HISTORY-MAKERS
FIVE years ago, teenage racing driver Billy “Whizz” Monger was critically injured in a race track collision, causing both of his legs to be amputated.
Since then he’s been winning accolades on and off the track. And now he’s starring in a four-part documentary series encouraging more people to take up wheelchair tennis.
With Lottery support, the Lawn Tennis Association has released the series on YouTube, featuring Billy as he explores the world of professional wheelchair tennis.
Billy said: “The British Open Wheelchair Tennis Championships was my first event where I got to see the wheelchair tennis pros up close and personal.
“The opportunity to learn more about the sport and compete with the best players was one I couldn’t pass up. More people are coming to the sport all the time and I’ve decided it’s time to join them.”
AN all-disabled racing team has become the first in the world to win a national championship. Chris Overend and James Whitley were named winners of the Britcar Trophy Championship after the final races of the season at Donington Park.
Team Brit put in a fantastic performance throughout, driving the team’s BMW M240i, which is fitted with the team’s world-leading hand controls, enabling them to compete against able-bodied competitors.
Chris, from Southampton, uses a wheelchair as a result of development dysplasia of the hips. He said: “I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved as a team.
None of this would be possible without everyone putting in 100% every race weekend I’m so grateful for the support of our sponsors, our families and everyone that has come to cheer us on. We believed and we achieved!”
James, from Eastbourne, was born with no hands and sustained major injuries as a child after a boating accident.
He is now also a GB Paralympian skier and missed the first round of the season due to competing for Team GB in Beijing.
He said: said: “What an incredible end to the season. I’m in shock over how well this first season has gone – we have literally made history. A special thank you to the crew, who are just exceptional – their hard work and quick thinking made it all possible.”
The team was formed in 2015 by ex-Royal Engineer Dave Player and originally consisted of injured military veterans. In 2019, the team opened its doors to any disabled drivers. Their longterm goal is to become the first all-disabled team to race in the Le Mans 24 Hour. This year, its eight drivers have competed in the Britcar Trophy, British Endurance Championship and British GT Championship.
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