Louth swimming champion signs as driver for history-making racing team

Harvey Phillips is set to embark on a developmental year of training as a rookie for the team, which has rewritten the history books of motorsport.

Harvey had parts of his arms and legs amputated after contracting meningitis as a baby, and has gone on to excel in para-sports, becoming a British para-champion.

He discovered swimming when he was 7, and on holiday with his dad. He then began swimming every weekend, and was spotted by a Swim England talent officer who invited him along to a competition. He began swimming for Louth Dolphins Swimming Club when he was 10, and went on to a set five British records. He won Gold in the Speedo Aquatics GB Swimming Championships in 2024 and retained his titles in the 2025 British Championships.

Last year, Harvey got in touch with Team BRIT, having been an avid motorsports fan since childhood, and went to meet the team at their West Sussex HQ. Having finished his swimming career, he has turned his sights to motor racing and is now embarking on a development plan with the team to get him on the race track.

Team BRIT, which marked its 10 year anniversary last year, has created innovative hand control technology which enables its drivers with disabilities such as paraplegia, to compete against able-bodied drivers. Its long-term goal is to become the first ever all-disabled team to race in the Le Mans 24 hour.

Now, the team with begin work with partners to explore adaptations that will enable Harvey to race, and will work with Harvey on test days to prepare him for a future season in racing.

Harvey explains: “I’ve always had a big love of motorsport, growing up only a couple of minutes away from Cauldwell Park track. I used to go nearly every weekend as a kid, watching bikes and cars, I just loved it.

“I never really though that motor racing is something I’d be able to do, but when I saw what Team BRIT were doing, I really thought I fancied a bit of that!

“I’ve really enjoyed my time with the team so far, spending time with drivers and attending events. I want to work my way up through the ranks and push towards a full season of racing, before developing even further.

“I hope that any young kids with disabilities who may have seen what I’ve achieved with swimming, and now with my racing plans, that there’s no real limits to what you put your mind to. Whenever anyone has told me I can’t do something, my response has been, “alright, watch me”, and that’s definitely the attitude I’ve found in Team BRIT.

“I’m really looking forward to the journey ahead and hope that I can be with the team as they head towards Le Mans.”