Two Years After Horror Crash Billy Monger Wins First Race

Two years after losing his lower limbs in a horrific accident at Donington Park, Billy Monger is pulling of a heck of a comeback. The young British driver seized a sensational win in the Euroformula Open series in Pau.

In 2019, Monger is competing in the pan-European single-seater championship. To cater to his disability, his team, Carlin, has specially adapted a car just for him.

On Sunday, the 20-year-old pulled into the pitlane from his grid position of 11th at the end of the formation lap. Billy Monger then proceeded to fit a set of wet weather tyres when the first hint of Mother Nature made itself known.

Naturally, he lined up at the back of the grid for the start and all hope looked lost. However, Fate had other plans, which looked favourably for him as the daring strategy paid off. With the damp track he was able to catch up and scythed past his rivals and move up the order.

Further playing into his hands was a clash between Motopark leaders Julian Hanses and Liam Lawson. Billy Monger held on to score an amazing win, edging Carlin team mate Nicolai Kaergaard by 1.12 seconds.

“I just tried to pick them off one by one,” said an ecstatic Billy Monger.

“I just didn’t believe two years ago that I’d be winning races. I can’t believe it – I was dead last after the first lap when I pitted.

“Me and my engineer were fighting over the radio, he was saying we stay slicks. It was so slippery I came in [for wets] and it was the right call.”

In 2018, Billy Monger created history as the first disabled driver to race in the British F3 championship. He went a step further with his first pole position at Donington in September 2018. Billy Monger has been an inspiration to many, including 5-time F1 world champion, Lewis Hamilton