Dom Shore is the latest rookie to join the world’s only competitive team of all-disabled racing drivers.

Shore, from Chatham, was born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus and is paralysed from the knee down but is now set to embark on his dream to compete in motorsport.

The 32-year-old secured his race licence in November and will compete in the Britcar Trophy driving a BMW 1 series alongside his new teammate, Caleb McDuff, the UK’s only deaf male racing driver.

Shore said: “Being a racing driver has always been my dream. Ever since watching my dad racing Porsches when I was a child, I always knew that was where I wanted to be.

“I think I had just accepted that it wasn’t an option for me, as there weren’t the facilities available to make it possible with my disability.”

He was born with spina bifida, a condition that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don't form properly. He was also diagnosed with hydrocephalus, the abnormal build-up of fluid on the brain. This had to be monitored via regular hospital visits before a shunt was implanted to drain the excess fluid into his stomach.

Since then, he has had numerous operations on his feet and hips. His parents were told by experts that he would never walk or live independently and that he would face learning challenges. However, supported by his parents, Shore manages to live an independent life, using a wheelchair and crutches but working full-time for his local council.

A long-term racing fan, having watched his dad in club racing events from the age of four, Shore enjoyed racing online as a child and was encouraged to try out karting. At the age of nine he took part in remote-control car racing, proving experts wrong by taking to it naturally. He went on to win a national championship in 2017. He has also competed in disabled strongman competitions.

Having seen Team BRIT as part of a TV feature, Shore took part in a track day at Donington, trying out the team’s innovative hand control technology and getting out on a race track for the first time.

He will race for the first time at Donington on March 30.

Shore said: “When I saw Team BRIT on TV, I knew I had to find out more. At that first track day at Donington, I saw how it was possible for the team’s disabled drivers to compete against able-bodied drivers equally. The hand controls make it completely possible in a way that standard adaptive road car controls don’t.

“I finished my laps on track that day and immediately asked to go out again. I just loved it and I’m really excited to be looking forward to a whole season of racing with the team.

“I have a lot to learn but the team has welcomed me with open arms, so I’m up for the challenge and will look forward to getting to know my teammates. I also hope to inspire other disabled drivers in the same way I was.”