Lewis Hamilton wasn’t the only member of the family standing on a motorsport podium on Sunday. While the seven-time Formula One world champion finished second in Montreal – his best result since joining Ferrari – back in England, his brother Nic Hamilton claimed the Jack Sears Trophy at Snetterton in Norfolk, part of a championship for drivers who are yet to achieve an overall podium.
Lewis, of course, is no stranger to the podium. But for Nic, who has cerebral palsy, it was a deeply emotional and historic moment. Having outscored all those eligible for the award across the weekend, Nic thoroughly deserved his first trophy in his seventh season competing in the British Touring Car Championship – and there was barely a dry eye at the circuit.
Nic’s remarkable success was a fitting reward for the tireless work, determination and resilience he has shown throughout his career, and it instantly became one of the most memorable moments in recent BTCC history.
“I am literally lost for words – it’s a surreal moment,” he admitted after joining BTCC champions Tom Ingram, Ash Sutton and Gordon Shedden on the podium.
“I have achieved my motorsport dream: to stand on a BTCC podium as the winner of the Jack Sears Trophy.
“This year I set my goal on winning a trophy – it’s all I have ever wanted. To finally experience what it felt like to walk up the podium stairs – a challenge in itself – and hold my trophy high in the air felt even better than I could ever have imagined. From a boy in his wheelchair, told he may never walk, to walking onto the podium in the BTCC.
“I have worked my whole life for this moment – 18 years since I decided to get out of my wheelchair and set myself the goal of becoming a racing driver. This moment means more than I could ever explain.
“Thank you to absolutely everyone who has been, and still is, part of my journey – my sponsors, my team, my family, friends and even my doubters. You have all helped me reach this point and I am forever grateful. This is your trophy too.”
Though more than 3,000 miles away in Canada, Lewis was every bit as emotional. Posting a heartfelt tribute on social media, he wrote:
“While he will always be my kid brother, I’m profoundly proud of the leader, the athlete and the man he has become. He inspires me just as much as he inspires everyone watching his journey.
“No matter how hard it has been, he has never given up. What he’s achieved is massive and I’m so happy for him.”
Even before this latest success, Nic’s extraordinary achievements had already become a powerful inspiration for people with disabilities across motorsport and beyond. To support aspiring disabled racers, Motorsport UK runs its dedicated Disabled Drivers Scholarship, offering one participant the opportunity to win a fully funded season of competition in a specially adapted car.
Organised by the Loughborough Car Club, the next assessment day takes place this Friday, 29 May at Coalville Rugby Club.
For more information on the Disabled Drivers Scholarship, click here.