Gary Booth’s life changed in an instant 32 years ago when, at just 30, he suffered a haemorrhagic stroke—a burst blood vessel in his brain that left him paralysed on his left side, unable to walk or talk. It was a devastating blow, one that could have broken anyone. Yet, Gary’s story isn’t one of defeat. Through relentless determination, he clawed his way back to physical recovery, though the cognitive challenges lingered like uninvited guests. “Brain cells don’t grow back,” he often reflects, a stark reminder of the invisible struggles stroke survivors endure long after the hospital doors close behind them.
Back in 2017, Gary decided he’d had enough of merely surviving—he wanted to give back. Initially, he tried fundraising for stroke charities, only to hit a wall of bureaucracy that refused his help. Undaunted, he shifted gears, founding Checkered Flag Motorsports. What started as a flicker of an idea became a vibrant community for neurodiverse individuals—stroke survivors, amputees, those with autism, and more. With no formal qualifications, Gary leans on three decades of lived experience, offering a space where people can connect, share, and thrive. It’s not about medical expertise; it’s about understanding, resilience, and proving that no one should face their battles alone.
Revving Up Recovery: Motorsport as a Lifeline
Who’d have thought motorsport— synonymous with speed and adrenaline—could be a sanctuary for healing? For Gary Booth, it’s become just that. The spark ignited when he stumbled across a high-end racing simulator at a manufacturer near his Leeds home. Initially a tool for business networking, it quickly revealed its deeper potential. A young autistic teenager involved in junior motorsport approached Gary, sharing how the sport gave him purpose, structure, and joy—echoes of Gary’s own post-stroke cravings for focus and meaning.
From that moment, Checkered Flag Motorsports roared to life. Gary ditched his simulator and built connections with industry titans like Red Bull, Porsche, and McLaren, opening doors to real race tracks and cars. Now, his events see neurodiverse individuals behind the wheel—single-leg amputees tearing around the UK’s fastest circuits, stroke survivors rediscovering their spark, and autistic teens finding a rhythm in the chaos. Motorsport, it turns out, is more than a thrill ride. It’s a powerful tool for empowerment, blending excitement with a sense of control that’s often elusive in neurodiverse lives.
Tracks of Triumph: Stories That Steer the Soul
At Checkered Flag Motorsports, the real magic happens off the leaderboard—in the stories shared between laps. Gary’s events are less about podium finishes and more about building bridges through raw, honest connection. Take the ex-British forces amputee who, after losing a leg in Afghanistan, faced his first passenger ride since the explosion that changed his life. “I want to do it,” he told Gary, pushing past the mental barriers. By the end of the day, he was grinning ear-to-ear, later crediting that experience with giving him the courage to drive coast-to-coast across America.
These moments define Gary’s vision. His track days—whether at Silverstone or smaller circuits—offer half-day drives, not just quick laps, giving participants time to bond, reflect, and grow. It’s a far cry from sterile support groups; it’s gritty, real, and alive with possibility. “We’re not just handing out fun days,” Gary says. “We’re handing out chances to rewrite the narrative.” For those who’ve felt sidelined by their conditions, it’s a pit stop where they can refuel their confidence and hit the open road of resilience.
Empathy Engine: How Students Can Support Neurodiverse Mates
For university students looking to support their neurodiverse peers, Gary Booth has a simple starting point: curiosity. You don’t need a degree in neurology—just a willingness to listen and learn. “Ask questions,” he urges. “What challenges do you face? How can I help?” Whether it’s dimming the lights for a stroke survivor or dodging noisy pubs for someone with autism, small tweaks can shift the dynamic from exclusion to inclusion. It’s not about grand gestures; it’s about respect.
Gary’s seen it work firsthand. A mate of 10 years adjusted their hangouts after joining a Checkered Flag event, picking quieter spots to ease Gary’s fatigue. Students can mirror this by sparking casual chats or hosting low-key Q&A sessions with neurodiverse friends. It’s not pity—it’s partnership. In a uni world of lectures and late nights, taking a moment to understand someone’s wiring can turbocharge friendships and dismantle isolation, one conversation at a time.
Pit Stop for Self-Care: Tips for Neurodiverse Students
Gary’s advice for neurodiverse students is as blunt as a pit crew’s orders: “Look after yourself.” Uni life is a whirlwind—tutorials, societies, and the pressure to keep up can exhaust anyone. For those with ADHD, autism, or post-stroke fatigue, it’s a marathon run at sprint pace. “You know your limits,” Gary insists. “If you’re knackered, rest. If you need sleep, sleep.” Ignoring those signals doesn’t just court burnout—it risks a crash that’s tougher to recover from.
He also calls on universities to step up. Flexible deadlines or quieter study zones aren’t handouts—they’re equalisers. “It’s not about dumbing down,” Gary clarifies. “It’s about fairness.” For students, the takeaway is clear: prioritise your well-being, even if it means skipping that all-nighter. The essay will wait; your health won’t. In a culture obsessed with hustle, Gary’s reminder is a green flag to slow down when it counts.
Full Throttle Forward: Living the ‘Never Say No’ Life
Gary Booth’s mantra is as bold as his mission: “Never take no for an answer.” It’s a creed born from a life of defying odds—told he couldn’t work, couldn’t contribute, couldn’t make a difference, he asked, “Why not?” If the only barrier was “it’s never been done,” he’d blaze the trail himself. That’s how Checkered Flag Motorsports was born, and it’s how he wrote a book sharing his story—not as a boast, but as a beacon for others.
For students, it’s a call to arms. Facing a slammed door—be it dodgy uni support or a dream others scoff at—channel Gary’s grit. Push back with a “why not?” If the answer’s flimsy, keep going. It’s not blind stubbornness; it’s calculated courage. From neurodiverse trailblazers to anyone chasing the impossible, Gary’s ethos is a turbo boost: don’t let “no” be the finish line unless it’s got a damn good reason behind it.
Gary Booth’s journey—from stroke survivor to motorsport maestro— is a testament to turning adversity into action. Through Checkered Flag Motorsports, he’s crafted a community where neurodiverse individuals find strength in shared experiences and the roar of an engine. His lessons for students? Learn about your peers, protect your energy, and never settle for limits without a fight. In life’s grand prix, Gary proves the fastest route is often the one you carve yourself—full throttle, no regrets.
