0:00:02 > 0:00:05Brazil, 2008. Nic Hamilton watches his brother Lewis
0:00:05 > 0:00:07clinch the Formula 1 World Championship.
0:00:07 > 0:00:11Lewis Hamilton comes through to become
0:00:11 > 0:00:14the 2008 Formula 1 World Champion!
0:00:14 > 0:00:17When I was younger, I wanted to copy him - his style,
0:00:17 > 0:00:20the things he said, did, the actions that he did.
0:00:20 > 0:00:25As I've grown-up now, I want to be like him, but different.
0:00:25 > 0:00:27I want to be my own person.
0:00:27 > 0:00:30As well as the pressure of being a Hamilton, Nic has a disability.
0:00:30 > 0:00:35I've never had a day in my life where something hasn't hurt.
0:00:35 > 0:00:40Now at 19, his life is about to take a huge and unexpected twist.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43More than anything, he's got to either get a job,
0:00:43 > 0:00:44or go to university.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47It isn't a case of knocking on Lewis's door, saying,
0:00:47 > 0:00:50"Big Brother, I know you've got lots of money - help me".
0:00:50 > 0:00:52He wants to achieve something on his own,
0:00:52 > 0:00:54not because of the association with me.
0:00:54 > 0:00:59He's chosen to enter the Clio Cup - a championship for young drivers aiming for the big time.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02- Great move! Wow! - That's genetic, that is!
0:01:02 > 0:01:05Yet he has never raced a car in his life.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08Years ago, I'd never even thought about doing anything like that.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11The Hamilton family has allowed unprecedented access
0:01:11 > 0:01:15as Nic embarks on a career as a racing driver.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19- What am I doing wrong? - You looked way before it.
0:01:19 > 0:01:23I always say my brother is an inspiration to me. He'll get back up and try again.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26Life is twice as hard for Nic.
0:01:26 > 0:01:30So, he's going to experience love that is twice as hard.
0:01:30 > 0:01:34By the end of the season, Nic will discover whether he can make a career of his own
0:01:34 > 0:01:36in the dangerous world of motorsport.
0:01:36 > 0:01:41If he'd said, "I don't want to race", I'd have said thank goodness.
0:01:41 > 0:01:43I'm the only person that has to get in the car
0:01:43 > 0:01:45and worry about their disability.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58The year that could change the life of 19-year-old Nic Hamilton
0:01:58 > 0:01:59begins at Brands.
0:01:59 > 0:02:05Nic will be competing in one of the UK's top saloon-car Championships.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09The Clio Cup is known for its wheel-to-wheel racing at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour.
0:02:09 > 0:02:15It's coming back, but I want it to go in again, so it's slipping in.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19His brother is Formula 1 star Lewis Hamilton.
0:02:22 > 0:02:24Lewis should be 7,000 miles away,
0:02:24 > 0:02:27preparing for the Malaysian Grand Prix.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31- 64?- Yeah.- You're not 64.- I'm 64!
0:02:31 > 0:02:37Unlike the other 17 drivers on the grid, Nic has never raced before.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39He also has cerebral palsy.
0:02:43 > 0:02:48Nic was born at 31 weeks, so he was two months premature.
0:02:48 > 0:02:49When he was born,
0:02:49 > 0:02:50he wasn't breathing,
0:02:50 > 0:02:55so he was immediately taken away to the special care baby unit.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58I actually didn't get to see him until the next day.
0:02:58 > 0:03:02Anthony took a picture and that was it, really.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06He was on a ventilator for five days
0:03:06 > 0:03:09and then he was in the special care unit for five weeks.
0:03:09 > 0:03:16I couldn't hold him for three weeks. So yeah, it was tough. It was tough.
0:03:17 > 0:03:22We didn't notice a problem early on, just the fact that he wasn't
0:03:22 > 0:03:25beginning to progress with his walking.
0:03:25 > 0:03:30We didn't know he had a disability until he was a year, 18 months.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33That's when we decided to see a specialist.
0:03:33 > 0:03:37He said Nic has cerebral palsy, he has spastic diplegia,
0:03:37 > 0:03:41which means it generally affects both of his legs.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44He said that he wasn't...
0:03:44 > 0:03:47He couldn't say if he would ever walk.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50The family made no special allowances.
0:03:50 > 0:03:54My poor brother, you know - he's seven years younger than me.
0:03:54 > 0:03:58I've never, ever let him beat me - at anything. We could be playing...
0:03:58 > 0:03:59Doesn't matter what it was.
0:03:59 > 0:04:05Even a race to go running, I'd never let him beat me, when I was younger.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09I think something we always loved to do was play computer games.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14When I moved away, I bought us two exact same computers -
0:04:14 > 0:04:16bad-ass computers, basically.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18And we used to hook up online.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21- Nic, can you hear me? - How're you doing?
0:04:21 > 0:04:24- My brother plays computer games more than anyone I know.- Here we go.
0:04:26 > 0:04:28Easy!
0:04:28 > 0:04:30Oh, Nic!
0:04:30 > 0:04:31I use pedals,
0:04:31 > 0:04:34so I can modulate the brake and the throttle.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36He'd use the buttons on the steering wheels.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39When you press a button, it's either 100% or nothing.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42I don't know how he did it, but he'd always beat me. He's so quick.
0:04:42 > 0:04:47One day, no lie, I spent... He went to school,
0:04:47 > 0:04:49and I spent the whole day on this track.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52By the time he finished school, I'd just beat his time.
0:04:52 > 0:04:57I was so happy! He came home, five minutes and he beat my time!
0:04:57 > 0:04:58Lewis!
0:05:00 > 0:05:02Oh, I'm on the grass!
0:05:04 > 0:05:07The way Nic drove on the games, was...
0:05:07 > 0:05:10He knew racing lines and he knew where to brake
0:05:10 > 0:05:13and where not to and what have you.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16I think Lewis had seen that in him.
0:05:16 > 0:05:17Where is everybody?
0:05:17 > 0:05:20Cos I was so comfortable and confident driving online,
0:05:20 > 0:05:24- Lewis said, "you should try it in real life".- Come on, man.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28I'd always say, "I don't think I'd be any good in real life".
0:05:28 > 0:05:33It's not like you can go off and press "Escape" and get a brand-new car!
0:05:33 > 0:05:38He was constantly asking me, "Do you really think I'd be able to do it?"
0:05:38 > 0:05:39I'd say, "Yes, I think, Nic..."
0:05:39 > 0:05:41He's seriously got some talent there,
0:05:41 > 0:05:44so it's about nurturing it and giving him the opportunity.
0:05:44 > 0:05:48Some people don't get opportunities, fortunately,
0:05:48 > 0:05:52we're in a great position that we're able to do that.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54In 2011, Nic decided to see
0:05:54 > 0:05:59if his success on the computer could be transferred to the racetrack.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06I'm hoping we can move this either back or round...
