“I’ve got what it takes to be a racer”: Nuneaton driver born without arms aims to make motorsport history
23-year-old Callum Smith, is turning his racing dream into reality after joining Team BRIT
A 23-year-old from Nuneaton, who was born without arms, is swapping the road for the racetrack after joining disabled racing team Team BRIT as its latest rookie driver.
For Callum Smith, using his feet to take control is nothing new. He’s grown up doing everyday things with them — from eating and typing to playing guitar and gaming on his Xbox.
Callum said: “I remember my mum helping me to write, guiding my foot around the page, but then it just became second nature.”
Callum has always been a fan of motorsport, especially motorbikes, after he followed his grandad’s love of the sport: “I even learnt the alphabet by reciting riders’ names. A love of it has been instilled in me since I was little.
“As I always loved bikes, I wanted to be a rider. But reality eventually hit and I realised that wouldn’t be possible, so I moved my attention over to cars.”
Callum had his first track day with Team Brit in 2025. He then returned this year for a track day at Silverstone and for skid pan testing at Thruxton.
Callum said: “As soon as I was on the track with the team, I had the bug. I’ve always had that self-belief – I’ve got what it takes to be a racer, I just need the chance to prove it.”
Since passing his driving test, Callum uses adaptive technology to drive his road car, provided through the Motability Scheme.
Coventry-based specialists Jim Doran Hand Controls adapted the car so Callum can drive using his feet and a similar system has now been fitted to one of Team BRIT’s academy cars so he can begin training.
Jim Doran Hand Controls (JDHC), which has over 40 years’ experience in the field of design and installation of hand controls for disabled drivers, has backed Callum as his first sponsor, providing the technical solutions he’ll need to race.
Dan Doran of JDHC said: “”From when I first met Callum, it was obvious that there was no stopping him. It has been a pleasure to be a part of his journey to becoming a racing driver.”
Looking ahead, Callum said: “I want to be number 1. Whatever championship I compete in, I want to be number 1. I’m not there to collect a participation trophy – I want to be top.
“I feel like I’m on course to make history. I don’t know of anyone else with a disability like mine that has become a racing driver. I’m glad that Team BRIT are going to be part of making that happen.”