20-year-old, double amputee racing driver, Billy Monger was today awarded the Segrave Trophy by The Royal Automobile Club, making him the youngest ever recipient. The award was an acknowledgement of his courage and determination to return to racing following his horrific accident at Donnington Park in April 2017.
Ben Cussons, Chairman of The Royal Automobile Club said: “Lady Segrave commissioned the Trophy in 1930, soon after her husband, Sir Henry Segrave died after breaking the water speed record on Lake Windermere. It was her wish that the Trophy would celebrate British nationals who demonstrated outstanding skill, courage and initiative ‒ the spirit of adventure ‒ whether on land, sea or air.
“We are delighted to award the Trophy to Billy whose comeback to the sport, which included the overturning of existing FIA regulations, has been extraordinary and demonstrates exceptional bravery and determination. He represents everything that Lady Segrave wanted to honour and that Sir Henry would have admired.”
Accepting the Trophy, Billy said: “My life has been so busy with my Formula 1 commentary and my own racing, I haven’t had the chance to digest how amazing this award is. But I stayed at Pall Mall last night and it’s just starting to sink in just how incredible it is. I’m super proud.”
At today’s presentation lunch, Trevor Carlin, Team Manager and Owner of Carlin Motorsports, was awarded the Segrave Medal for the important role he has played in Billy’s journey back to motorsport. This Medal is awarded at The Royal Automobile Club’s discretion and only ever in conjunction with the Trophy.
On receiving his Medal, Trevor said: “I’m delighted to be included on such a staggering list of legends. In a hundred years’ time, when people look back and hear Billy’s story, they will say ‘how on earth did he manage that?’ I am delighted to be a part of that story.”
What is the Segrave Trophy?
The Trophy is named after British pilot and pre-war racing driver Sir Henry Segrave who was the first person to hold both the land and water speed records simultaneously.
Following his death in 1930, the award was commissioned by his wife to carry on, and honour his legacy.
The Trophy was designed by sculptor Gilbert Bayles and has been presented by The Royal Automobile Club, in most years, since 1930.
The first recipient of the Trophy was Air Commodore Sir Charles Kingsford Smith for his “east-west solo air crossing of the Atlantic from Ireland to Newfoundland in 31½ hours, and victory in 13 days, also solo, in the England to Australia Air Race, in the Southern Cross."
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