background, to bring their authentic selves to work, and deliver outstanding results. We’re committed to growing the skills of every single employee; helping them fulfil their potential in a supportive, respectful and inclusive work environment.

Driven to succeed

Both our organisations share the passion and pride that go with working as a team towards a common goal. We look forward to being part of Team BRIT’s continued success.

To find out more about us visit: britinsurance.com and Linkedin

Smartphones at the ready... the 2024 Team BRIT merch from Harlequin Teamwear is now ready to order Featuring our newest design and this year’s wealth of sponsors and supporters, our teamwear lets you feel 100% part of the team.

All the products below are available via the Team BRIT website or Facebook page.

OFFICIAL 2024 TEAMWEAR:

POLO SHIRT £40 T-SHIRT £30 (KIDS £25)

TRACK TOP £60 KIDS (£45)

SOFTSHELL JACKET £80 (KIDS £60)

WATERPROOF JACKET £80

TEAMBRIT.CO.UK/SHOP

WINTER TESTING 2024

February saw us return to warmer climes for our annual winter testing.

Our crew, McLaren and BMW M240i made the journey to Portugal to take part in the Black Falcon test day at the Algarve International Circuit in Portimão.

Aaron Morgan returned to the track for the first time since 2022, having missed the 2023 opportunity due to planned surgery.

Paul Fullick, Asha Silva and Noah Cosby joined the testing for their first ever experience of the stunning Portuguese circuit.

The crew, led by Engineering Director Al Locke, used the opportunity to practice race craft from smooth pit stops to car preparation and data analysis.

The warmer, dryer weather enables the crew to simulate likely conditions in the UK at the start of the racing season.

For the drivers, it’s an opportunity to spend quality time behind the wheel, learning the intricacies of their car in what is a quiet test session with km upon km of practice time.

Over two days, our cars covered 1855km, providing heaps of data for Al and the crew to analyse for fine tuning ahead of the season start.

ALGARVE INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT Portimão, Portugal

Length: 4.653km (2.891m)

Turns: 15

OUR CARS COVERED 1855KM, PROVIDING HEAPS OF DATA FOR OVER TWO DAYS, AL AND THE CREW

OUR ODYSSEY

We were lucky to be joined by representatives from sponsor Odyssey Battery, who flew out to spend some time with the team and learn more about everything we do.

Senior Marketing Manager

Derek Tyrer brought along communications and technology colleagues for exclusive time in the garage and of course – some hot laps in the McLaren!

DEAF RACING DRIVER JOINS TEAM BRIT THE UK’S ONLY MALE

16-year-old Caleb McDuff, the UK’s only male Deaf racing driver, is the latest signing for our team, and has also become our youngest ever driver!

Caleb, who has dreams of becoming the first ever Deaf driver in Formula 1, already has a karting championship win under his belt, and is now looking to move up the racing ladder by becoming part of the team.

This year, he is competing in the Britcar Trophy Championship, driving the team’s BMW 1 series, alongside fellow rookie driver Dom Shore, who has spina bifida and Hydrocephalus. Their is fitted with innovative hand control technology to enable them to drive together.

Caleb lives in Pontypool, South Wales, and is a student at Cwmbran High School, which has a specialist provision for Deaf students. He was diagnosed as Deaf when he was two years old, having suffered severe ear infections as a baby, but now has a moderate level of hearing thanks to cochlear implants.

When Caleb was fitted with cochlear implants, his parents were told that he should not participate in contact sports such as football and rugby, so his

dad, Ian, began looking for other sports his son could enjoy. Inspired by Canadian Deaf racing driver Kris Martin, he bought Caleb a go-kart for Christmas when he was five and began supporting him in his new hobby – one that Ian had also enjoyed himself for many years.

Before long, Caleb was showing natural talent, and began competing in kart races. By 2019 he won the South Wales Karting Championship and came 3rd in the Super 1 National Championships in 2020, despite missing some races due to a crash.

