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By Peter Clark (Senior Editor, Autism Info Center) Wednesday 25th February 2026 |
Tom Cannon, a seventeen-year-old autistic man from Newton-le-Willows in the UK, has been named as a racing driver for Team BRIT.
This organisation is the only competitive racing team in the world comprised entirely of disabled drivers.
Cannon will compete in the Snetterton Saloons Series during his rookie year.
He will drive a BMW M240i, supported by an experienced coach.
Team BRIT aims to become the first all-disabled team to enter the Le Mans 24-hour race.
They provide opportunities for people with various physical and psychological challenges to compete against able-bodied drivers using specialised technology.
Diagnosed with autism three years ago, Cannon found that his neurodivergence provides a unique advantage on the track.
His intense focus and dedication to practice allow him to excel.
Before his first test at Oulton Park, he had already completed hundreds of laps on a simulator.
His journey began at age eight with indoor karting in Manchester.
Since then, he has reached the finals of the Ginetta Juniors Scholarship.
Cannon hopes his story will encourage other people to pursue their dreams outside their comfort zones.
He looks forward to competing alongside teammates who race at the GT3 level.
Source: St Helens Star (UK)
https://www.sthelensstar.co.uk/news/
Copyright ©2026 Peter J. Clark T/A Autism Info Center / St Helens Star (UK). All rights reserved worldwide. This information may not be copied, reproduced, excerpted, stored, indexed or distributed without the express written permission of the publisher, author, and copyright holder.