Bethonie WaringBritish driver Billy Monger will join Formula E drivers at a karting event ahead of the Paris ePrix
This will be the second running of the event set up by Techeetah’s Jean-Eric Vergne last year to support Monger, who lost both his legs in a Formula 4 accident at Donington Park last April.
This year’s event aims to promote awareness about disabled racing drivers and to raise money for the Spinal Track charity, which aids disabled drivers getting back into racing.
“Less than 12 months after his crash, Billy returned to single-seater racing using a specially adapted car, finishing third in his first race back,” explained Vergne.
“This outstanding news proved to us all that no one should ever give up on his or her dream and that, if we all stand and work together, we can make a difference. We make the impossible possible, and last but not least we motivate others to follow the same path.
“On April 25th 2018, Billy will come and race with us at RKC, my karting track on the outskirts of Paris, for the #BillyWhizz Charity eKart Race, thanks to the support of SODIKART who has built 25 electric karts for this occasion.”
Monger is currently competing in the British Formula 3 championship with Carlin Motorsport. The teenager runs in an adapted F3 car, which allows him to use paddles on the steering wheel to control the throttle.
He’ll be able to take part in the event in a specially modified kart.
“I’d love to give back to the motorsport community and this is a great way to do this,” explained Monger. “It’ll be great experience for me as I plan the next stage of my career to instruct other racing drivers in single seaters and saloon cars once I have my ARDS instructors license.”
The event will also promote the FIA Disability and Accessibility Commission.
“I’m proud that the Formula E grid is continuing to take the initiative with this event to show their support for the newly-formed FIA Disability and Accessibility Commision,” said FE CEO Alejandro Agag.
“Also, it’s fantastic to see Billy will be joining us in Paris – I think he’ll give our drivers a hard time on track! I’d also like to thank Jean-Eric Vergne for putting the race together and helping to raise funds as a collective group for such a great cause.”
