Billy Monger
Awarded the Segrave Trophy in 2018 for demonstrating exceptional courage and determination after great adversity. The award recognised the double amputee racing driver’s remarkable and inspiring return to racing after an horrific accident.
One of the youngest recipients of the Segrave Trophy is also one of the most determined and inspiring. Billy was a 17-year old rising star in Formula 4 and the Ginetta Junior series when, in April 2017, he was involved in a high-speed accident at Donington circuit. The impact left him with lifechanging injuries that meant he had to undergo amputation of both legs. ‘Billy Whizz’, however, decided not to let that prevent him from rejoining the motor racing world, and while squaring-up to his treatment and therapy he set about lobbying the FIA to lift its ban on disabled racers in single-seater cars. The change of heart by racing’s governing body meant that in March 2018 he was able to compete again in a Formula 3 car modified for him by the Carlin team, and in his first qualifying race he finished third… and managed to walk on to the podium. He came sixth in the championship. Since then, in addition to driving, Billy has carved out niches in commentating and motivational speaking.