The extraordinary resurgence of Billy Monger

The British racer has not given up on motorsport despite a high-speed crash that forced both his legs to be amputated.

Billy Monger with his trophy for finishing third driving for Carlin at Oulton Park.

Every day, efforts are made to ensure the safety standards in motorsport is better than the day before. But as long as the sport exists, the disclaimer ‘motorsport is dangerous’ will be made clear even if one were just going to the track to see the race.

In April, 2017, the then 17-year old British racer, Billy Monger found out how dangerous the sport could be when he was involved in a high-speed crash in the British Formula 4 championship at Donington Park, U.K.

While he survived, a few days later, he had both his legs amputated.

Undeterred

Twelve months later on Saturday, in what is one the most remarkable stories of the year in the sport, the teenager has brought joy to the world of motorsports by entering the BRDC F3 (British Racing Drivers Club) championship and finished on podium (third) driving for Carlin in the first race of the season in Oulton Park.

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In his return to single-seater racing, Monger uses a pedal on the steering wheel to work the throttle while using a prosthetic leg to use the brake pedal. Monger has had tremendous support from the motorsport community with many Formula One drivers chipping in with personal donations to fund his rehabilitation.

The teenager is affectionately called “Billy The Whizz” and on Saturday he lived up to the moniker.