{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Billy Monger Reveals How He Races After Loosing His Legs","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/billy-monger-reveals-how-he-races-after-loosing-his-legs","audioUrl":"https://traffic.megaphone.fm/APO1996297521.mp3","description":"To grab yourself some winter essentials from HERA with 15% of sitewide even during sales! Then use my code RTS and click the link here - https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=85817&awinaffid=1737213&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fheraclothing.comBilly Monger’s story is one of the most powerful comebacks in sport.At just 17 years old, Billy was a rising racing driver competing in British Formula 4 when a high-speed crash at 120mph changed his life forever. The accident led to the amputation of both of his legs — but what followed was something few people thought possible.In this episode of Ride to Success, Billy shares the raw reality behind the headlines. From waking up in hospital and rebuilding his life, to returning to racing, setting world-class endurance challenges, and becoming a Formula 1 presenter.This conversation goes far beyond the crash. We explore the mindset that allowed Billy to rebuild his career, the pressure of motorsport funding, how he returned to the track just 11 months after losing his legs, and why he refuses to live with “what ifs”.Billy also reveals the moment he first believed racing was still possible, the incredible support he received from the motorsport world, and how a live speech at BBC Sports Personality of the Year unexpectedly opened the door to a career in Formula 1 broadcasting.Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more exciting content about your favourite shows and celebrities. Hit the bell icon to stay updated on all our latest episodes👍 Like, Comment, and Share this episode. Join our discussion in the comments sectionCheck out Tweak: https://www.tweakuk.com/🔗 Follow Us:Instagram: @Roadtosuccessofficialpodcast@benedictfowlerContact: dan@driventalent.co.uk\n"},"annotations":[{"startTime":65.5,"endTime":70.7,"type":"term","title":"cockpit","url":"/glossary/cockpit","quote":"I was awake for about 45 minutes in the cockpit before I was put into an induced coma.\nLife since then has been about, basically, really.","canonicalId":"term:cockpit","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.98,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-mini","data":{"explanation":"The cockpit is the driver’s compartment in a race car, designed to hold the driver securely and keep controls within reach. In motorsport it’s often very tight and highly customized.","simplifiedExplanation":"The cockpit is the part of the car where the driver sits. In a race car, it’s a very tight space with all the controls close by."}},{"startTime":65.5,"endTime":70.7,"type":"term","title":"induced coma","url":"/glossary/induced-coma","quote":"I was awake for about 45 minutes in the cockpit before I was put into an induced coma.\nLife since then has been about, basically, really.","canonicalId":"term:induced-coma","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.99,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-mini","data":{"explanation":"An induced coma is a medically controlled state of unconsciousness used after severe injury or illness. It’s not a car term, but it’s central to understanding the aftermath of Billy’s crash and recovery.","simplifiedExplanation":"An induced coma is when doctors put someone to sleep on purpose to help them recover. He’s describing the medical treatment after the crash."}},{"startTime":77.2,"endTime":81.0,"type":"concept","title":"Formula 1","url":"/glossary/formula-1","quote":"The girl from probably about the age of 10 or 11 wanted to be in Formula 1.\nIt was scary getting back in a racing car, but looking back, it was so much scarier if you did it.","canonicalId":"concept:formula-1","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.99,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-mini","data":{"explanation":"Formula 1 is the top level of single-seater circuit racing, with highly specialized cars and a global championship. Billy is saying he wanted to reach the highest tier of motorsport from a young age.","simplifiedExplanation":"Formula 1 is the biggest and fastest open-wheel racing series in the world. He’s saying he dreamed of racing at the very top."}},{"startTime":94.4,"endTime":97.1,"type":"part","title":"steering wheel","url":"/glossary/steering-wheel","quote":"I had a lever behind the steering wheel on the left.\nI would sort of use my index finger and middle finger to pull, and that was the throttle.","canonicalId":"part:steering-wheel","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.99,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-mini","data":{"explanation":"The steering wheel is the primary control used to direct the car. In race cars, it often also houses buttons and paddles for extra controls.","simplifiedExplanation":"The steering wheel is what you turn to steer the car. In race cars, it can also have extra controls on it."