Nicolas Hamilton, the younger half-brother of Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton, has announced that he is aiming to become the first disabled driver to compete in the British Touring Car Championship in 2015.
The 22-year-old previously competed in the UK Renault Clio Cup in 2011 and 2012, finishing 14th and 21st overall in the two seasons.
In 2013, Hamitlon competed in a partial season in the European Touring Car Cup, racing a SEAT León Supercopa for Baporo Motorsport in six events. The Brit finished 10th overall out of 12 season entires in the single make cup.
“This year has been really tough not being able to race following a promising start in the European Touring Car Cup in 2013, where I proved myself as a competitive driver in Europe regardless of my condition,” said Hamilton. “But that’s just how racing goes.
“However now I am looking ahead and after months of deep thought in deciding what the best route for my career is, I am excited to announce my ambitions to become the first disabled athlete to compete in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship in 2015.”
“I have always been impressed by the professionalism and competitive spirit of the series and the fantastic support shown by its fans. The championship has been growing from strength to strength, attracting some of the world’s best touring car drivers, making it in my opinion, the top national motorsport championship today.
“The thought of competing in the championship is really exciting and I would love the challenge of competing at this level!”
Hamilton’s cerebral palsy means that he can sometimes have difficulty moving, and he admits that he is hoping to exceed expectations with his intention to race in the BTCC in a specially-adapted car.
“With my racing ambitions, I’ve always wanted to do it myself, independently,” added Hamilton. “This is how I operate across every element of my life. For example, an aspect of my disability is that I may trip or fall whilst going about my daily routine. I get myself back up; I don’t rely or want anyone to help me back onto my feet.
“I do of course get continuous emotional support from my family. However they respect my mind set of wanting to find my own, independent way in the sport, so I can prove you can ‘Exceed Expectations’.”
Talent no object then…,.
“…where I proved myself as a competitive driver in Europe…”, we obviously have a different definition of competitive buddy.