NICOLAS Hamilton made one young man’s dream come true at Croft Circuit on Sunday.

PHOTOS: View pictures from the BTCC at Croft Circuit

The younger brother of Formula One world champion Lewis was making his Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship debut at Croft Circuit, near Darlington.

Hamilton, 23, lives with cerebral palsy but has not let the disability get in the way of his hopes and aspirations.

As he prepared to go out for today’s final race he was greeted by Paul and Julie Connaughton and their 15-year-old son James, who himself suffers from the condition.

Hamilton stopped and spent a minute or so with the teenager, talking with him and shaking his hand. It was a simple act, but one the Connaughtons say will live long in the memory.

The Northern Echo:

The family, from Maltby, near Ingleby Barwick are motorsport fans and have followed the progress of both Hamilton brothers.

However, they have taken special interest in Nicolas’ achievements and believe he can act as an inspiration, not only to their son, but to all those like him.

“James only became socially aware about three years ago,” said Mr Connaughton. “I was watching Formula One on television and it was the first time he had paid any attention to anything.

“We have been to Croft a few times and were invited by Redline Racing to come here today. We obviously knew that this was Nicolas’ first race in British Touring Cars.”

Mrs Connaughton said she was moved to tears by the moment and both said they hoped others would take heart from Hamilton’s on track heroics.

“It gives us hope as parents with a child with cerebral palsy,” said Mr Connaughton. “Never believe what the doctors say, never believe that your child is never going to do anything. I am sure Nicolas’ mum and dad were told the same things and he has proved them wrong.”

Hamilton, who races an Audi S3 for AmD Tuning.com, was accompanied at the track by his father, Anthony.

Speaking to The Northern Echo, he said of his son’s achievements: “Nic was desperate to do the BTCC Championship.

“He is not just doing it for himself, but all the kids with cerebral palsy, all kids that don’t have an opportunity to do things. He is trying to encourage them to follow his lead I suppose.

“He has put this whole package together himself. It’s really impressive. He has jumped in at the deep end.

“Nic was in a wheelchair when he was 14 or 15 and that’s where we thought he was going to be – amazing stuff.”