0:06:06 > 0:06:10He's starting in the Renault Clio Championships,
0:06:10 > 0:06:12driving for the TCR racing team.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17Lewis's success in Formula 1 means Nic gets access to
0:06:17 > 0:06:20the best in motorsport.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23OK, Nic - Austin is just modifying one of the seatbelt brackets
0:06:23 > 0:06:25to clear a seatbelt mounting eye.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27We've left them especially long,
0:06:27 > 0:06:29because we have to put a brace on.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32- They're taller than the standard ones.- OK.
0:06:32 > 0:06:37McLaren has been behind such world champions as Alain Prost
0:06:37 > 0:06:40and Ayrton Senna.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44Here, they're trying to modify the road-going Clio for Nic.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46Strengthen it all up.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50I want to be high, because normally, when you hit a brake pedal,
0:06:50 > 0:06:54or any pedal, you have to push away from yourself.
0:06:54 > 0:06:59Because I break with the bottom of my foot and not my toes, when I hit
0:06:59 > 0:07:03the brake pedal, I want to be pushing downwards instead of away from me.
0:07:03 > 0:07:09- Here, I need the pedals a lot closer. I don't want to be stretching.- 100mm?
0:07:09 > 0:07:13We'll be modifying the seat position, the pedals.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15We'll put the clutch on the steering wheel,
0:07:15 > 0:07:18because we want to lose the clutch pedal.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21All those things will help Nic overcome his disabilities
0:07:21 > 0:07:22and be competitive.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25We're not going to be doing anything to this car
0:07:25 > 0:07:26to improve its performance.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30It's down to his skill and ability as to how he does on the track.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34You can see I've mastered a way to get out, for my legs.
0:07:35 > 0:07:39It's not a normal way to get out, just use the arms.
0:07:39 > 0:07:40Drag the legs out.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47The first of Nic's eight race weekends is at Brands Hatch -
0:07:47 > 0:07:50a name synonymous with British motorsport.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53Use more engine revs, more engine braking.
0:07:53 > 0:07:57Straight away, you've got a good half a second, I reckon, off your lap time.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01How I worked on these things, just getting a map and stuff.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04'It's so cool, for once, to be the guy on the other side.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07'Being able to watch.'
0:08:07 > 0:08:08And all eyes to be on him,
0:08:08 > 0:08:12to him to experience what it's like and what it's been like for me.
0:08:12 > 0:08:18- I'm so excited!- Cos he's nervous, I don't want to give him too much.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20I've only driven the car five times!
0:08:20 > 0:08:23We'll get him there. I'm sure we'll get him there.
0:08:28 > 0:08:29LEWIS LAUGHS
0:08:29 > 0:08:33- It's your old suit. - You can't even buy him a new suit?
0:08:33 > 0:08:37No, he's got a new suit. But it doesn't fit him.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41It's a big day for the family, but the media are also out in force.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45- What are these cameras in here for? - No idea who they are.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48Nick doesn't need it. These guys are in here, but anybody else...
0:08:48 > 0:08:51There are a lot of cameras next to his car.
0:08:51 > 0:08:56- Get them moved out, yes?- They should be out behind the line, yes.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59CAMERAS CLICK
0:08:59 > 0:09:02JOURNALISTS CALL OUT
0:09:05 > 0:09:08Nic will be competing against some of the brightest young hopes
0:09:08 > 0:09:10in motorsport.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13All have been racing for years.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18This is Nic's first competitive race.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24That's our on-board with Nic Hamilton.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27Darren Wilson on the right. Nic was only two tenths off Darren Wilson
0:09:27 > 0:09:30in qualifying and Darren's got a year's experience.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34Dixon... He's having a go at Dixon! What a great move. Wow!
0:09:34 > 0:09:35That's genetic, that is!
0:09:35 > 0:09:39I don't mind if he comes last, because four months ago,
0:09:39 > 0:09:42we'd never have imagined he'd be in a race car.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44So it doesn't matter where he comes.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48He's had hardly any testing, got no racing experience at all,
0:09:48 > 0:09:51he's up against some tough guys, so massive pressure on him.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54Plus cameras and all that. He's got a lot of talent.
0:09:54 > 0:09:58With time, he'll get faster and faster.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01Nic finishes 15th out of 17.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03There is Nic Hamilton.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05Tremendous performance by Nic.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07For his first race weekend,
0:10:07 > 0:10:09he's really acquitted himself well.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13There's no sport in my family. What the hell are we doing in motorsport?
0:10:13 > 0:10:15Now both of my sons are racing.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19I find that strange, but there you go.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21It's emotional, watching him,
0:10:21 > 0:10:24to think my brother is 19 years old, he's all grown up.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28He's fricking bigger and bulkier than me and he's now a superstar.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31I nearly had a heart attack at the start.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33Well done.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37Being able to come home and watch myself on TV, it's like - that's me!
0:10:37 > 0:10:42Years ago, I'd never even be thinking about doing anything like that.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45Thank you very much. APPLAUSE
0:10:47 > 0:10:50Well done. Well done. You done wonderful.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58Up here is mainly where Hamilton Management Group is run.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03I always told my dad not put spiral steps,
0:11:03 > 0:11:06cos they're hard to walk up, but he did it anyway.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10Ollie Tebbutt comes to all my races. He's also the PA.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13Works for Hamilton Management Group.
0:11:13 > 0:11:17Been friends eight, nine years, maybe? Go back a long way.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19When he moved in the village,
0:11:19 > 0:11:22he didn't have many friends who were interested in racing,
0:11:22 > 0:11:25likewise for myself, so we got on like a house on fire.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28Ollie Wickens is like a temp, cos he's at uni as well.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31So when he's not at uni, he's doing my media,
0:11:31 > 0:11:34my interviews and where I need to be at certain times.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36We met online, actually -
0:11:36 > 0:11:39on a racing community called Race Department.
0:11:39 > 0:11:44It's basically where everyone is into their online gaming...
0:11:44 > 0:11:48It's crazy, having people wanting my autograph
0:11:48 > 0:11:51and the amount of support that I've had has been incredible.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55- Lewis has got some competition now! - I hope so!
0:11:55 > 0:11:59It's like a massive thing for me, which I never thought I'd ever have.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02I've even got one of my posters here, look...
0:12:02 > 0:12:06One of my posters here - I never thought I'd ever be doing that,
0:12:06 > 0:12:07you know?
0:12:07 > 0:12:10But it's cool - people would like me to sign them
0:12:10 > 0:12:14and they can put it on their walls, something like that.
0:12:14 > 0:12:18I'm always like, "Are you sure you want to put it on the wall?!"
0:12:18 > 0:12:19It's not really a cool thing!
0:12:19 > 0:12:22I don't find myself that important to put on the wall,
0:12:22 > 0:12:24but some people do it.
0:12:24 > 0:12:29I just like making other people happy because they show me so much support.
0:12:29 > 0:12:34This is like, the chill-out room, where we play pool or whatever.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37Nic's life has been focused on Lewis.
