A SOUTHAMPTON man who joined an all-disabled racing team has won his first race of the 2022 season.

Chris Overend joined Team BRIT in September. The team aims to be the first-ever all-disabled team to race in the Le Mans 24 hour.

On Saturday, the 39-year-old took to the track at Silverstone for the first race of the Britcar Trophy, driving the team’s BMW M240i.

His teammate James Whitley was away competing in the Paralympics, so Chris paired up with guest driver Julian Thomas, from team sponsor Racelogic.

The pair qualified fourth and race one saw them climb up to top of the podium before a fuel issue meant they fell back to third.

In race two Julian started 15th, putting in an incredible stint to bring the pair up to first in class and sixth overall.

After a safety car, the pair left the pits second overall. Chris fought hard to defend against extremely competitive cars, finishing the race third overall and first in class.

Chris said: “I couldn't be happier with the start to the season.

"The hard work, preparation and planning the team put in is what got us these excellent results.

"It's a really exciting time to be racing, even more so to be with such an amazing team.

"Having Julian as a teammate for the weekend was incredible, what a lovely guy and a fantastic driver, I learnt a lot in my short time with him.”

Chris was born with developmental dysplasia of the hips and has lived with injuries, pain and mobility challenges from the age of 12.

A former fashion photographer, Chris discovered wheelchair tennis when his condition progressed and eventually achieved a world ranking.

Fellow Southampton resident Paul Fullick also started his season with Team BRIT on Saturday.

Driving the team’s BMW 118i, Paul, who lost part of his right leg following a motorbike accident, teamed up with rookie driver Tyrone Mathurin.

The pair put in a fantastic effort, finishing P5, despite starting at the back of the grid.

The team supports people with physical and psychological challenges in accessing motorsport and has created the world’s most advanced hand control technology to allow disabled drivers to compete on equal terms.