Ian, who runs a vehicle repair business, built Caleb a racing car and they spent 2021 testing to get Caleb as much experience as possible at this higher stage of racing. In 2023 he competed in his first full year of car racing in the Junior Saloon Car Championship, finishing 18th overall out of 33 competitors and 8th in the rookie class. By the end of the season he was winning awards for the most overtakes.

Caleb was introduced to Team BRIT in 2023 as part of the team’s TorqueTalk project, which looks to create new solutions for Deaf racing drivers.

Ian McDuff explains: “Drivers such as Caleb who wear cochlear implants struggle with wearing a

racing helmet, because it creates pressure on the implants, making it really uncomfortable. Caleb often has to race without his implants in, which has been possible so far in the Junior Saloons, as it does not involve pit to car communications.

“The opportunity we have ahead of us with Team BRIT is incredible. Not only will Caleb be able to step up to more powerful cars, the team will also be working with innovation partners to develop new solutions for Caleb such as a ‘heads up display’ system, so that he can communicate easily with the crew. Until that happens, Caleb and the team have been working with plastics materials manufacturer, Neill’s Materials on the development of bespoke helmet liners to better fit around his implants.”

Caleb said: “When I was offered the chance to race with Team BRIT in the BMW, I couldn’t say yes quick enough. I know I’m never going to want to get out the car! It’s really exciting to be moving up to a BMW. It’s always been my dream to be a racing driver, and being part of the team means I’ll be learning more to get better and better. I’m really looking forward to being part of a team and also showing other Deaf people what is possible.”

WHAT’S NEXT?

We’re really excited about the potential we have to make an incredible step forward in motorsport technology for Deaf drivers.

Our project is being delivered in 3 parts:

1. Our Engineering Director, Al Locke, has created an interface between the pit to car radio and Caleb’s cochlear implant. This is a small box and wiring loom inside Caleb’s crash helmet.

2. Next up, we’ve worked with AMufacture, who have created a 3D printed cap to protect and retain the transmitters for Caleb’s cochlear implants on his skull underneath his crash helmet.

3. Looking ahead, we’ll be working with a global brand to create a solution similar to a ‘heads up display’ used in diving. This will involve creating a visual interface to show Caleb things like shift points, incoming comms, etc. This is a huge partnership project which we hope to share more details of in the coming weeks.

FOR JAMIE THE FUTURE’S BRIGHT

FORMER TEAM BRIT DRIVER JAMIE FALVEY HAS ANNOUNCED SOME INCREDIBLE NEWS IN THE NEXT STEP IN HIS RACING CAREER.

Jamie served in the Royal Marines commandos to the rank of lance corporal. He was medically discharged after sustaining hearing loss and joined Team BRIT as a driver in 2017.

He moved on to professional racing, and has recently announced that he will be entering the Michelin Le Mans Cup in the LMP3 Class this season.

Jamie has secured a seat with Team Virage, last year’s championship winning team. Jamie tells us more:

“This has been a long process over two years of courting the right teams, looking at what is available in the paddocks and what deals would be done to get us in the car.

“We couldn’t bring the full budget necessary for a lot of teams, so the strategy was to spend money on a test and hopefully impress enough to warrant a considerable discount on a full season’s entry. Thankfully this paid off!

“This is the last rung on the ladder before I push for a seat in the LMP2. The aim is to win the championship this year – nothing less will do!

“The physical training to drive the car has been extensive. Gone are the days where I didn’t have to train to drive a GT car well. LMP cars are a different breed and gain performance at much higher ‘aero’ speeds than GT cars - so you’re training your body and mind to be well honed at higher cornering forces.

“A lot has been focussed around endurance fitness sessions and training my neck laterally. It’s a great education to challenge myself this way.

We also took part in two races in the off season at the end of last year. We got on the podium in the first one and won the second one overall, which was great preparation for competing this year, as they were over longer distances but on the same tracks and with the same competitors!

“This is a full-time effort this year, alongside trying to fit in as much coaching work as possible. Thankfully the British GT calendar largely operates on different weekends to LMC so I’ve been able to keep up the coaching in the Ginetta Rookie GTA paddock that I’ve been building over the last few years. I’m also a full-time Dad, so making sure I cover everything and ensure I am available for my daughter full time, which is a challenge, but one that is a pleasure!

