I was left paralysed while serving my country… I thought my life was over but now I’ll become a champion racing driver
A VETERAN who was paralysed while bravely serving his country is now set to become a champion racing driver thanks to a remarkable charity project.
Steve ‘Dusty’ Binns has teamed up with a team of other ex-forces personnel to create a competitive car that can be operated by both wheelchair-using and able-bodied drivers.
Steve, 61, was badly injured shortly after returning from a deployment in the Falklands, leaving him paralysed from the chest down.
He has been involved with Mission Motorsport, a charity offering motoring-related activities for injured veterans, for some years.
It was during an outing with the organisation to the famous Nurburgring that he and Mission bosses were inspired to try and create a truly accessible race car.
Steve told SunMotors: “For me, it’s about building something that can be used again and again…instead of just having a passenger lap.
“I’ve always tried to challenge the view people have around disabled drivers.
I’ve been able to do things on the car that I would never have expected.
Dominic Pearson
“I’ve been driving on hand controls for 40-odd years.
“People’s perception of disabled drivers is that we should be in a Berlingo that’s been chucked through the disabled sticker aisle at Halfords.
“We’ve got to challenge that.
He added that he takes pride in leaving a “legacy” that will benefit other disabled veterans in the future.
Steve went on: “I mean we’ve had two Gulf Wars and Afghanistan, there are guys with bits missing.
“They’re still out there, they haven’t disappeared.
“Poppy day is once a year but for a disabled veteran, it’s 365 days a year, you live with it every day.”
The project began late last year, when Mission bought a written-off Subaru BRZ to turn into a tuned-up track car.
They also received backing from eBay, with the cost of the car covered and parts supplied from the retailer’s Certified Recycled programme.
The plan is now to prepare the car for Mission’s Race for Remembrance in November and then enter it into competitive motorsport in the future.
Mike Smith and Dominic Pearson, two former military engineers who live with similar disabilities to Steve, also sat down with SunMotors to discuss their involvement in the build.
One-time RAF technician Mike said: “It was a real challenge.
“We’ve got mechanical skills but then using them to overcome the wheelchair aspect.
“In terms of getting in and out of cars, getting around certain areas – you find out what’s possible and what’s not.
“It’s been a good opportunity to get back out there.”
What is Mission Motorsport?
Mission Motorsport is a registered Armed Forces charity providing disabled veterans with opportunities to get involved in “adaptive motorsport”.
It was set up in 2012 with a focus on the “astonishing inspirational and healing potential of sport”.
The organisation aims to provide a “level-playing field” for disabled petrolheads to get involved in the thrilling world of racing and competitive driving while accommodating their physical needs.
It has attracted support from the Prince and Princess of Wale’s Royal Foundation and HRH Princess Anne as well as the MoD.
Funding has also come from private sponsors eBay as well as the group’s JustGiving campaign.
Dominic, a former Royal Engineer who only suffered his injuries two years ago, added that the build had been a valuable challenge after his “world was turned upside down”.
He explained: “I had an accident two years ago in the service which left me paralysed from the chest down.
“I was then medically discharged only about four or five months ago and pushed out into the real world.
“My lifestyle completely changed.
“The charity has allowed me to take my vehicle mechanic skills and put them to the test in a wheelchair.
“I’ve been able to do things on the car that I would never have expected.”
However, he did admit that it was “frustrating” at times when they were parts of the vehicle that he and Mike couldn’t reach due to their disability.
Nonetheless, he said it was “rewarding” to overcome those difficulties and learn just how much he was still able to do.
Going into 2025, we’re aiming pretty high
Mark White
The car is set to be showcased at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed before going off to be modified for the Race for Remembrance.
The team are looking to raise funds to enter the car into competitive races, fielding a driver lineup and pit crew entirely staffed by disabled veterans.
Mark White, operations manager for Mission Motorsport, said: “Going into 2025 we’re aiming pretty high.
“Maybe something like BritCar, the 24-hour endurance race.
“If we can get some good support, there’s nothing stopping us from entering some pretty crunchy races.”
Sponsors eBay has covered half of the cost to convert the Subaru into racing spec, but the team is hoping to attract more funding.
Steve, with a twinkle in his eye, chimed in: “If there are any very generous Sun readers or companies who would like their name on the car, they would be most welcome.
“We want to make it as good as it possibly can be.
“We want to make it competitive.”
