Race may be a disadvantage (8)
I believe the answer is:
handicap
I believe this is a double definition.
'race' is the first definition.
(I've seen this before)
'a disadvantage' is the second definition.
(I know that handicap is a kind of disadvantage)
'may be' is the link.
(Other definitions for handicap that I've seen before include "It makes progress difficult" , "golfer's measure of skill" , "Advantage given to equalise chances of winning" , "Grand National for example" , "Impediment, hindrance" .)