0:12:37 > 0:12:41The family's mission - to help Lewis achieve his dream.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43These are all Lewis's. My favourite trophy is this one.
0:12:43 > 0:12:48Which is the World Cup, which he won in Japan.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52It was the closest race ever. We came out on top.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56I was so happy at the end of it, I think... I think I actually cried!
0:12:56 > 0:12:58I very rarely cry, but like...
0:12:58 > 0:13:04A very proud moment at that time, so that's been my favourite since.
0:13:04 > 0:13:08I think he has 250, something like that.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11Something ridiculous. So, yeah.
0:13:12 > 0:13:14Lewis's Formula 1 World Championship
0:13:14 > 0:13:17was the culmination of a 14-year plan.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21My brother is the best driver because he's fast.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24And one day he's going to be in Formula 1.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31Shanghai, April 2011.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33Lewis's season is in full swing.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37But he hasn't won a race for almost a year.
0:13:37 > 0:13:42Lewis Hamilton, brilliantly wins the Chinese Grand Prix.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46Lewis, that's a magnificent drive. Absolutely magnificent.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49That was amazing, thank you so much!
0:13:49 > 0:13:52TANNOY: '..His progress, from those early days,
0:13:52 > 0:13:54'when he was in Formula BMW, all those years ago.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58'Very, very good news. A great podium'
0:13:58 > 0:14:00TANNOY ANNOUNCEMENTS ECHO
0:14:00 > 0:14:02< MENS VOICES, INDISTINCT
0:14:06 > 0:14:08WILD CHEERING
0:14:12 > 0:14:14Today, Lewis has done a fantastic job -
0:14:14 > 0:14:18I'm hoping Nic does a good job as well.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20And it's champagne time.
0:14:20 > 0:14:24Normally, the Hamilton family would be in China, with Lewis.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27But today, Nic is the focus of their attention.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29It's a complete dream come true,
0:14:29 > 0:14:32I reckon - to be racing on the same weekend as my brother.
0:14:32 > 0:14:36It's really cool - I've always wanted it, and so today we actually get to live it.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00Cheers, Nic. Good luck.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02- Thank you.- Go for it, Nic!
0:15:02 > 0:15:05SHOUTS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
0:15:09 > 0:15:11Nic Hamilton comes home in 14th,
0:15:11 > 0:15:14ahead of ex touring-car driver, Mark Proctor.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17Nic must be over the moon - really should be pleased.
0:15:17 > 0:15:22- I wonder if Lewis is watching it over in China?- I'm sure he's very proud of his brother.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25I'm braking and Mark caught me up.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27The tyres started going off and I made mistakes.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30I went off, Mark went past, then I got lunged
0:15:30 > 0:15:31and my race was over then, really.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35You are doing a superb job.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38The learning curve is just...
0:15:38 > 0:15:42Despite reassurances, Nic seems disappointed with the weekend.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48Yeah, I know where I am - it's on your left.
0:15:48 > 0:15:49Here it is.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52The Lister Hospital.
0:15:52 > 0:15:58My operation was done in this hospital, when I was four.
0:15:58 > 0:16:03I just remember it as bad memories - caused me a lot of pain, discomfort.
0:16:03 > 0:16:07Obviously, the actual operation itself was very successful.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10He had an incredible operation where he had the tendon cut
0:16:10 > 0:16:12on both the back of his ankles,
0:16:12 > 0:16:15both the tendons behind his knees in both legs,
0:16:15 > 0:16:17his groin on both legs.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20He had both legs in plaster from toes to groin
0:16:20 > 0:16:24and as soon as he woke up, he wanted to stand up.
0:16:24 > 0:16:30He was the happiest kid ever - I couldn't believe it. Not once do I ever remember him complaining.
0:16:30 > 0:16:34Me, I'd be whining like crazy. But he never, ever moaned.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36That was it, really.
0:16:36 > 0:16:40He stood up on these two plasters and from then on,
0:16:40 > 0:16:43he got a little walking frame
0:16:43 > 0:16:46and he would run behind this walking frame
0:16:46 > 0:16:49in both his plasters, then he'd jump, sit on it and keep rolling.
0:16:49 > 0:16:53He's always wanted to do what able-bodied people do.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55We didn't really wrap him in cotton wool.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59He's never wanted to be looked at as if he's disabled
0:16:59 > 0:17:01or be treated as if he's disabled.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03That's the main thing with Nic.
0:17:07 > 0:17:11The third weekend takes Nic to Thruxton, the UK's fastest circuit.
0:17:17 > 0:17:19It's Friday and practice day.
0:17:23 > 0:17:27Everything was normal. The last time I saw about that track was
0:17:27 > 0:17:31on a game and funnily enough, when I did that game, I won both races.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34So I knew the track quite well!
0:17:34 > 0:17:37So I did the whole session and everything was going fine -
0:17:37 > 0:17:40I had no excursions, no mistakes.
0:17:42 > 0:17:47And I remember looking in my mirror and seeing Tom Grice behind me
0:17:47 > 0:17:49and I turned into the right-hander.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08Your heart sinks - you just think, oh... What is the matter?
0:18:08 > 0:18:11You go into blind panic, you don't know what to do.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14Walking through, you could just see the car at the back
0:18:14 > 0:18:17and it was...just horrible. Really horrible.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20Everything was in slow motion -
0:18:20 > 0:18:23I could see all the marshals behind the tyres.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27I was thinking about them. I couldn't remember what happened in the air.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29All I can remember is just landing.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42My first thought was...
0:18:43 > 0:18:46I've ruined my weekend. Straight away,
0:18:46 > 0:18:48and it hasn't even started.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51Um... And...
0:18:51 > 0:18:53My dad's going to kill me!
0:18:58 > 0:19:00I couldn't get out...
0:19:00 > 0:19:04I couldn't get out because I was on my side.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07For my legs, it's difficult.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13We decided not to tell Linda that Nic had had an accident.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16We didn't know what had happened.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19Before we had the chance to do that, the media had reported it
0:19:19 > 0:19:23and she was reading these reports that he's gone off to hospital.
0:19:24 > 0:19:29Seeing the headline on the internet sort of really brought it home
0:19:29 > 0:19:31when it said, "Nic Hamilton SURVIVES crash".
0:19:31 > 0:19:34Now, that sort of does hit you quite hard.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36It scared my mum so much.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39My dad obviously was very...
0:19:40 > 0:19:44When I called him, it seemed like he was...um...
0:19:44 > 0:19:47It seemed like he was angry at the time.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51My initial reaction sometimes is anger.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53I don't know why,
0:19:53 > 0:19:57I think anger because of the fear that you could have hurt yourself.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00I know that he wasn't angry, he was more scared.
0:20:00 > 0:20:05The fact that I had the biggest crash and my dad just wants me to be safe.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08He didn't care about the car - the car can be fixed. I can't be fixed.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13The car is a write-off.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19OK, mate.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22The TCR team works through the night to modify a spare car
0:20:22 > 0:20:25in time for qualifying.
