An 18‑year‑old racing driver from Pontypool is preparing to make motorsport history as he moves closer to competing in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), one of the world’s leading touring car series.
Caleb McDuff, a former Cwmbran High School pupil, has announced plans to race in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB, a high‑profile championship that runs alongside the BTCC and is broadcast to millions of viewers. The move marks the first stage of an ambitious three‑year plan aimed at securing a place on the BTCC grid.
Caleb, who is Deaf, lost his hearing at the age of two following a severe ear infection. He spent much of his early racing career competing without the ability to hear, relying entirely on instinct and visual awareness.
His progression to national‑level motorsport became possible at 16 thanks to a pioneering communication system engineered by his father, Ian.
Caleb said: “I’ve spent my whole life being told what Deaf people can’t do. Now I want to show what we can do – if we aim high, work hard and don’t give up.”
The bespoke technology links Caleb’s cochlear implants directly to the team’s radio system, allowing full two‑way communication in the car. The innovation is believed to be a first in motorsport and enables him to compete on equal terms in one of the sport’s most demanding environments.
Ian said: “Motorsport relies heavily on radio communication for safety and performance, and that has always been a huge barrier for Deaf drivers.
“What we’ve developed isn’t just about helping Caleb race – it’s about proving that cochlear implant users can safely and reliably use two-way communications in extreme environments.
“This has the potential to benefit other cochlear implant users in sport, education, industry and any activity where robust, real-time communication is critical.”
The breakthrough has helped establish Caleb as the world’s fastest Deaf racing driver and represents a significant moment for Welsh motorsport, disability inclusion and technological innovation.
Photos credit: Chris Overend