Peter Larsson

In 2007, life changed for Peter Larsson to the extent that he had to get around with a wheelchair instead of on foot. Competing with a vehicle is something that has always been at the core of Peter. The motocross years at the JSM level where much, or everything, revolved around motocross journeys were mixed with some samples of quad racing in the form of go-carting, long-distance races and a formula car license. But it was motocross which gave the most, and in one aspect, also cost the most. A broken back and paralysis from the chest down simply meant a different mental attitude for Larsson from Trollhättan, Sweden, a different approach to the desire to compete.

Disabled athletes often have a clearer objective, and thus also a stronger will, a more visible line to follow on the path to the target. More uncompromising, yes, absolutely, but also always focused on the solution.

Peter’s unique value – or USP (unique selling proposition) as some prefer – is the ability, the possibility and the reality to participate in a sport on the same conditions as all others. The phenomenon is not new in any way, but each wheelchair-bound race car driver has their special situation, their approach to the challenge and their unique handicap which means that driving technique becomes personal. By all means, all race car drivers without a disability also have a personal driving technique, but this is more about preference, taste and talent.
A gas ring, a brake handle, a button for the clutch and straps to keeps his legs in place are the difference from a previous life for Peter Larsson. Otherwise, it is race on which matters.  And he does that in a Renault Clio Cup, a one-make racing class with international opportunities and lots of support from the factory.

After three years in the class with a few performances in the international cup, with significant persistence, Peter has another grip on the 2016 season. If possible, the goal is even clearer, and room for random decisions is much less.