0:20:25 > 0:20:26Each racing Clio cost £70,000,
0:20:26 > 0:20:32but Nic benefits from having blue-chip sponsors.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36The repair bill however, still falls to Anthony.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40The team gets a new car on the track, but Nic is still shaken.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44I always said my brother was an inspiration to me -
0:20:44 > 0:20:46I think what was special about him was when...
0:20:46 > 0:20:51The times we played football outside and the times we were
0:20:51 > 0:20:55doing competitive things together and he would fall over constantly.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58He'll just get back up and try again. He never, ever gave up.
0:20:58 > 0:20:59That was, kind of...
0:20:59 > 0:21:03You know the expression, "if you get knocked off the horse,
0:21:03 > 0:21:05"you get back up on it again".
0:21:05 > 0:21:07He's a true example of that.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12First big crash you have as a racer is very telling,
0:21:12 > 0:21:16because lots of people can go out and drive nice lines
0:21:16 > 0:21:20and be relatively quick in a racing car, but can they handle competition
0:21:20 > 0:21:24wheel-to-wheel, can they handle bouncing back from that big crash?
0:21:24 > 0:21:28ANTHONY: It's a different set of emotions. With Lewis, it was completely different.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31With Nic, 19-year-old lad, he's come this far in his life
0:21:31 > 0:21:35and almost now risking his life in the car.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38You know, I don't want to stop him doing it,
0:21:38 > 0:21:42I am fearful of him... For him, doing it.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45If he just takes it slowly, he'll be OK.
0:21:45 > 0:21:49MAN: When we get back, guys - thank you very much.
0:21:52 > 0:21:53Thanks, guys.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27During qualifying, Nic comes off again, at the same corner.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31More repairs and only four hours until the race.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34The team told me to take different lines, which I have done.
0:22:34 > 0:22:38It's just that one corner that's knocking my confidence
0:22:38 > 0:22:41and I don't really know what to do.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46- What I doing wrong? - 'I just didn't want him to do it.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50'I didn't want him to race that weekend. He didn't know what he was doing wrong'
0:22:50 > 0:22:53and that was the major problem for me.
0:22:53 > 0:22:57If you don't know where you're going wrong, it could well happen again.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00You know that if you do this, you might crash.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02Well, try something different.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05It's easy to say when you're not driving,
0:23:05 > 0:23:07so I've got to be careful what I say,
0:23:07 > 0:23:10but I don't want anything to happen to him, more than anything.
0:23:13 > 0:23:18If he'd said, "Mum, I don't want to race," I'd have said, "Thank goodness. Let's go home."
0:23:18 > 0:23:21I lift it, then I just...
0:23:21 > 0:23:25You hit the kerb there and start bouncing.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27The bend's coming up here.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30I don't know what to do when that happens.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35You're further out to the right - look how much space he has here.
0:23:35 > 0:23:39You're further to the right - look at the signpost, where he is.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41BUZZER
0:23:41 > 0:23:45Way, way, way past it. You lift way before it.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48The key to doing these high-speed corners is trying to do them
0:23:48 > 0:23:50with as little turning as possible.
0:23:50 > 0:23:55The less steering load you have, the more the car will be in balance
0:23:55 > 0:23:59and the less you scrub the speed off your tyres and all that stuff.
0:23:59 > 0:24:03I just told him how I do it. You've just got to go back out there.
0:24:03 > 0:24:07Next time you get to that corner, do it exactly the same as you've done it in the past -
0:24:07 > 0:24:10don't do it slower - if anything, go through it faster.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13That will help you overcome that fear.
0:24:13 > 0:24:17You need to keep the power on till past that post.
0:24:17 > 0:24:18Dress quick, Nic.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23- Do you understand, Nic?- Yeah.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31To everyone's relief, Nic finishes the race without further incident.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35APPLAUSE
0:24:41 > 0:24:45Another one. Oh, my God. Am I glad this weekend's over!
0:24:48 > 0:24:50Two weeks later
0:24:50 > 0:24:54and Nic has flown out to join Lewis at the Monaco Grand Prix.
0:24:54 > 0:24:58It's the most glamorous event on the Formula 1 calendar.
0:25:02 > 0:25:06He's hoping to put events at Thruxton behind him.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09It's not totally out of my mind.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12I'm now sort of worried about crashing the car.
0:25:12 > 0:25:13Whereas before, I wasn't.
0:25:14 > 0:25:16Hi, Nic!
0:25:18 > 0:25:20Hey, Nic - they were checking you out!
0:25:20 > 0:25:24What do you mean SOME girls? Most girls!
0:25:24 > 0:25:26Most girls? Oh, I see!
0:25:27 > 0:25:31I haven't found that special girl just yet!
0:25:31 > 0:25:33If I was going to have a girlfriend,
0:25:33 > 0:25:36they'd need to understand the situation.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40The fact that no-one comes between me and my racing.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42Um... So...
0:25:42 > 0:25:43they need to take a back seat.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48It's just crazy how we've all come from rock bottom.
0:25:48 > 0:25:52My mum and dad have really worked hard. For Lewis to get where he was -
0:25:52 > 0:25:55he wouldn't have done it without my dad
0:25:55 > 0:25:57and my dad wouldn't have done it without him.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01My dad is a very talented and unique person.
0:26:03 > 0:26:07I was from a typical West Indian family, you know. So...
0:26:07 > 0:26:10Dad worked on the London Underground and Mum worked in a factory.
0:26:10 > 0:26:16My mum died when I was 16 and then kind of...you're on your own,
0:26:16 > 0:26:20to a degree. You start realising just how tough life is.
0:26:20 > 0:26:25You can't do the normal things all your friends are doing - going out, having fun.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28Up through to the age of 30, I was still struggling.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32Anthony is probably one of the hardest-working people I know.
0:26:32 > 0:26:39Anthony would work 24/7 and he works for his family. That's it.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43Anthony saw Lewis had potential from the age of seven.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45What, was it gripping up?
0:26:46 > 0:26:49I'm unable to do absolutely anything,
0:26:49 > 0:26:54cos you're not telling me what's happening. I don't know what happening.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56So we'll walk down here, dead silent, shall we?
0:26:56 > 0:27:00Life's changed a lot for us, really, because I look back now
0:27:00 > 0:27:04and think God, how on Earth did we manage to do what we did?
0:27:04 > 0:27:07Because we both held full-time jobs.
0:27:07 > 0:27:08Anthony did more than one job,
0:27:08 > 0:27:12just to get the money in to get Lewis racing.
0:27:12 > 0:27:16When we first started karting, it was all around the country,
0:27:16 > 0:27:19whereas other people were turning up in their nice motor-homes,
0:27:19 > 0:27:21all we had was a car and a trailer.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24We had defined roles in the family.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27My role really was to look after the family,
0:27:27 > 0:27:31look after the house and do what I could to make sure that there was
0:27:31 > 0:27:35food on the table, but also to try and make Linda's life easier,
0:27:35 > 0:27:37so she could look after Nicholas.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40Nic and I used to sit in the back of the trailer,
0:27:40 > 0:27:43I remember in Scotland, with a Calor gas heater.
