NICOLAS Hamilton enjoyed a solid debut racing for the Thurrock based AmDTuning.com team at the MSA British Touring Car Championship.The brother of Formula One World Champion Lewis became the first disabled driver to compete in the series and made light of his lack of experience behind the wheel of a BTCC machine, finishing all three races.
The 23-year-old, inset, qualified 29th on the grid for race one in Yorkshire but could have been higher had he not lost time behind a rival while on for an improved time on his final lap of the session.
Staying out of trouble, he then brought his Audi home to the finish in 25th in race one with the only drama coming late on when he clipped a tyre stack and eased off due to concerns about potential damage to the car.
Hamilton, who has Cerebral Palsy, then matched that result with another solid drive in race two before taking his best finish of the weekend in race three crossing the line in 22nd spot.
And he was pleased by his performances.
“The weekend has been absolutely mental,” he said. “Obviously there has been a lot of attention on me and I’m over the moon with the support I’ve had from fans.
“It’s been fantastic and to be part of the BTCC is a great feeling.”
Hamilton now hopes to be able to build on his debut and continue to impress as he strives to close the gaps on those who finished ahead of him.
“It’s been all about learning as much as possible to take forwards,” said Hamilton.
“The progress we have made from the first time I got into the car during testing at Brands Hatch to the end of the third race here is something I’m really happy with.
“This weekend I think we’ve ticked the boxes that we needed to tick and with more time in the car, I know I’m only going to get quicker and be in a position where I can really push forwards and start racing with the guys ahead.”