Deaf Welsh racing driver Caleb McDuff, 18, has officially launched his new schools tour with a visit and talk to a class of children in East Sussex.
The programme aims to inspire pupils through motorsport, technology and inclusion, giving young people a real‑world insight into resilience, communication and teamwork.
Willingdon Primary School in Eastbourne, hosted the first session, allowing the format to be tested ahead of further visits planned across Wales and the wider UK.
The visit formed part of the school’s deaf role model programme, following an invitation from Gaea Thompson, Deaf role model lead.
Gaea said: “Meeting an inspirational Deaf role model like Caleb helps Deaf children to be aspirational and to build self-esteem and emotional skills. The children absolutely loved meeting Caleb, and we have certainly inspired some future racing drivers.”
During the session, Caleb spoke about his journey from grassroots karting to junior car racing and international competition, explaining how communication, teamwork and specialist technology enable him to race despite being Deaf. Pupils were shown racing equipment and learned about preparation, confidence, belief and problem‑solving.
Porsche Carrera Cup GB
Caleb has raced internationally in GT competition, including driving a McLaren GT4 in 2025, where he secured multiple podium finishes. He was named the Young Deaf Sports Personality of the Year in 2024 and has announced plans to step up to the Porsche Carrera Cup GB, part of the British Touring Car Championship support package.
The session was delivered in a fully inclusive way, with accessible communication and British Sign Language support throughout. Pupils were encouraged to ask questions, interact with equipment, and take part in one‑to‑one moments.
Caleb said: “This was the first visit of the schools tour, and it was a brilliant way to start.
“The pupils were confident, curious and really engaged. Being Deaf hasn’t stopped me chasing my goals, and I hope today showed them that barriers don’t have to define what’s possible.”
Ian McDuff, Caleb’s dad and manager, said: “Willingdon Primary School provided the perfect setting for the pilot visit. Working with Gaea and the Deaf support facility allowed us to deliver the session in the right way, and the response from the pupils confirmed the value of what we’re building with the schools tour.”
Book a visit with Caleb
Schools interested in hosting a session can register via Caleb’s website.