0:27:43 > 0:27:47Just to keep warm in between the races.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50For me, it was like a holiday every weekend.
0:27:50 > 0:27:54You meet up with your friends and make certain friends
0:27:54 > 0:27:57every weekend, then keep them all the way through the year.
0:27:57 > 0:28:01Lewis was very successful in karts, so we were all very happy and very grateful.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06He's not yet old enough to drive down the street,
0:28:06 > 0:28:08but a 13-year-old schoolboy
0:28:08 > 0:28:11has already been signed up by the Formula 1 team McLaren.
0:28:11 > 0:28:13My ambition is to get to Formula 1, definitely.
0:28:13 > 0:28:18I enjoy the speed, I like to be with all the big guys
0:28:18 > 0:28:21and I like to be making lots of money!
0:28:21 > 0:28:24BIRDSONG
0:28:24 > 0:28:27This is a replica of the World Championship trophy.
0:28:29 > 0:28:31Extremely valuable.
0:28:31 > 0:28:33I'd like to think I'm still the same person and I am,
0:28:33 > 0:28:36because I value the pound as much now as I did then.
0:28:36 > 0:28:39And, um...
0:28:39 > 0:28:43So nothing is to be wasted. Everything has a value.
0:28:43 > 0:28:47We've got lots of trophies. Around the new house,
0:28:47 > 0:28:50we're building a showroom for them as well.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53So... Quite proud of that.
0:28:53 > 0:28:55It's five years.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58Who would've thought?
0:28:58 > 0:29:00It does seem like yesterday.
0:29:01 > 0:29:06I've got the memories of the last 20 years that I carry with me,
0:29:06 > 0:29:10more than the hopes of the future, if you want.
0:29:10 > 0:29:12Cos the future for me was all about the kids
0:29:12 > 0:29:15and Lewis is off and successful and Nicolas is on his way.
0:29:16 > 0:29:20Now that my dad has a bit more time...
0:29:20 > 0:29:22and you know,
0:29:22 > 0:29:29the stresses of karting have gone away, I feel like me and my dad's relationship has now grown.
0:29:29 > 0:29:30Without a doubt,
0:29:30 > 0:29:35my brother's relationship with our dad has suffered slightly.
0:29:35 > 0:29:39Due to the time that he's been away with me. So I feel quite good
0:29:39 > 0:29:41that he's able to build that now.
0:29:41 > 0:29:45What Lewis sees in the back of his mind is that everything was done
0:29:45 > 0:29:48for Lewis, so we were all there for Lewis
0:29:48 > 0:29:50and Anthony was there for Lewis.
0:29:50 > 0:29:54But me and Nic didn't see it like that.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57We just saw it as that's what we do as a family.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00To have one sibling in sport, I think it affects the whole family.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03To keep the family together, you all have to do it.
0:30:03 > 0:30:06I love both of my kids, I love my whole family,
0:30:06 > 0:30:09but the thing is, life is twice as hard for Nic.
0:30:09 > 0:30:14So he's got to experience love that's twice as hard -
0:30:14 > 0:30:19and I think that's what makes him such a strong, independent person.
0:30:19 > 0:30:20We're a family that...
0:30:20 > 0:30:25We...don't show our emotion to each other straight away.
0:30:25 > 0:30:29I don't need to tell you I love you - you should already know it,
0:30:29 > 0:30:30know what I mean?
0:30:30 > 0:30:34I don't need to tell you I'm proud of you, you should already know it.
0:30:34 > 0:30:35That's how we live.
0:30:36 > 0:30:40It's past the midway point of the season and everyone is looking
0:30:40 > 0:30:44for some signs of progress and consistency in Nic's racing.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49Croft in Darlington brings a new challenge -
0:30:49 > 0:30:52rain is forecast the whole weekend.
0:30:52 > 0:30:56It's a new car from obviously the one at Thruxton, cos that's written off.
0:30:56 > 0:31:01Um, so we've put our red on it - my famous red -
0:31:01 > 0:31:03so people know it's my car.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06My advice to Nic has been, "Don't damage your car or yourself".
0:31:06 > 0:31:11You can't just step into motor racing and think, "Now that I've got a helmet, I'm a race driver".
0:31:11 > 0:31:16I wouldn't say the crash at Thruxton is a distant memory - it has had an effect on me a little bit.
0:31:16 > 0:31:20Cos I don't want to go and crash the car and do more damage,
0:31:20 > 0:31:23but at the end of the day, it's racing and if it happens, it happens.
0:31:23 > 0:31:26I wanted to make sure that Nic didn't destroy his car,
0:31:26 > 0:31:29his opportunity or that of anybody else's.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31It's quite wet today.
0:31:31 > 0:31:34Don't know how I'm feeling, to be honest.
0:31:34 > 0:31:38- I'm just going to see how it goes. - He knows what to do. Yeah.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41You've got to leave them to it sometimes, haven't you?
0:31:41 > 0:31:44I'm not TOO worried(!)
0:31:45 > 0:31:48Actually, I AM too worried!
0:31:48 > 0:31:52But I'm sure he'll be fine. I'm sure he'll be fine.
0:31:52 > 0:31:54ENGINE REVS
0:31:54 > 0:31:58This is Nic's first ever race in the wet.
0:31:58 > 0:32:02Most of the year, it's run round at the back, Nic - and be careful.
0:32:02 > 0:32:08During qualifying, Nic struggles to keep up with the other racers.
0:32:08 > 0:32:11He comes in to see if he can find out what he's doing wrong.
0:32:11 > 0:32:13OK, that's it.
0:32:21 > 0:32:22SIREN BLARES
0:32:22 > 0:32:25Within minutes of going back out, there's a problem.
0:32:27 > 0:32:29Hi, Linda.
0:32:29 > 0:32:34I don't know, I think it might be him that's caused the red flag.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37I can't tell. No, we can't see him.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40We've just finished qualifying and there's been a red flag.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43I think Nic's gone off somewhere - we don't know where exactly.
0:32:43 > 0:32:47We're just waiting to see where he is and see how the car is.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51Doesn't look too bad.
0:32:51 > 0:32:53It just looks like the bumper to me.
0:32:53 > 0:32:56To be fair though, your dad said push like crazy.
0:32:56 > 0:32:58The track wasn't there. No-one was going quicker.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01I wanted to really bring you in...
0:33:01 > 0:33:04The fastest times were in the first three laps.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07- What happened?- Um...
0:33:07 > 0:33:08Going into Tower,
0:33:08 > 0:33:11which is a right-hander, there's a bump,
0:33:11 > 0:33:13under-braking.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16I hit the bump, locked up - straight on, cos the grass is wet -
0:33:16 > 0:33:18doesn't really help.
