Tim Horrell is successful at the wheel of a Porsche with W&S Motorsport: "A disability is not a handicap in motorsport!"

The Pennsylvania-born, Florida-based driver won one race in the Porsche Sprint Challenge North America in 2021 and finished four more on the podium. In 2022, he managed a second-place finish in GT4 America. He concluded the drivers' standings in an excellent tenth place after six contested races. The 32-year-old's W&S Motorsport entry in the GTC Race, a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport, was specially modified to his needs in collaboration with PARAVAN GmbH and Horrell has already secured podium finishes in the Trophy standings this season.

After four of five weekends of the 2023 GTC Race season, Tim Horrell reviews his progress. 

W&S Motorsport: "Tim, we are proud to have been able to accompany you in your GTC Race entries and to have had joint successes. We are interested in how you got into motorsport. Were you already active at the wheel before the accident?"

Tim Horrell: "I was always interested in cars and speed, but didn’t get into racing until after my accident. I started off with a street car Porsche, a GT3 991.1, going to Porsche Club DE events. Wanted more I got my first race car a 981 Clubsport and did club racing then eventually worked my way up to higher competition."

W&S Motorsport: "What other sports do you do to keep yourself physically fit? Can you also tell us how you spend your free time to recover from travelling and racing and to recharge your batteries?"

Tim Horrell: "I am big into hand cycling and kayaking. Anything to stay active and to be out in nature.  Most of my time is spent going to the gym and on my simulator. I also like to go for walks with my German Shepard Max."

W&S Motorsport: "What made you decide to make the step up to GT4 motorsport in Europe and how did you come across our race team?"

Tim Horrell: "I’ve always wanted to race in Europe, and I was told it is just a higher level of competition and better racing. Wanting a challenge and something new I searched for Porsche teams racing in GT4 European Series came across W&S Motorsport. Then I reached out to Daniel."

W&S Motorsport: "The team has worked a lot with PARAVAN GmbH over the past three years and contributed to the development of the Space Drive system. Your Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport is equipped with the conventional mechanical steering system, what adjustments were made exactly for your needs?"

Tim Horrell: "An electronic throttle ring mounted on the steering wheel and a mechanical lever for the handbrake." 

W&S Motorsport: "And how happy are you with the system that your cockpit mate Henry Schwalbach also pilots the car with without a handicap?"

Tim Horrell: "It’s been a new journey for everyone involved. PARAVAN has never put controls like this into a race car and as far as my knowledge goes W&S Motorsport have not worked with a driver who needs controls to pilot a car. I’ve been impressed by everyone’s willingness to make the controls the best they can that I can also make the most of the car's potential in terms of driving."

 W&S Motorsport: "What other changes to the car could be helpful to you, for example to improve the quick entry and exit when changing drivers?"

Tim Horrell: "A hand control throttle ring that is turned on and off easier. The overall challenge exists in adapting and using this new hand controls system. Overall though I feel getting into and out of the car is as good as it can be."

W&S Motorsport: "We think that being handicapped does not have to be a handicap in motorsport and a race car can be moved quickly with the appropriate adaptations. Despite this, people who are in wheelchairs are very infrequent in motorsport. What do you think we can do to arouse interest here? Also with the fans, who mostly don't realise the performance behind the person in the cockpit?"

Tim Horrell: "I feel like I can be someone who brings awareness to handicap individuals in racing. With the help of W&S Motorsport and PARAVAN we can show what I am doing to more people. With this, we can encourage other people that it is possible to race. There are so many other physically challenged people out there that probably don’t think this is possible or they never thought they could race against able bodied people. Just like getting more women and more diversity in racing I hope I can bring awareness to this and show all that it is possible." 

W&S Motorsport: "The finale of the GTC Race in mid-October at the Nürburgring already brings your first year in Europe to a close. Are you already planning for 2024 and if so, what is your next target?"

Tim Horrell: "I have not really looked too much into next year as I’ve been focused on this year, but I hope to continue racing with W&S Motorsport and further improving the throttle ring allowing me to be more competitive."

W&S Motorsport: "Tim, thank you very much for the detailed insights into your life and we are very happy that we can accompany you on your way in motorsport. Together we will attack again on the legendary Nürburgring and hope that we can see you on the podium again!"

Tim Horrell: "Yes, thank you to everyone of W&S Motorsport that has made my transition into racing in Europe easy and who has warmly welcomed me into the team. I feel like I couldn’t have found a team with better people than all of you guys so thank you!"