Torfaen racing driver Caleb McDuff will take his schools tour to the United States for the first time this year, using his journey from childhood hearing loss to international motorsport to inspire young people.
The 18‑year‑old, who lost around 90 per cent of his hearing at the age of two and later received cochlear implants, has already visited schools in the UK speaking to pupils about resilience, confidence and overcoming barriers.
The programme will now expand internationally, with Caleb and his father Ian planning a series of school visits in the US during his return to American racing later this year.
The trip will coincide with his participation in the Veterans Race of Remembrance at Virginia International Raceway, an endurance event involving teams of military veterans and professional drivers.
McDuff impressed on his debut at the event last year, winning his class and finishing third overall, leading to an invitation to return.
Engineering
During school visits, Caleb shares his progression through motorsport, while Ian explains the engineering work behind a bespoke communication system that allows Caleb to speak with his race engineer during competition – something that had previously been impossible due to his hearing loss.
The system works alongside his cochlear implants and has been described as a breakthrough for deaf drivers in motorsport.
Caleb said: “The schools’ tour focuses on themes including overcoming barriers, believing in your potential and using creativity and problem-solving to find solutions to challenges.
“Racing in the United States last year was an incredible experience. The welcome we
received was amazing and everyone made us feel so at home. I’m really looking forward to
going back to race, and share our story with young people there.”
Problem-solving
Ian said: “Caleb’s journey has always been about problem-solving. When something didn’t exist that would allow him to race safely with hearing implants, we built it. When people said something might be impossible, we worked out a way around it. That’s the message we want young people to take away, that there is always a way forward.”
Schools interested in hosting a visit during the US tour can register their interest via Caleb’s website.