“My sponsors City Brickwork have been an amazing support alongside Braintree Logistics and multiple silent sponsors who have requested to remain anonymous. They are all onboard as they believe in the Le Mans goal long term and I’m blown away by their continued support and enthusiasm!

“It means everything to me that this is happening. We came close to seats in GT4, GT3 and LMP3 multiple times, and it always seemed to fall through at the last moment! It’s a very tough process to put in a lot of work, time and money to develop a programme, for it to all fall through without a real explanation. I started working with a driver manager and he has been instrumental in getting this over the line and the necessary funding in place. The Le Mans goal is getting closer by the day.”

JOIN US TRACKSIDE

IN STYLE

We can’t wait to welcome fans, guests and sponsors to our races this season.

We’re offering official Team BRIT partners a selection of premium events, giving you access to the best possible experience in the most exclusive venues across The British Endurance Championship and the Britcar Trophy.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

All Team BRIT hospitality packages include the following as standard:

• Unbeatable venue locations with views of the circuit

• Parking a short walk from the suite

• A knowledgeable team host

• VIP accreditation and lanyard

• Shared race day programmes if published

• Guided tours of the pits and paddock

• Chances to meet the drivers with Q&A

• Quality food and drinks (package varies by event)

• Cash bar

SAT

Team Commercial Director Mike Scudamore said: “Raceday hospitality is a great day out for friends, family, clients and employees, in relaxed settings with stunning circuit views, whatever the weather!

“There is plenty to keep everyone entertained whether you are 8 or 80. The highlight for me is showing the guests around the garage and explaining how our hand controls work, which allow our drivers to compete with able bodied competitors.

“Due to it being a full day experience there is no rush to arrive at a certain time or expectation to stay, just come when works for you. A relaxed environment always leads to more productive networking too. A compliance-friendly price point also ensures maximum chances of guest acceptance and attendance. I look forward to welcoming you trackside this season.”

For more information and to book, email mike@teambrit.co.uk.

HOSPITALITY OPTIONS 2024

SAT

BRANDS HATCH

SAT

INSIDE THE LIFE OF AN ORANGE HERO

For motorsport enthusiasts, the ‘orange army’ is a staple part of any race meet and a fundamental part of British racing. Race marshals - volunteers who don the iconic orange Proban suit - turn out weekend after weekend, giving up their own time to ensure the smooth and safe running of every race, and are seen by many as the ‘unsung heroes’ of the sport.

One marshal who has received more attention than many, but for the most tragic of reasons, is Steve Tarrant, now retired from his marshaling service, but who has clocked up more than 30 years of voluntary marshalling across the UK.

Steve’s name is known by many as he was seriously injured in a famous incident at Goodwood which took the lives of two people. In 2000, Steve was marshalling at the end of the iconic hillclimb when a driver lost control at the finishline, hitting Steve and a fellow marshal at 140mph. Tragically, the driver and Steve’s marshal colleague were killed, and Steve was left with life changing injuries.

That didn’t stop his commitment to his work however, and for years later, Steve was easily spotted as the only one-legged marshal on the track.

To understand Steve’s entry into what would become a lifelong volunteering passion, you have to go back three decades to a job Steve accepted on a whim.

He explains, “My involvement with motorsport started in 1990 in a quite unusual way. I’d been married for a couple of years and had just bought my first house. As is the case with a lot of young couples, we were pretty short on money, so I was looking in the local paper for job ads and saw one for car park attendants at Ringwood Raceway stock car circuit. It was a simple and easy Saturday night job that would put a bit of money in my pocket and let me watch some racing. I did that for two weeks and the organisers realised I was more into motorsport than they expected, so they invited me to join the corporate side of the venue and asked if I would like to be a marshal. And so it began!

“From that point onwards I was working two jobs, in computing during the week and working as a marshal at evenings and weekends. At that point I was marshaling karting events, but I enjoyed watching things like BTCC and realised I’d like to marshal ‘proper’ racing.”

