NICOLAS Hamilton achieved a ‘childhood dream’ after winning the Jack Sears Trophy driving for Team Vertu in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC).
Hamilton claimed the first silverware of his racing career driving for Droitwich-based Team Vertu at Snetterton.
The 34-year-old came out on top in the Jack Sears Trophy – awarded to drivers without a BTCC podium at the start of a new season.
Hamilton, younger brother of seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, remains the only disabled driver to take part in the BTCC.
Told he would never walk as a child after he was born with cerebral palsy, the Team Vertu driver races in a specially modified car.
Hamilton finished 16th in the qualifying race and then finished 17th, 16th and 16th in the three races to step onto the podium as the Jack Sears Trophy winner.
And Hamilton dedicated his victory to the disabled community and hopes his success will inspire more disabled drivers to take up competitive motorsport.
Hamilton said: “I honestly cannot believe what has happened this weekend as I never expected to walk away from Snetterton as winner of the Jack Sears Trophy.
“My whole focus was on developing and improving myself, and to end the weekend up on the podium was the most amazing experience.
“Thanks to the team and the car, but also through hard work from myself, I’ve been quicker here this weekend than ever before and I’m so proud of how I have driven.
“I’ve always said that I wanted to win a trophy, but I didn’t want to just be gifted it, and this weekend I feel like I earned it and deserved it.
“I know I need to work on my starts, but I was able to work my way forwards in every race because I had the pace to do it, and that is something I am massively proud of.
“I’m not going to, but I could happily hang my boots, gloves and helmet up after this weekend knowing that I have achieved the dream of a little boy who was told he would never walk.
“The amount of support from the BTCC paddock and from the whole community around the championship has been incredible and it was truly a surreal moment to be there on the podium seeing everyone cheering.
“This is for everyone who has stuck by me and supported me, and even those who have doubted me as it has only fuelled my desire to reach my goal.
“For all those in the disabled community, hopefully this will provide further inspiration of what is possible.”
