A driving accident when younger left Paul Fullick with reduced strength and communication problems. As a result, he retired early from the British Army, which led to him getting more involved with cars. Being a qualified mechanic, he fell in love with buying and restoring old cars, and in his free time drove to raise money for charities and neurological hospitals. 2021 saw him have an accident when on a motorbike touring trip to Wales and he consequently lost his leg. Despite another setback, the Brit didn’t let it stop him. Once recovered, he was back on a motorbike and the Blesma charity introduced him to Team BRIT. 

Now, Fullick drives the team’s BMW M4 GT3 in the GT Cup alongside Jamie Falvey. The pairing currently sits third in the standings with multiple race wins this season. But aside from racing, he also serves as a driver coach for the team, helping the younger drivers on track. Earlier this year, The Girls Who – Motorsport sat down with the driver to discuss his time with the team and his views on wider motorsports.  

Team Brit, Adapting, and the Challenges of Being a Driver 

Fullick was a racer before joining Team BRIT. Having experienced motorsport both before and after his accident, he has seen how it changes between abilities. Discussing his views on the sport, he admitted, “Back then I didn’t have a picture of what disability in motorsport was like.” The racer went on to explain how he’d previously raced alongside people with disabilities, and had seen them struggling off track with accessibility. Whilst he initially understood that there were difficulties, it wasn’t until he lost his leg that he truly understood what it was like. 

After returning to competing, Fullick explained how the adaptations have been 50/50. Team BRIT’s cars feature adaptive Hand Control Technology, allowing him to race with his hands. However, he shared how “a lot of it was me adapting to how to get around the circuit [and] how to throw myself in and out of the car”. Together, they have worked to ensure he can continue to compete and do what he loves. 

Whilst his journey hasn’t been straightforward, Fullick believes that “everybody who comes into motorsport has a challenge”. The Brit explained how aspiring racers need to “have your wits about you”. However, he also acknowledged that Team BRIT also faces a range of other challenges to just get to the track and show up. Disability adds “another level of complexity”, taking more energy and effort to get to that level playing field. However, to reach that goal, Fullick said that the team’s drivers remain focused and determined.

Grassroots Movements

Whilst motorsports has seen progression in recent years regarding accessibility, Fullick doesn’t think it feels open to people with disabilities. “There is lots more that can be done” to increase the openness of the sport. He is open and willing to help be a part of those changes. Reflecting on his time, he has noticed that small changes are happening and that overall awareness is improving. Despite advancements, the driver is excited to see where it is in years to come. He went on to note that Team BRIT are trying to push for changes to be implemented. 

When discussing what he’d like to see change, it comes down to grassroots movements. It’s where most people start their journey, so he believes the most positive changes will come from nurturing that. 

“For me it’s going back to things like the kart tracks, the sims, all of the entry level motorsport where adaptations can be made to get people in at that grassroots level, that’s really important.”

Fullick Believes Communication is Key

But what really matters is ensuring accessibility for all. Instead of focusing on one type of disability, it is important that regulation boards look at everything. This comes from listening and learning from the people who experience it. Fullick shared that “we’re the ones that are going out there and putting this into practice and we’re learning a lot as we go.” As a result, he feels that communication is key to creating more accessible events for everyone. 

Ultimately, Fullick is looking forward to how motorsports develops. He praised his team for the work they have done and continue to do. As a driver coach, he’s committed to helping other people with disabilities adapt to the track, which will in turn create a more inclusive grid. Throughout his career he has been redefining the limits of what is possible, from raising money and setting unofficial records to helping develop young talent. With positive ideas for what can improve, he remains hopeful that accessibility will continue to grow. 

You can read more about Team BRIT here.