In 1997, Steve stepped up from being at an independent kart circuit to working at MSUK circuits and became a ‘clerk of the course’ before also becoming an MSUK circuit marshal in 1998. He would work at his local kart circuit at Forest Edge, as well as larger circuits such as Brands Hatch and Silverstone. Marshalling also took him across the world, working at iconic venues such as Le Mans and supporting races at Kyalami.

Steve explains why he pursued this role with such energy, “At a young age, I tried karting. I took part in 4 races and came last 4 times. I quickly realised I didn’t have the ability,

or the money, to go and race for myself. If I couldn’t race, the next best thing would be to officiate. Once I was in, I soon wondered how far I could take it.

“Marshals are the eyes, ears, nose and throat of race control. There are cameras and TV screens at races of course, but cameras can lie, they shorten distances, have one perspective. If you have four marshals over a 100 yard distance, they can see four difference perspectives and feed that into race control. They provide direction, ensure safety, and they look after the crowds behind them.

“I don’t think marshals are valued as much as they should be. I don’t think they should be paid however, as you’d get the wrong sort of people. You’d get people who were doing it for the money, not for marshalling – it’s got to be a passion.”

It was Steve’s first ever marshalling role at the 2000 Goodwood Festival of Speed during which his life changed forever. Steve was holding the chequered flag when he was hit at high speed, leaving him with horrific injuries. He lost his right leg at the site below the knee, and subsequently had to have the knee removed. His left leg was broken in half and had to be pieced together with a frame. He lost part of his lower intestine after rupturing his blood supply.

Steve spent 6 months in hospital and 18 months as an outpatient. Incredibly, within two years he was back on a circuit at Thruxton.

Steve explains, “It was a strange reception. To start with, no one knew what to do with me. It was the same at the time as it was for disabled drivers – disabled marshals didn’t exist. Eventually they found a role for me, that kept me safe, and also kept me out of everybody’s hair. They had a manual system for the pit lane siren, so I sat behind the Armco at the pit lane entry point with a buzzer in my hand, buzzing to warn that a car was coming in.

“I did that for three years and got my confidence back. People could soon understand my ‘buzzes’ by how long and short they were and what they signalled. Eventually, I could be having a conversation with someone, facing away from the cars and I could buzz correctly from the sound of the car – I could basically do it with my eyes shut.

“I became a pit lane specialist, working at Silverstone for races including the British Grand Prix. It became my role as I could no longer go out on track and couldn’t pull a driver out of a car by their epaulettes. That part of history of my motorsport marshalling was over.”

It’s his experiences as a disabled marshal however, that Steve calls his most special. In 2017, in his final season as a race marshal, he worked on pit security and paddock safety at Le Mans. He says “I have a picture of me on the track prior to the race. I can remember the noise, the grandstands, the anthems, even talking about it now gets to me. It has to be up there with one of my favourite moments.

“I’ve been around the world with marshalling –America (Laguna Seca, Daytona & Road Atlanta), South Africa (Kyalami), Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps). I also received the Lifetime Achievement award at the MSUK Night of Champions last year. Two people received the this award, me and Ron Dennis. When you look at the list of previous winners – Frank Williams, Stirling Moss, Jackie Stewart. It’s the good and great of motorsport, and suddenly I’m on it!

“It’s an honour. With everything I’ve gone through and all the things I’ve done, I’ve pushed boundaries. I knew what I could do after my accident, but I’m sure I’ve experienced the same as Team BRIT drivers… you have able-bodied people telling disable people how they should conduct themselves.

“I was amazed by the comments I received when my award was announced. I have a quite prolific Facebook presence and once it got posted, the comments were in their hundreds.”

So how does Steve feel now that his marshalling career has ended, and what’s next for such a passionate motorsport fan?

“I’m at peace, in that I took my role as far as I could. Until such time that all race controls have lifts etc… I went as far as I could take things.