}},{"startTime":97.1,"endTime":101.3,"type":"term","title":"throttle","url":"/glossary/throttle","quote":"I would sort of use my index finger and middle finger to pull, and that was the throttle.\nOn my right hand, we had the gears, and I broke with my right leg.","canonicalId":"term:throttle","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.98,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-mini","data":{"explanation":"The throttle controls how much power the engine sends to the wheels by regulating airflow and fuel. Billy is describing a hand control that replaces the usual foot pedal input.","simplifiedExplanation":"The throttle is what makes the car go faster. He’s saying he used a hand lever instead of a foot pedal to control speed."}},{"startTime":166.6,"endTime":171.1,"type":"concept","title":"racing driver","url":"/glossary/racing-driver","quote":"Yeah, I guess so. My name's Billy Munger.\nI was a racing driver, and I started go-karting when I was six years old.","canonicalId":"concept:racing-driver","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.99,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-mini","data":{"explanation":"A racing driver is a professional or amateur who competes in motorsport events. Billy is explaining his background in racing before his crash and comeback.","simplifiedExplanation":"It means someone who races cars for sport or as a job. Billy used to do that before his injury."}},{"startTime":166.6,"endTime":171.1,"type":"concept","title":"go-karting","url":"/glossary/go-karting","quote":"I was a racing driver, and I started go-karting when I was six years old.\nProgress through the ranks until I got into British Formula 4 when I was 17,","canonicalId":"concept:go-karting","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.99,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-mini","data":{"explanation":"Go-karting is a common entry point into motorsport where drivers race small, lightweight karts. Billy is describing how he started racing as a child and worked his way up.","simplifiedExplanation":"It’s racing in small kart-style cars. A lot of professional drivers start this way when they’re young."}},{"startTime":175.4,"endTime":178.8,"type":"concept","title":"double amputee","url":"/glossary/double-amputee","quote":"Progress through the ranks until I got into British Formula 4 when I was 17,\nand then I had a racing crash where I became a double amputee.","canonicalId":"concept:double-amputee","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.99,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-mini","data":{"explanation":"A double amputee is someone who has lost two limbs. Billy is explaining the life-changing result of his racing crash and why his return to driving is so significant.","simplifiedExplanation":"It means he lost two limbs. He’s talking about the injury that changed his life and racing career."}},{"startTime":178.8,"endTime":185.3,"type":"concept","title":"race car","url":"/glossary/race-car","quote":"And then life since then has been about basically learning to walk again and getting back in a race car,\nracing again as a double amputee against overworldly drivers,","canonicalId":"concept:race-car","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.98,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-mini","data":{"explanation":"A race car is a vehicle built specifically for competition, with performance and safety features suited to motorsport. Billy is talking about getting back into competitive driving after learning to walk again.","simplifiedExplanation":"It’s a car made for racing, not normal road use. He’s saying he got back into one after his accident."}},{"startTime":307.7,"endTime":319.6,"type":"concept","title":"crash","url":"/glossary/crash","quote":"I want to ask, when you woke up, I think you said it was three or four days after that horrific crash,\non the hospital bed, kind of been in a coma, that's obviously going to be hearing that news","canonicalId":"concept:crash","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.99,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-mini","data":{"explanation":"In motorsport, a crash is a serious accident involving a car leaving control or colliding with something. Here it refers to the life-changing racing accident that led to Billy Monger’s hospitalization and recovery.","simplifiedExplanation":"A crash is when a race car has a bad accident. In this conversation, it’s the event that changed Billy Monger’s life."}},{"startTime":354.6,"endTime":363.0,"type":"concept","title":"motor racing","url":"/glossary/motor-racing","quote":"eventually you're going to talk about motor racing, even though at the time it was obviously potentially, like, a touchy subject because of the, you know, the injuries that had occurred from me racing. But actually, I just started talking about racing and stuff with my mechanics engineers","canonicalId":"concept:motor-racing","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.99,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-mini","data":{"explanation":"Motor racing is the competitive sport of racing cars on tracks or closed courses. In this context, it’s the central activity Billy Monger is talking about returning to after his injuries.","simplifiedExplanation":"This just means car racing as a sport. He’s talking about getting back into competitive driving after a serious accident."