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First disabled racing driver

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May contain outdated and ableist language

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From the collection of

East Anglian Film Archive at the University of East Anglia
The East Anglian Film Archive, the UK's first regional film archive, offers a unique record of the East of England's social and cultural history. As part of the University of East Anglia, we continue to lead moving image heritage research and inspire audience participation through community projects and events. Our collections represent a broad range of amateur and professional creativity, from 1896 to the present day.

First disabled racing driver

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At Silverstone, the home of British Motor Sports, disabled driver Martin Sharpe warms up 'Big Sam', a Datsun 240Z, ready for a big race.

Disabled driver Martin Sharpe is at the home of British Motor Sports, Silverstone, driving laps of the circuit in 'Big Sam', a Datsun 240Z. The car has been modified enabling Martin, who had lost the use of his right leg following a motor cycle accident, to race again. In the following year, in 1981 - the 'International Year of the Disabled', Sharpe, the only disabled driver, finished 2nd in the British Racing & Sports Car Club (BRSCC) Championship, a remarkable achievement.

Disabled driver Martin Sharpe is at the home of British Motor Sports, Silverstone, driving laps of the circuit in 'Big Sam', a Datsun 240Z. The car has been modified enabling Martin, who had lost the use of his right leg following a motor cycle accident, to race again. In the following year, in 1981 - the 'International Year of the Disabled', Sharpe, the only disabled driver, finished 2nd in the British Racing & Sports Car Club (BRSCC) Championship, a remarkable achievement.

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