“I left marshalling but I haven’t left the sport. I’ve now moved into photography and I can still share that passion with other people. I have friends around the world in North America, Africa, Australia, and as a photographer, they can see the things that I see.”

Flagging at Silverstone pitlane (2009)

Manning the Assembly gate at Goodwood –photo by Robbert Moree (2017) Above: Flagging at Forest Edge Kart Club – photo by Ray Smith, Actionsport Photography (1999)

Right: On the grid at Le Mans, photo by John Brooks (2017)

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PAUL TAKES NEW KEY TEAM ROLE

Team BRIT driver Paul Fullick has taken on a new role for the team as business development manager.

Paul, who is beginning is first ever season of GT4 racing in the British Endurance Championship, has undertaken the brand new post, designed to help drive forward a range of non-racing projects for the team.

Paul will carry out the work alongside his own self-employed businesses, working with the management team to develop a range of new projects and initiatives.

Projects underway include the creation of Team BRIT ‘Behind the Scenes’ days for schools and community groups, new sponsorship activation opportunities and revenue generation projects including racing experience days with the team.

Paul said: “This is entirely new role for the team – something we’ve needed for some time to push forward all the brilliant ideas and opportunities we have.

“Whilst we focus on racing for the large part of our year, what we enjoy just as much, is the community outreach we’re involved in, and the direct engagement with young people, community groups and other disabled drivers. Some of my best memories with the team have been seeing what an impact we’ve made on a young person who has come to see us at a race track or HQ, and where we can really see how we’ve inspired them to consider trying something they thought was impossible.

“On top of that, like any other race team, we need funds to race – so we’re looking at new ways of generating income on top of our sponsorship. There are so many ways we can do this, from creating ‘one of a kind’ experience days to upskilling our drivers in the services they can offer.

“I feel very lucky to have a dual role now, as a driver and as a part of the management team – I love Team BRIT and all it’s about, so taking on this extra job feels more like a passion than a job!”

Photo by Dave Allen

Find out all you need to know about the Motability Scheme.

Birmingham, The NEC

The Big Event programme 2024

Friday 17 and 18 May 2024, 9am - 4pm

70 + 70 + 90 + On display at the event:

cars from many different manufacturers scooters and powered wheelchairs

adapted cars and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAV)

Take a test drive

Cars available to test drive including cars fitted with adaptations and EVs*

→ Many cars available to test drive*

→ Free entry and accessible parking

→ Electric Vehicle Information Hub

→ A free tea, coffee or soft drink

For more information, scan this QR code or visit motabilitythebigevent.co.uk *To

OUR NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH

MOTABILITY

NOAH SET FOR EPIC 2024 SEASON THANKS TO SPONSORSHIP SUPPORT FROM THE MOTABILITY SCHEME, THE UK LEADER IN DISABILITY MOTORING.

Team BRIT driver Noah Cosby is preparing to take on the 2024 racing season thanks to a partnership with the Motability Scheme that launched in January.

The Motability Scheme has joined our team to support our mission to provide a level playing field for disabled drivers, whilst also directly supporting 19-year-old Noah from Towcester in Northampton, our youngest driver.

Having joined the team in 2023 for his rookie year, Noah is now being supported through the new partnership which will enable him to complete a full season in the Britcar Trophy – moving him up the ladder of motorsport and onward in his racing dream. Around half of Team BRIT’s drivers are customers of the Motability Scheme which helps disabled people to get mobile by leasing a car, scooter or powered wheelchair with a worry-free package of insurance, servicing and breakdown cover included.

Three years ago, Noah was on his way towards a career as a motocross freestyler when he misjudged a jump, breaking his back in the fall. He spent seven weeks in John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, following an operation in which 2 metal bars and 9 screws were attached to his spine to hold it into place. The impact of the fall had broken his spine at T6 and caused his spinal cord to stretch. Noah is now paralysed from the waist down.

In 2023, he signed for our team, and last year, Noah obtained his race licence and competed in the Citroen C1 Series, learning more about the sport and honing his skills.

