Cedric Bloch will make history in TCR UK in 2024 when he becomes the first driver with a life-changing spinal cord injury to take part in the series, using a specially-adapted Audi.
Bloch, a motorbike racer, suffered series injuries in a crash in qualifying for the British Supersport and British GP2 Championships event at Snetterton in September 2021.
He was left paralysed when he crashed at 100 mph and his bike bounced back and landed on him, resulting in a snapped spine, broken ribs, sternum, leg, wrist and punctured lungs.
Since then, Bloch has undergone extensive rehabilitation, and is now seeking to increase awareness of disabilities in motorsport.
He will compete under the banner of ‘SGM with Sport 77’ acting as a team-mate to Will Powell, who yesterday confirmed his entry into the series.
Like Robert Wickens in IMSA, Bloch will be able to race in TCR UK thanks to special adaptations made to the Audi RS3 LMS TCR car which he will race.
“I am delighted to be making my debut in the TCR UK Championship,” said the former Caterham racer.
“Coming from motorbike racing, I wanted to choose a championship with close and hard racing that accommodates hand controls following my accident.
“The TCR format is the perfect choice for me and I look forward to making history with SGM and Sports77 and thank the championship for their warm welcome.”
Championship Promoter Stewart Lines believes the inclusive nature of TCR UK makes it an ideal fit for racers such as Bloch.
“This is fantastic news for the new season, showing that the TCR UK Touring Car Championship is a fully inclusive series where anyone can come and race, and be competitive,” added Lines.
“We look forward to seeing how Cedric progresses in his maiden season with us.”