It has been announced that 17-year old racing driver Billy Monger has lost both of his lower legs following an incident during a British Touring Car Championship support race this weekend at Donington Park.
Monger, who races the #23 car under the JHR Developments team, suffered serious injuries after a heavy impact with the rear of the stationary car of Patrik Pasma during the 6th round of this year’s Formula 4 championship.
Following the smash, both drivers were taken to the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham. It took some time for Monger to be extracted from his mangled car and evacuated by helicopter.
The youngster, who currently sits in seventh place in the championship, remains in an induced coma following his surgery.
A statement released by the British F4 Championship organizers reads as follows:
Billy’s family would like to express their gratitude for the first-class medical attention given by Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham and take this opportunity to thank the medical teams, marshals, extrication crews and air ambulance staff for their skilled response and hard work.
Furthermore, they would like to thank Billy’s colleagues, friends, fans and everyone who has demonstrated their affection for him over the past few days. These messages help give the great strength needed for the recovery process that lies ahead.
The F4 community and wider motorsport world will no doubt be saddened by this news, but are asked to respect the family’s wish for privacy during this difficult time.
Steven Hunter, team principal of JHR Developments has set up a JustGiving page with the consent of Monger’s family with the aim of raising £260,000 ($330,000) to help with the driver’s recovery and rehabilitation. An overwhelming outpouring of support across the motorsport community has already seen this target surpassed, in under half a day.
