Watch the build of Team BRIT’s BMW M240i race car
• From ruin to race: transformation video of a written-off road car
• Upgraded to a 455bhp racer, with 0-60mph time to just 3.6 seconds
• Donor crash-damaged car sourced from SYNETIQ’s online auction
• Part of a donation by the UK’s largest vehicle salvage company
• Watch the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WfVBDyIVZI
SYNETIQ, the UK’s largest vehicle salvage and recycling company, is marking its support of Team BRIT with a short film documenting the transformation of the BMW M240i donated to the organisation’s all-disabled racing team.
Reflecting the same attention to detail that SYNETIQ applies to all its work, the film shows the expertise and care involved in rebuilding the BMW to a racing specification suitable for disabled drivers – all from a stock road car sourced via SYNETIQ’s market-leading auction platform.
The addition to Team BRIT’s stable has been specially adapted for its drivers and its Racing Academy, which supports people with physical and psychological challenges by allowing them access to motorsport. SYNETIQ pledged the vehicle and any parts needed for its repair and race preparation, while the team of technical experts from Team BRIT provided the man-power needed to get the BMW onto the grid.
“To be able to take a car, that some might believe had reached the end of the road, and help disabled drivers prove their worth is amazing,” explained SYNETIQs Executive Chairman, Tom Rumboll. “The work of Team BRIT reflects our own goals of sustainability and support, it’s a pleasure to help the racers reach the top step of the podium.”
All vehicles sold through SYNETIQ’s salvage auction have been categorised as safe for repair. Following the comprehensive assessment undertaken on the damaged vehicle, and a mechanical assessment from Vines, a Surrey based BMW dealership, the vehicle was ready for its race preparation.
Team BRIT’s experienced crew, guided by Race Engineer Al Locke, began to hone it into a thoroughbred. This included raising its fire power, so that the BMW 3-litre, twin-turbo, straight-six engine now produces 455bhp – enough to reach a top speed of 155mph and reduce its 0-60 time to just 3.6 seconds.
Specialists in enabling disabled drivers to race against able-bodied competitors on equal terms, Team BRIT’s engineering solutions include a cutting-edge electronic braking system, built into its world-leading hand control technology, making racing easier and safer for drivers who are unable to use their legs.
The interior was stripped, and hand controls were fitted to a bespoke steering wheel in place of the standard pedals. A full racing seat and harness set supplied by Corbeau provide stability for the driver, while under the bonnet a range of upgrades and additions include an upgraded radiator, a full sports exhaust system, and a gearbox remap. Upgraded suspension and brakes were also installed, to allow competitors to fully exploit the car’s new potential.
As a final touch, the BMW was fully wrapped in its bespoke eye-catching race livery by automotive wrapping specialists, MOTOFX.
Dave Player, Founder of Team BRIT: “Our Racing Academy has gone from strength to strength since its launch last year. We’re seeing a huge demand for these opportunities for disabled drivers, so we need to keep growing.
“Our partnership with SYNETIQ has made it possible for us to acquire this almost-new BMW M240i, which is a perfect track car for our Academy. Nowhere else in the world can a disabled person that needs hand controls experience the amazing adrenaline-fuelled rush one gets from pushing a race car around a racetrack, and this car will be the pride of our fleet. We could not have done this without the generous support of SYNETIQ.”
SYNETIQ became a sponsor of Team BRIT in February this year, and the two organisations will continue to work together to make the most of a truly meaningful partnership.
Watch the video of the car’s transformation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WfVBDyIVZI
