Driver with no arms aiming for motorsport history

A driver born with no arms says he is determined to make motorsport history by competing at the highest levels - using only his feet.

Callum Smith, from Warwickshire, learned to drive just two years ago but has now joined Team Brit, a competitive team of disabled racing drivers.

The team has adapted a BMW 1 Series specifically for the driver, who has been passionate about motorsports since childhood.

"My motto in life has always been improvise, adapt and overcome," he said.

His passion was spotted by the all-disabled team which signed him as a rookie driver after a successful test day at Silverstone.

Smith, from Nuneaton, will get his first opportunity to test the adapted car at Donington Park on 2 September.

The 23-year-old said he had spent his life adapting to everyday challenges.

"I grew up learning to use my feet to do everything," he said.

"I've always believed that if I put my mind to something, I can achieve it.

"Now, fast forward to today and we're getting ready for my first test in a race car."

Team Brit was established in 2015 and evolved from a charity that provided karting opportunities for disabled armed forces personnel.

Principal Mike Scudamore said it had quickly escalated from one car "back in the day" to four vehicles and eight drivers.

"The most exciting thing about our racing is that there's no class for disability, so we race against able-bodied people all over the UK," Scudamore said.

"Team Brit's ultimate goal is to be the first all-disabled team to race in the world-famous Le Mans 24 hours.

"There have been a couple of disabled drivers that have had a go, but not one team with all their drivers having a disability and we can't wait to try and be the first people to do that."

Smith's race car has been adapted by Coventry company Jim Doran Hand Controls.

It had initially adapted Smith's own car, then was asked if it would consider doing the same for a race car.

Director Dan Doran said: "Callum obviously came to us as a young lad and really didn't really know what adaptions were out there."

Once he was shown the foot steering, he knew it was the right thing for him, he said.

For the adapted car "we've basically put the steering wheel on the floor".

"[We've] moved his pedals over a bit and Callum will use his left foot to steer the car and his right foot to operate the brake and accelerator.

"All of us, me and the lads in the workshop, are all excited to help Callum on his journey."

Despite all the adaptations to his car, there are still difficulties for the rookie to overcome before he can become a full-time driver with the team.

To get a licence to compete on the track, Smith will have to prove he can get out of the car unaided in 10 seconds.

But he is determined not to be held back.

"Once I set my mind to something, I'm going to do it," he said.

"This is just another challenge that I'm willing to conquer."

There is also a financial hurdle to overcome - he will need to raise £50,000 to cover the cost of the car conversion, equipment and tuition costs.

So, like many new racing drivers, he is looking for sponsors.

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