Now, thanks to the partnership with the Motability Scheme, Noah will move up to the Britcar Trophy Championship, driving a BMW M240i with his teammate Asha Silva, also from Northampton. The Motability Scheme is also supporting the wider team, which this year will see two new rookies compete in a BMW 1 Series, and more experienced racers driving a McLaren 570S GT4 in the British Endurance Championship.

Noah said: “It’s hard to put into words how grateful I am for the belief and support of the team at the Motability Scheme. Their backing is enabling me to take the next step on my motorsport journey, which started so brilliantly with Team BRIT last year. It’s the perfect partnership – I have an adapted vehicle which I lease through the Scheme myself using my mobility allowance, as do many of my teammates, and the Motability Scheme is all about getting disabled people out, independent and active – an ethos at the heart of our team.

“I learned so much driving the C1, but I’m really excited to be taking on a new championship in a much more powerful car this year. Our races will also be on the same weekend as our teammates in the British Endurance Championship, so being part of the whole weekend of racing will be fantastic.

“Asha and I worked really well together in the C1 Series and she has such potential as a driver so I’m actually quite confident about the performances we’ll be putting in this year.”

Lisa Witherington, Managing Director of Customer Services at Motability Operations, the company that deliver the Scheme, said: “We are immensely proud to partner with Team BRIT and to support their youngest driver and Motability Scheme customer, Noah Cosby. We believe in Team BRIT’s mission to level the playing field for disabled people both in motorsport and beyond and our support will help them to achieve their aims.

“The Motability Scheme helps over 700,000 disabled people and their families access independent mobility which means they can live their life on their own terms and fulfil their dreams. We’re all looking forward to watching Noah’s career with Team BRIT develop and supporting him to achieve his ambitions in motorsport.”

Information about Motability Scheme can be found at www.motability.co.uk. Information about Motability Operations, the company that delivers the Motability Scheme, can be found at www.motabilityoperations.co.uk

From left to right Paul Fullick, Dom Shore, Lisa Thomas (Chief Marketing Officer, MotabilityOperations), Mike Scudamore, Noah Cosby, Lisa Witherington (Managing DirectorCustomer Service MotabilityOperations), Caleb McDuff and Tyrone Mathurin

BRITISH ENDURANCE

CHAMPIONSHIP

With our sights firmly set on success for our drivers in both the British Endurance Championship and Britcar Trophy, we caught up with Championship Director Claire Hedley for some insider insight into the season ahead.

In what is now her 7th year of running Britcar and the 3rd year of the British Endurance Championship, Claire tells us about developing the new British championship and why teams keep coming back.

How would you describe what it’s been like to launch an entire new championship?

IIt’s been hard work, but I’ve got a lot of great people in the Britcar fraternity who have supported me throughout. I’ve also had good support from MSUK.

I’m really proud to say that as far as I understand, when we applied to MSUK to run the championship, once my name and team was linked to it, we were given the permit for the British title very quickly. This is a huge compliment to what we have done and achieved so far.

The Britcar brand was established by James Tucker in 1997 and it’s well respected. I’ve been lucky to take it on and have worked hard to keep that reputation.

Why did you decide to create the new British championship?

Britcar had been running for some time as a successful brand, but we wanted to put ourselves on another level and look at how we could make ourselves different from other brands.

We knew that there are a lot of competitors interested in competing at British championship level but that don’t want to spend the money that is required in some championships such a British GT.

We felt there was a market for those who want to be competing on that level, and the British label gives us that credibility.

We’re now finding that pro-drivers are bringing their drivers into BEC to bring them on in their development and using it as a stepping stone. We’ve attracted that right level of respect and credibility for people who want to race at the right budget but with the right level of standards.

Has the feedback been positive?

Customer service is massive for me. I work with teams and drivers to make the championship as friendly as possible.

Thankfully we’ve had no negative feedback and people have come to us from other championships, commenting on the level of professionalism they’re seeing.

People know that if we see something that isn’t right or is against regulations, we report it, there are no grey areas.

Teams see nice cars, rules being followed, good facilities and offerings such as live streaming, guaranteed garages and great hospitality.