0:33:18 > 0:33:20Found the wall.
0:33:20 > 0:33:24But luckily I went in straight and it only damaged the front left,
0:33:24 > 0:33:26so it should be all right, hopefully.
0:33:26 > 0:33:28How bad is it?
0:33:28 > 0:33:31I didn't want Nic's lack of racing experience to hurt him
0:33:31 > 0:33:33or anybody else in the process.
0:33:33 > 0:33:35It's easy to damage the car.
0:33:35 > 0:33:39And I didn't want to be getting the bills every weekend.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48Great start from Chris Swanwick. Good start too
0:33:48 > 0:33:51from the poll, Matt Allison, and Luke Wright in third position.
0:33:51 > 0:33:5628 car is out - that is Hamilton. Nic Hamilton, that's frustration.
0:33:56 > 0:33:57Not good for Nic.
0:33:57 > 0:34:01Engine trouble puts pay to the weekend.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07Nic's racing is bringing him attention off the track, too.
0:34:07 > 0:34:11A charity that supports people living with cerebral palsy
0:34:11 > 0:34:14has invited him to talk to some kids about his experiences.
0:34:14 > 0:34:18- How you doing, all right? Good to see you.- Hi, Nic.- How you doing, mate?
0:34:18 > 0:34:21- Jamie. Nice to meet you. - Nic Hamilton, how you doing?
0:34:21 > 0:34:25What are the problems that you find you're having?
0:34:25 > 0:34:27When I'm waiting at the bus stop,
0:34:27 > 0:34:33sometimes...a bus driver won't let me on,
0:34:33 > 0:34:36just because he doesn't want to put the ramp down,
0:34:36 > 0:34:40or doesn't want to waste time putting the ramp down.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43Sometimes they don't even open the door to speak to you,
0:34:43 > 0:34:46they just wag their finger at you and that will be that.
0:34:46 > 0:34:48You have to wait for the next bus.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51Sometimes, when people treat you different, it gets really annoying.
0:34:51 > 0:34:55- Definitely.- You just want to get treated the same as everybody else.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58But I think if you want to get treated the same as everyone else,
0:34:58 > 0:35:01you have to show them.
0:35:01 > 0:35:05I was in the wheelchair for five years and I used to sit in it
0:35:05 > 0:35:08and I realised people would think I couldn't say anything.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11But if you're being confident in talking to people,
0:35:11 > 0:35:14they talk to you and realise you're a person.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17- I always hate running. - You always hate running?
0:35:17 > 0:35:21What would make it easier for you? Do you do any running races at all?
0:35:21 > 0:35:22I do, but...
0:35:22 > 0:35:27- I can if I want, but most of the time I choose not to.- Why?
0:35:27 > 0:35:33It just tires me out really quickly and I choose to quit - like, stop.
0:35:33 > 0:35:37I've had a lot of things where I could just give up,
0:35:37 > 0:35:39but you should never give up,
0:35:39 > 0:35:44because sometimes you'll give up and you'll regret giving up.
0:35:44 > 0:35:46If there's a fence, for example
0:35:46 > 0:35:49and I know I won't be able to get over the fence,
0:35:49 > 0:35:52I don't care how stupid I look trying to get over the fence,
0:35:52 > 0:35:54so long as I get over the fence.
0:35:54 > 0:35:58- I'm not fussed. Yeah? - How did you get on at school?
0:35:58 > 0:36:03I went to a very good school. Everyone was very nice and polite,
0:36:03 > 0:36:07but obviously you had certain people who decide to be different.
0:36:07 > 0:36:10I got bullied when I was in a wheelchair,
0:36:10 > 0:36:12just because I was an easy target.
0:36:12 > 0:36:17I can remember one where I was in my wheelchair and these four guys
0:36:17 > 0:36:22just decided to grab my wheelchair and pull me completely backwards.
0:36:22 > 0:36:25Pull me backwards and just... leave me on the floor.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27Then walk away, laughing.
0:36:28 > 0:36:33Them experiences I've had has made me stronger as a person.
0:36:33 > 0:36:37If they were looking at you now, they'd regret it, wouldn't they?
0:36:37 > 0:36:42Because you're bigger and better - you're a racer and they're nothing.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45- Starting with me! - Look over here!- Everybody smile.
0:36:47 > 0:36:50Fabulous. Moving on swiftly...
0:36:50 > 0:36:51'I really enjoyed it.'
0:36:51 > 0:36:53Cheese!
0:36:53 > 0:36:57The children that I spoke to really, really listened and...
0:36:57 > 0:36:59No, sort of...
0:36:59 > 0:37:02really opened my eyes, as well.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05You've got to try something once before you can give up.
0:37:05 > 0:37:07As I was saying, I don't like running,
0:37:07 > 0:37:10but I might give it another chance.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15Snetterton marks the three-quarters point of the season.
0:37:15 > 0:37:18The weeks of racing are beginning to take their toll.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24- This morning, my back's gone. - Still a bit stiff at the bottom?
0:37:24 > 0:37:28I don't know what it is. Feels like something's slipped.
0:37:28 > 0:37:33Feels like I've got someone digging something in me all the time.
0:37:33 > 0:37:37I've never had a day in my life where something hasn't hurt.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43So, it's just a normal thing.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46Concern about whether Nic has the physical and mental capacity
0:37:46 > 0:37:49to be a racer is on everyone's minds.
0:37:50 > 0:37:54I actually do know that he's in pain, but his dad probably doesn't,
0:37:54 > 0:37:57cos he probably would never tell him.
0:37:57 > 0:37:59He doesn't tell anyone.
0:37:59 > 0:38:03I just know, because I've been through it with him.
0:38:03 > 0:38:04As I've started racing,
0:38:04 > 0:38:08my body has gone through a lot more different forces, things that
0:38:08 > 0:38:12it's not used to, so my pelvis will come out or something
0:38:12 > 0:38:14whilst I'm driving or racing
0:38:14 > 0:38:18or I'll pop a joint in my back or something like that.
0:38:18 > 0:38:25It's like someone's got their fist inside of you, constantly.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28It's not like a sharp pain, it's just an ache.
0:38:28 > 0:38:32Trouble is, Nic will never complain anyway, if he's in pain.
0:38:32 > 0:38:35Last thing he wants to do is... He never wants to put upon others
0:38:35 > 0:38:39and for sure he won't want to be sitting out this weekend.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42He probably does need a bit of treatment, but we'll see.
0:38:42 > 0:38:45I'm sure he'll pull it out of the bag.
0:38:45 > 0:38:48TANNOY ANNOUNCEMENTS
0:38:50 > 0:38:52There's a reason why we're going racing
0:38:52 > 0:38:55and that's more than anything to give Nic his opportunity.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58He deserves his chance like everybody else does.
0:38:58 > 0:39:02But he understands that it isn't just an open pot of money.
