Deaf News: Young Deaf racing driver secures sponsorship

A nine-year-old deaf boy is set to take part in his first large go-karting competition after securing sponsorship.

Caleb McDuff, from Torfaen, secured a second year of sponsorship from Taylor Wimpey homes in order to race for the first time in the MSA IAME British Cadet Championship – a class of the Super One Series for racers aged between eight and 13.

Having become deaf at a very young age due to chronic ear infections, Caleb now uses cochlear implants, but takes them out while racing, and uses sign language.

He is thought to be the youngest deaf racing driver aiming for a professional career, and seems to be well on the way to achieving his dreams.

From the age of 18 months, Caleb learned to drive electric-powered toy cars, before graduating to a petrol go-kart when he turned 4. In 2014 he competed in the Bambino Kart Tour, a racing series for young drivers, finishing 24^th out of 40 starters.

Caleb is fully supported by his family, who do not believe deafness should in any way be a barrier to achieving every success in racing. Caleb’s father, Ian, said: “To do so well in his first season was a massive achievement and really proved what he was capable of.”

He went on to say how important and appreciated the support of the sponsors was for the family; “Caleb dreams of becoming the first ever deaf Formula 1 driver, but we’re not a well-off family and sadly the sport is set up in favour of those who have the money for it.

“I’d love to see him compete in high-level motorsport one day though, and this is something I don’t doubt he is capable of”.

Sara Taylor, the sales and marketing director for Taylor Wimpey South Wales, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be sponsoring such an inspirational young person as Caleb once again.

“He has already achieved so much and we are sure that he will go onto achieve much, much more in the future.”