A young motorsport enthusiast from West Sussex has experienced what may be a world first, after speaking live over team radio to deaf racing driver Caleb McDuff during a Britcar race weekend.
Nine-year-old Arlo, who uses cochlear implants to hear, was invited to Donington Park Circuit by McDuff, 17, following a birthday message exchange earlier this month. The pair were introduced through The Elizabeth Foundation, a Hampshire-based charity supporting deaf children and their families.
McDuff, from Pontypool, and a former Cwmbran High School pupil races with Team BRIT — the world’s only competitive team comprised entirely of disabled drivers. He is currently the UK’s only deaf racing driver competing at this level and has received multiple accolades, including Deaf Sports Personality of the Year.
In a moment described by Arlo’s family as “pure encouragement and inclusion,” the young fan donned a pit-lane headset over his cochlear processors, allowing him to speak directly to McDuff inside his McLaren 570S GT4.
The exchange took place just before qualifying, with Arlo offering spirited advice: “Good luck with the race… drive fast or dead last!”
Watch Arlo chat to Caleb
McDuff went on to secure a second-place finish, sharing driving duties with team-mate Noah Cosby, who is paraplegic following a motocross accident. The pair race using Team BRIT’s bespoke hand control technology.
Karen Paine BEM, Deputy CEO of The Elizabeth Foundation, said: “The Elizabeth Foundation is part of a strong, supportive community where deaf children and young adults share their challenges, celebrate achievements, and support one another.
“This spirit came to life when Caleb, an inspiring role model for deaf individuals everywhere, met Arlo, showing that dreams have no limits. We’re so grateful to Caleb and his team for giving him such a positive and unforgettable experience, you’ve gained a fan for life and given us all a renewed sense of pride in what our community can achieve.”
‘Something I’ll never forget’
Caleb said: “Meeting Arlo in person after inviting him was incredible. For both of us to be deaf and able to communicate over motorsport comms was something I’ll never forget. His words definitely gave me an extra push on track.”
Arlo’s mother, Juliet, said the experience was deeply meaningful: “Meeting a young deaf role model achieving his goals will be a powerful reminder to Arlo of what’s possible. We are incredibly thankful to Caleb and Team BRIT for such an insightful and memorable day.”
McDuff will return to the track at Snetterton on 13 September as he continues his campaign in the Britcar Endurance Championship.