0:39:02 > 0:39:05ENGINES ROAR
0:39:07 > 0:39:09If he's going to carry on racing next year,
0:39:09 > 0:39:14he's got to get off his arse and go and renew the contracts
0:39:14 > 0:39:18with his current sponsors, find some new sponsors...
0:39:18 > 0:39:20But more than anything,
0:39:20 > 0:39:22he's got to either get a job or go to university.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25It isn't a case of knocking on Lewis's door saying,
0:39:25 > 0:39:28"Big Brother, I know you've got lots of money, help me!"
0:39:28 > 0:39:32There's none of that involved. It's literally having to work for every penny.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35Nic has his best qualifying session to date
0:39:35 > 0:39:37and starts middle of the grid.
0:39:38 > 0:39:41If you look at where we are now compared to where we normally are,
0:39:41 > 0:39:43we're doing a lot better.
0:39:43 > 0:39:47We're having the best weekend we've ever had, I reckon.
0:39:47 > 0:39:48Let's just hope the race goes well.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51There is young Nic Hamilton.
0:39:51 > 0:39:53We just regard him as one of the racers now.
0:39:53 > 0:39:58He's just getting on with it. Getting more experience and getting used to the cut and thrust.
0:39:58 > 0:40:01He's in regularly now, in more and more of a scrap.
0:40:01 > 0:40:06He finishes a disappointing 13th, after a shunt with another car.
0:40:12 > 0:40:13As recently as 2008,
0:40:13 > 0:40:18when Lewis became Formula 1 World Champion, Nic was using wheelchair.
0:40:18 > 0:40:20They were easy days.
0:40:20 > 0:40:24Every day, life was pretty simple, just because...
0:40:24 > 0:40:28the legs would never get used, so I'd never feel tired or whatever.
0:40:28 > 0:40:30I'd be in a wheelchair all day.
0:40:30 > 0:40:35Looking back, I'd say the wheelchair side of things was a big mistake.
0:40:35 > 0:40:39When I started getting out of the wheelchair, I'd go to the toilet and come back
0:40:39 > 0:40:41and my legs would be finished already.
0:40:41 > 0:40:45I always said to Nic, there will be a point in your life,
0:40:45 > 0:40:50probably a teenager or late teenager, when you will want to start walking.
0:40:50 > 0:40:55I don't know why it all just changed. One day I turned up at school
0:40:55 > 0:41:00and just said no, I'm not going to bother today.
0:41:00 > 0:41:02My legs got stronger every day.
0:41:02 > 0:41:06We were really looking to see what we could do to help Nic walk better.
0:41:06 > 0:41:09We actually took him out to America.
0:41:09 > 0:41:13They suggested doing... Well, a very major operation
0:41:13 > 0:41:18which was to break both of Nic's legs and reset them
0:41:18 > 0:41:22into a position where he would find it easier to walk.
0:41:22 > 0:41:24Straight away I didn't want it.
0:41:24 > 0:41:26Straight away, I didn't want it.
0:41:26 > 0:41:31Because... It was like, I felt like it was so over the top, you know?
0:41:31 > 0:41:33It's so over the top.
0:41:33 > 0:41:38I basically sat there and thought, "There must be another way!"
0:41:38 > 0:41:40This is very stressful for me, this!
0:41:40 > 0:41:44Another way came in the form of physiotherapist, Alan Watson.
0:41:44 > 0:41:47It's stressful for me cos I have to listen to him whingeing...!
0:41:47 > 0:41:50He just likes putting me through pain!
0:41:50 > 0:41:52With all the stress racing puts on Nic's body,
0:41:52 > 0:41:55Alan works hard to keep him on the track.
0:41:58 > 0:42:02Felt like I can't hold my balance there.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05He also helps to increase the flexibility and strength
0:42:05 > 0:42:09- of Nic's legs and is always looking for ways to improve Nic's walking. - That's better.
0:42:09 > 0:42:11Let me just see how the left foot...
0:42:13 > 0:42:17Try that. That's another 2mm extra.
0:42:17 > 0:42:22We actually made one ourselves, sort of like a bodge-job.
0:42:22 > 0:42:26- Bodge-job to you! - No, but it was, though, wasn't it?
0:42:26 > 0:42:30THEY SPEAK OVER ONE ANOTHER
0:42:30 > 0:42:34The other pair, we hacked them to bits then we stuck all bits and pieces on -
0:42:34 > 0:42:36we got it right.
0:42:36 > 0:42:40- This is the final... Well, hopefully. I think it is. - So the left is the more...
0:42:42 > 0:42:45But the difference it makes to the way Nic's aligned...
0:42:45 > 0:42:49- That's better.- How does it look? - It looks really good.
0:42:49 > 0:42:52Is the best it's ever looked.
0:42:52 > 0:42:57Nic gets thrown backwards, which throws the centre of gravity backwards, so he feels unstable,
0:42:57 > 0:43:00so he has to bend forward from the stomach, which stresses his back.
0:43:00 > 0:43:03So we just put 6mm on the rear foot
0:43:03 > 0:43:06which allows his foot to work in a normal motion.
0:43:06 > 0:43:10It's really helping. You made some massive changes.
0:43:10 > 0:43:14Well, not massive changes, but small changes, but massive improvement.
0:43:21 > 0:43:25I'm not sure if I'm racing next year or not.
0:43:25 > 0:43:28I really don't know if I am, for sure.
0:43:28 > 0:43:32Of course I want to, but at the end of the day, it's not down to me.
0:43:32 > 0:43:35If Nic can race and make a career at the same time, for me,
0:43:35 > 0:43:37that's the best way forward.
0:43:37 > 0:43:40This isn't a game, this is a serious business.
0:43:40 > 0:43:44If you tell me you want to go motor racing to win, that's what I expect you to do.
0:43:44 > 0:43:48I need to...show my family
0:43:48 > 0:43:51and friends that I can actually drive the car and that I am improving.
0:43:51 > 0:43:55If you want to go motor racing 50%, then fine.
0:43:55 > 0:43:57We'll all put in 50%.
0:43:57 > 0:43:59I feel like I'm running out of time.
0:43:59 > 0:44:02My brother is coming up as well.
0:44:02 > 0:44:06It's the penultimate race weekend of the season and the pressure is on.
0:44:09 > 0:44:12Someone like Nic, is a story people are interested in
0:44:12 > 0:44:13not just because of his brother,
0:44:13 > 0:44:18but because he's trying his hand at doing something which is difficult.
0:44:18 > 0:44:22It's got a disability and he's not letting that stand in his way.
0:44:22 > 0:44:24Nic's a very popular man in the paddock.
0:44:24 > 0:44:28He's worked really hard this year, delivered some good results.
0:44:28 > 0:44:33Everyone knows him - not just Lewis's brother, because he's become a driver. He's doing very well.
0:44:33 > 0:44:36I'll give you 110%, but you've got to give it the same.
0:44:36 > 0:44:40He does that in his preparation and getting through the race.
