Brian Whittle MSP was burning rubber during a visit to the Kames Motorsport Complex in Muirkirk. The South Scotland MSP paid a visit to a monthly track session organised by Disability Motorsport Scotland. The charity offers people with a range of physical needs or mental health issues the chance to experience the thrill of going round the track as a passenger or even learn to drive the charity’s race prepared Audi A3.
As well as all the usual racing features, the car is equipped with hand controls which opens up the driving seat to many more people with disabilities. In the space of 18 months, over 100 disabled people have taken part and demand for places continues to grow as word spreads.
Disability Motorsport Scotland is Scotland’s first and only motorsports charity set up specifically to offer free taster sessions to anyone with a disability. In addition to their regular sessions at the Kames Motorsport Complex in Muirkirk, they have recently developed a training module around disability and equality in motorsport, which is already receiving positive feedback.
During his visit, Brian met with some of the volunteer drivers and mechanics who prepared the car before being taken for a spin by Disability Motorsport Scotland trustee and motorsport coach Colin Duthie.
For more information about Disability Motorsport Scotland, you can find them on Facebook or contact them by e-mail - [email protected]
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“When Colin invited me to come along to see the work of Disability Motorsport Scotland, I jumped at the chance. I’m a big fan of the work Colin and DMS do and it was great to experience it for myself. DMS is opening up the world of motorsport to people who might never otherwise have felt it was something for them. I hope anyone with a disability who’s ever wanted to get involved in motorsport will give it a try with DMS and I’m looking forward to catching up with them again soon.”
Colin Duthie, Trustee of Disability Motorsport Scotland said: “Disability Motorsport Scotland were delighted that Brian accepted our invitation to come along to see what we do first hand. Brian has supported many projects myself and Gordon Rainey are involved with. I’m sure Brian had a positive experience and could see why DMS believe that we “don’t just change gears, we change lives”