Our one day meetings always go down well. They’re accessible for people working in business or with families, which is not the case with some championships that can take up 4 days.

Teams also love the British title – it’s massive for them. Winning teams are invited to the MSUK night of champions, which has huge exposure and really helps people wanting to develop their career.

It was our intention that top level club racers would use the Britcar Trophy as a stepping stone for developing towards the British title. It’s a way for people running production cars to move towards the Saturday events and the British title. That’s exactly what we’re seeing happening.

What can we expect to see this year?

Every year has been a learning curve. We’re always looking at how we can improve things. For instance this year teams will have permanent passes, there’ll be better race signage in place. We’re always looking to push up the next level.

In the Trophy, we have a very good G55 GTA class for cars going into class 1

We know that over 50% of our entries want to win the championship and many have been buying the right cars to win.

What are your longer term plans?

I’d love to bring the 24-hour race back, but after running the 6 hour last year, we know there’s not the market for it at the moment. We’ll keep an eye on how things are going and the conversations people are having and hopefully we’ll see it again.

Overall, the goal is to keep on doing what we’re doing. Feedback is great, so we plan to carry on into 2025. The way I see it, we shouldn’t change what we know is working.

BEC Director Claire Hedley and Mike Scudamore at the Autosport Show

BOBBY PAIRS UP WITH FELLOW AUTISTIC RACING DRIVER TO CREATE ‘SUPER TEAM’ FOR CLUB ENDURO SEASON

Team BRIT driver Bobby Trundley will pair up for the first time with a fellow autistic racing driver to create a ‘super team’ for the 2024 Club Enduro Championship.

24-year-old Bobby from Wokingham and 16-year-old Sandro Ballesteros will pair up to drive an Audi TT in the 750 Motor Club’s championship.

Both Bobby and Sandro were diagnosed with severe autism in childhood and both have found motorsport to have a major impact in helping them deal with the challenges of the condition. Both were found to have a natural talent for karting at a very young age, with Bobby becoming passionate about the sport from the age of 10, and Sandro first sitting in a kart at the age of just 5.

The pair have known each other for years, with Bobby being a 5x national karting champion, and their families sharing support and experiences of living with autism. Both describe autism as their ‘super power’ when it comes to racing, something also being explored in a forthcoming US-produced documentary in which they will both star. ‘Racing on the Spectrum’ follows the journeys of Bobby and Sandro, as well as two successful young American drivers with autism, Austin Riley and Armani Williams.

Alongside his racing with Sandro, Bobby will also compete in select rounds of the British Endurance Championship, driving a McLaren 570S GT4, a car he has driven for the past two years in the British GT Championship and the McLaren Trophy Series Europe.

Sandro has recently progressed from a winning track record in karts to race in cars, competing in the Junior Saloon Car Championship (JSCC) before his last season in the BMW116 Trophy.

Bobby says: “I’m really looking forward to a season of racing with Sandro. I’ve known him for years and have watched him develop into a fantastic driver. We both found our passion for racing in karting, so are equally as competitive and are therefore taking the championship really seriously –we’re in it to win in!

“It will be a great opportunity to mentor Sandro, sharing what I’ve learnt in my 5 years with Team BRIT, during which time I’ve moved from racing a BMW 116 to a McLaren GT4. I’m really grateful to all at Team BRIT for their help in making this happen. They’ll also be giving support to Sandro’s Dad, Tony, who will be leading our championship efforts, so it will be great to bring everyone together in the paddock.”

Sandro said: ” I am absolutely thrilled to be teaming up with Bobby, he is a friend who I have always looked up to and can learn a lot from. We first met at an ‘Autism Hero Awards’ event and have some nice history together in endurance karting and sim racing online in lockdown. It will be great to take my racing to the next level with someone who has his experience, and truly understands.

“We also share the same goals off the track too, using our racing to share autism awareness and acceptance, supporting and hopefully inspiring others.

“I think we will make a great team as we are both dreaming of racing in the 24hrs of Le Mans one day…..With a full team racing on the spectrum that really would make history.”