0:44:40 > 0:44:44What I found at Rockingham is that I think he lost his confidence.
0:44:44 > 0:44:47He should be mid-pack by now, Nic.
0:44:47 > 0:44:52He's showing signs of getting to the mid-pack,
0:44:52 > 0:44:56but I'm sure he's struggling with some confidence on the brakes.
0:44:56 > 0:45:01I think he was just frightened that his dad hadn't got the confidence in him to race any more
0:45:01 > 0:45:05and he thought he maybe wouldn't be able to race next year.
0:45:05 > 0:45:07It was all going through his mind.
0:45:07 > 0:45:09Are you quite a competitive person?
0:45:09 > 0:45:13Massively, mate, else I wouldn't be racing! Massively.
0:45:13 > 0:45:16This is a very competitive championship.
0:45:16 > 0:45:18To just be out there
0:45:18 > 0:45:22and even doing half-respectable times is pretty good.
0:45:22 > 0:45:25It's a high level of skill required, so he's done brilliantly.
0:45:25 > 0:45:28I don't quite know where his thinking was
0:45:28 > 0:45:33when he was approaching the first corner, but it wasn't at the 110% mark.
0:45:33 > 0:45:38I had a really good start, and I got four places on the start,
0:45:38 > 0:45:42or something, but then I was always the first to brake.
0:45:42 > 0:45:46So I broke first and everyone drove round the outside of me.
0:45:46 > 0:45:48It was more like the 90% mark and for me,
0:45:48 > 0:45:50that means he let himself down.
0:45:50 > 0:45:54And that's probably why he was a little bit frustrated.
0:45:54 > 0:45:56Nic finishes second to last.
0:45:56 > 0:45:59I did tell him not to worry too much about it
0:45:59 > 0:46:03and said, "You need to go and prove yourself next time you're out".
0:46:09 > 0:46:14The final race of the season. It's make-or-break time for Nic.
0:46:14 > 0:46:15He needs to finish mid-pack
0:46:15 > 0:46:18to have any chance of earning a drive for next year.
0:46:18 > 0:46:20It's been a good year.
0:46:20 > 0:46:26Ups and downs, but hopefully this weekend we can end up on a high.
0:46:26 > 0:46:29He drove so well last week, but you can't make up three or four places
0:46:29 > 0:46:32then give it back because you're not sure.
0:46:32 > 0:46:35If you're not sure, you shouldn't be racing.
0:46:35 > 0:46:38- His dad said, "you've got to try". - We'll see what he does this weekend.
0:46:38 > 0:46:41I think he's got a different mindset this weekend.
0:46:46 > 0:46:48He's in a good place, in his mind.
0:46:48 > 0:46:51I think he's going to try and go for it.
0:46:51 > 0:46:55Nic qualifies in 13th place.
0:46:56 > 0:47:00It's amazing, what he's done, what he's achieved.
0:47:00 > 0:47:04I think he'll finish 10th, somewhere around there, this weekend.
0:47:04 > 0:47:06That'll be a great season.
0:47:06 > 0:47:09Second corner will be the one to look out for.
0:47:09 > 0:47:12Everyone'll want to go in there as quick as possible,
0:47:12 > 0:47:14so I'm just going to take it as it comes.
0:47:14 > 0:47:16After the first corner, I'll be all right.
0:47:16 > 0:47:18Just make sure he gets round the first lap.
0:47:35 > 0:47:36Nic gets a dream start...
0:47:36 > 0:47:39COMMENTATOR ON TANNOY
0:47:42 > 0:47:44ENGINES WHINE
0:47:46 > 0:47:50..and holds his nerve at the first corner.
0:47:54 > 0:47:59He finishes ninth - his best result of the season.
0:47:59 > 0:48:02Nic Hamilton - great performance from him this weekend.
0:48:02 > 0:48:05He even beats his experienced teammates.
0:48:05 > 0:48:07Nic likes to believe that there isn't a thing he can't do
0:48:07 > 0:48:11and he's found something that he feels that he can do and achieve
0:48:11 > 0:48:13and I'm extremely proud of him.
0:48:13 > 0:48:15A lot of people are, too.
0:48:15 > 0:48:19- Nic, how happy are you? - I'm unbelievably over the moon!
0:48:19 > 0:48:23- I felt like I won it! It was unbelievable.- Unbelievable.
0:48:23 > 0:48:25Really, really proud.
0:48:25 > 0:48:27The...
0:48:29 > 0:48:33Now I understand what it's like to...to feel good about yourself
0:48:33 > 0:48:35and have a good race.
0:48:35 > 0:48:39I was shouting in my helmet - I came across the line like I'd won it!
0:48:39 > 0:48:45That's a smile and a half, dude. Well done, mate. Great job.
0:48:45 > 0:48:47I think it was all the pressures and everything
0:48:47 > 0:48:51and he just knew that he'd done a good job.
0:48:51 > 0:48:53I couldn't have imagined it.
0:48:53 > 0:48:57When you think when he jumped into the car on March 11 this year,
0:48:57 > 0:48:59he'd never driven anything!
0:48:59 > 0:49:02I remember when he crossed the line, I was so happy for him.
0:49:02 > 0:49:04He proved he can do it,
0:49:04 > 0:49:07he proved he could stick up there with the big boys.
0:49:07 > 0:49:11There was question mark over whether Nic would race next year.
0:49:11 > 0:49:16I think I said, "You need to get a job or go back to education".
0:49:16 > 0:49:21It IS tough love. My dad will do everything... He's always done everything for me,
0:49:21 > 0:49:23always done everything for the family.
0:49:23 > 0:49:26Is it important to get a job? Yes. Is it important to get an education?
0:49:26 > 0:49:28Yes.
0:49:28 > 0:49:29Am I going to hold him to it?
0:49:29 > 0:49:33No, absolutely not. I'm going to give him another year.
0:49:33 > 0:49:36I've already said to him, "Hurry up, hurry up,
0:49:36 > 0:49:40"so I can retire and you can look after me!"
0:49:40 > 0:49:44Maybe I'll be HIS manager and he can have all the success
0:49:44 > 0:49:45and I can just watch him.
0:49:45 > 0:49:50I hope my dad's proud and I hope my family are proud of what I've done.
0:49:51 > 0:49:54Because without them, I wouldn't have done it.
0:49:54 > 0:49:57He actually now is a race driver,
0:49:57 > 0:50:00rather than someone thinking that he's a race driver.
0:50:00 > 0:50:03When we started, he was someone who THOUGHT he was a race driver.
0:50:03 > 0:50:06Let's hope in the next couple of years,
0:50:06 > 0:50:11you get to see some disabled racing drivers - some MORE disabled racing drivers.
0:50:11 > 0:50:15Because we're already seeing disabled people
0:50:15 > 0:50:18coming outside my tent in a wheelchair and stuff
0:50:18 > 0:50:21and wanting to race. It's perfect.
0:50:35 > 0:50:39Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd