The year began under the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, with restrictions still affecting travel, gatherings, and organised sport. Although conditions gradually improved later in the year, David Salmon remained as Chairperson, and the England Deaf Karting organisation continued to face significant limitations. Major events, including the English Open Deaf Karting Championship and the European Deaf Karting Championship (EDKC), were cancelled for a second consecutive year due to ongoing international travel disruptions and logistical challenges.
Despite these setbacks, one key event remained on the calendar: the British 24 Hour Race at Teesside Karting. With competitive karting still possible domestically, Alan Thompson stepped into a new leadership role as Team Manager for the England Deaf Karting 24-Hour Team (EDK24T). Working extensively behind the scenes, Alan secured vital sponsorship support, enabling the team to compete at an elite level despite the difficult economic conditions.
The EDK24T lineup featured George Wilkins, Richard Hounslow, Alan Thompson, and Daniel Hopkinson. Facing a large field of 61 hire karts, predominantly made up of hearing teams, the squad delivered an outstanding and resilient performance throughout the endurance event.
From the opening hours, the team demonstrated strong pace, consistency, and discipline, carefully managing stints and adapting to changing track conditions. Strategic decision-making, combined with steady driving and effective teamwork in the pits, allowed them to remain competitive deep into the race. As the hours passed, EDK24T gradually established itself as one of the most consistent teams in the field, maintaining pressure on higher-ranked competitors.
The team ultimately made history by winning the British 24 Hour Pro Hire Kart Championship at Teesside Karting, becoming the first deaf team ever to claim the title. Even more impressively, they achieved 2nd place overall across the full field of 61 competitors. This landmark achievement sent a powerful message across the motorsport community, demonstrating that deaf drivers can not only compete at the highest level but also succeed in elite endurance racing.
The victory was widely celebrated across the organisation and the wider deaf motorsport community, standing as a symbol of resilience during a period of global uncertainty. It highlighted the importance of preparation, teamwork, and belief, particularly after two years of disrupted competition.
The 2021 triumph remains one of the defining moments in the organisation’s history, achieved against significant adversity and marking a breakthrough achievement on the national endurance stage.