Adding another string to Bob’s bow!

We’re super proud of Bobby as he has also secured his ARDS Instructor Grade C Licence, meaning he’s now qualified to teach new drivers how to race!

This is such good news for Bobby and sets him up for years of mentoring others. Congratulations Bobby!

SPONSOR FOCUS:

OUR SPONSOR FOCUS FOR THIS EDITION IS ALL ABOUT ATL - A CRITICAL PARTNER THAT SUPPLIES US WITH THE FUEL RIG THAT KEEPS US FUELLED AT EVERY RACE.

Head of Marketing Jeff Heotzler tells us why they support our team and what’s ahead for the global brand this year’

Why did you decide to get involved with Team BRIT and lend your support?

Team BRIT never backs down from a challenge, and because of that, has transformed the lives of so many through innovation and pure determination. We applaud Team BRIT’s mission and share many of the values that they uphold. We have observed Team BRIT overcome many challenges and continue to grow into a serious outfit that offers opportunities to people that may not in normal circumstances have the opportunity to go racing, our motivation is to make sure they do that as safely as possible.

How important is it for you to assist in the team’s goals?

How would you sum up the team’s development in recent years?

The team’s growth has been undeniable – not only from a pure racing standpoint, but also in the marketing and media fields. Dave is relentless in his pursuit for growing the team into a true front running outfit against all costs, the team now turn out a truly professional looking outfit, both in the paddock, on the track and back at their new team facility.

“Fueling” the passion of Team BRIT with both race-winning performance and life-saving safety is something that we take very seriously. The drivers have had to overcome many challenges to get behind the wheel, we hope with our support, we can make that journey even a little bit easier. We are proud that Team BRIT chooses ATL.

What are your predictions for the team’s season ahead?

We are looking forward to watching Team BRIT continue to push boundaries and prove that physical and mental challenges are just a small bump in the race track of life.

What can we expect from ATL this year? (Any news / developments / product information etc)

You can expect ATL to continue to be at the forefront of fuel system innovation and safety. Whether it be compatibility testing with the latest sustainable fuels, or developing lighter/thinner/stronger bladder materials, ATL has its eyes set on the future and is prepared to stay a step ahead of the competition..

FIVE

QUESTIONS

Jack Webber –Number 1 Mechanic

We catch up with one of the newest additions to our crew. Jack joined the team in October and is based with the crew at our Washington HQ.

When you were looking for a race team to join, what drew you to Team BRIT?

I was interested in Team BRIT, mainly because it was the closest team to me, but also due to how inspirational the team is. and how they apply technology to race cars to help give disabled drivers the opportunity to race alongside able bodied drivers.

Tell us about a standard day in the workshop and your day-to-day role

A normal day in the workshop consists of car preparation for the races, fixing, cleaning and inspecting them to make sure they’re reliable, and ready to deliver a good performance for the races to come.

What ‘sky’s the limit’ innovation would you love to create for the Team BRIT cars?

For me it would be electric leg braces to give the drivers that are unable to walk the ability to get to, from, in and out of the cars without having to rely on anyone else to help them. It would give them a great feeling of independence I’m sure – that’s the only part of racing that they can’t do entirely on their own.

What’s been your favourite Team BRIT moment so far?

It was definitely the winter testing in Portugal. It was a great opportunity to go to a track abroad for the first time and to spend time bonding with the team.

What would be your dream car to work on?

It would have to be the current Porsche Le Mans and WEC hybrid race car.

When asked for feedback on the C60 Trident, our Forum said “…make one that still gets noticed, without feeling its presence as much on your wrist.” This new C60 Trident Pro 300 is the result. Same widths. Same lug-to-lugs. Yet an average 1.75mm lower pro le across the range. By using a sapphire case back, it’s an average 14.67g lighter, too. This means its depth rating is now only as good as a Submariner. To compensate: we’ve added extra lume, a new bezel and an optional screwed-link bracelet. Plus actual compensation of £94 average saving. Less. And more, then? Do your research.

christopherward.com