MILITARY veterans were part of a special launch event for the UK’s first racing academy for disabled drivers.

Ex-soldiers Ash Hall from Colchester and Warren McKinlay from Braintree are part of Team Brit, which will give disabled drivers an opportunity to race.

Disabled drivers with a full licence now have the opportunity to receive race coaching, mentoring and tuition while the state-of-the-art technology allows breaking and steering to be adapted to each driver’s needs.

The veterans are part of the team which is aiming to become the first all-disabled team to race in the Le Mans 24 hour race.

They were joined by Nicolas Hamilton, who is the half-brother of Formula 1 world champion Lewis, at the Surrey launch.

Nicolas, who has cerebral palsy, was the first disabled driver to race in a British Touring Car.

Mr Hall is a former Royal Engineer who was injured by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan when he was 19.

He lost both his legs above the knees and sustained multiple serious injuries but has gone on to become an Invictus Games medallist.

Mr McKinlay is a former Royal and Electrical Mechanical Engineer who suffered a traumatic brain injury after a motorcycle accident.

He was diagnosed with Cotard’s Syndrome also known as Walking Corpse Syndrome, causing him to believe he was dead.

Mr Hall said: “Being part of Team Brit has been such an incredible journey and I hope through the academy we can welcome new people into motorsport who might never have considered it before.

“We’re constantly breaking barriers and overcoming challenges. It’s not a question of if we make Le Mans, it’s a question of when, and it will be great to welcome some new drivers along the way.”

Mr McKinlay added: “I feel extremely privileged and proud to be involved with the UK’s first disabled racing academy.

“We’re giving people the opportunity to realise dreams of getting out on a race circuit – something they may never have thought was possible.

“Many of us are ex-forces, but through the academy and Team Brit, we’re opening our doors to any disabled people and I hope that others will now feel encouraged and supported in trying something completely new.”

Mr Hamilton praised the initiative.

He said: “Team BRIT is inspiring others and now, the academy will open doors people haven’t had access to before, providing the same chances that able-bodied drivers have.

“This is a huge step forward in motorsport and something I’m proud to support it.”