A CHESTER man who became paraplegic after a motorcycle accident is getting behind the wheel as a racing driver for an inspirational team.

Rob Skupski, 31, has been announced as the latest rookie driver to join Team BRIT.

The team consists of disabled drivers, many of whom are injured military troops, and it aims to be the first ever all-disabled team to compete in the world-famous 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race.

Rob, an electrician by trade, was riding his motorbike in Llangernyw, Conwy in 2015 when he was struck by a van.

Rob was thrown from his motorbike, causing serious injuries including the dislocation of his L1 and L2 vertebrae, damaging his spinal cord and causing paraplegia. He spent four months in hospital before rebuilding his life as a wheelchair user.

Having always had a love of cars, bikes and anything fast, a friend put him in touch with Dave Player, the founder of Team BRIT, so he could find out more about the team.

He went to a race at Brands Hatch last year, then was invited for an assessment at the team’s HQ in Dunsfold, Surrey. Rob impressed the team and was offered the chance to become a rookie driver.

He’ll attend his first test session at Brands Hatch on Friday, February 15, and will be competing in the BMW 116 Trophy with the team in April.

Rob said: “Cars have always been a passion of mine and I’ve always wanted to be a racing driver – it’s every kid’s dream.

“When I heard about Team BRIT and what it’s trying to do, I was immediately interested and wanted to find out more.

"I’ve been aware of disabled drivers such as [Alex] Zanardi and have been interested in getting involved in racing but didn’t really know where to start. The opportunity that Dave has given me is like a breath of fresh air.

“I’m looking forward to being part of the team – the camaraderie between the drivers is fantastic and we’ve got a big challenge ahead so we can’t wait to get started.”

Team BRIT will compete in the BMW 116 Trophy and the Britcar Championship in 2019.

For more information, visit www.teambrit.co.uk.