}},{"startTime":369.3,"endTime":375.4,"type":"concept","title":"IndyCar","url":"/glossary/indycar","quote":"And then we started talking about, like, an Alex and Aldi, for example, and how he lost both his legs in an IndyCar crash. They went back to racing, so it was, like, just sort of sparked a bit of curiosity at me really of,","canonicalId":"concept:indycar","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.98,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-mini","data":{"explanation":"IndyCar is a top-level open-wheel racing series in North America. It’s known for extremely fast cars and major events like the Indianapolis 500.","simplifiedExplanation":"This is a famous racing series with very fast single-seat cars. It’s one of the biggest forms of open-wheel racing in the U.S."}},{"startTime":404.0,"endTime":428.0,"type":"term","title":"hand controls","url":"/glossary/hand-controls","quote":"So that was in a sort of VWB tool that was converted with hand controls through a team called Team Brit who basically support military, servicemen and veterans after, you know, if they have injuries or just getting them integrated back into the workplace through motorsport, that's their whole mission. And they'd obviously come up with these controls for other soldiers that were missing limbs","canonicalId":"term:hand-controls","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.99,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-mini","data":{"explanation":"Hand controls are driving adaptations that let someone accelerate and brake using hand-operated levers or devices instead of foot pedals. They’re commonly used by drivers with leg injuries or amputations.","simplifiedExplanation":"These are special controls that let a person drive without using their feet. They’re used when someone can’t operate the pedals normally."}},{"startTime":409.3,"endTime":421.6,"type":"company","title":"Team Brit","url":"/glossary/team-brit","quote":"through a team called Team Brit who basically support military, servicemen and veterans after, you know, if they have injuries or just getting them integrated back into the workplace through motorsport, that's their whole mission. And they'd obviously come up with these controls for other soldiers that were missing limbs and having to use hand controls.","canonicalId":"company:team-brit","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.98,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-mini","data":{"explanation":"Team Brit is a motorsport organization that supports injured military personnel and veterans by helping them get involved in racing. They also develop adaptive driving solutions, including hand controls.","simplifiedExplanation":"This is a racing team and support group that helps injured people get back into motorsport. They make it possible for drivers with disabilities to race."}},{"startTime":593.3,"endTime":596.4,"type":"part","title":"hand clutch","url":"/glossary/hand-clutch","quote":"And then I had a hand clutch mounted on the side of the cockpit\nfor launching off the line.\nAnd how quick did that stuff become the feeling","canonicalId":"part:hand-clutch","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.98,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-mini","data":{"explanation":"A hand clutch is a custom control that lets the driver operate the clutch with their hand instead of their foot. In racing, it can be mounted near the steering wheel or cockpit side so a driver with limited leg use can still launch the car and shift effectively.","simplifiedExplanation":"This is a special lever or control that replaces the normal foot pedal for the clutch. It helps a driver start moving and change gears even if they can’t use their leg the usual way."}},{"startTime":613.2,"endTime":623.9,"type":"term","title":"simulator","url":"/glossary/simulator","quote":"So I'd probably say I was doing lots of days on the simulator,\nso it's hard to put an exact number to it,\nbut I probably did 15, 20 days in the simulator","canonicalId":"term:simulator","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.98,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-mini","data":{"explanation":"A simulator is a racing setup or software that mimics driving conditions so a driver can practice without being on track. It’s commonly used to learn controls, build consistency, and rehearse race procedures.","simplifiedExplanation":"This is a practice setup that lets someone drive virtually instead of in a real car. Racers use it to learn skills and get comfortable with controls before going on track."}},{"startTime":721.1,"endTime":724.0,"type":"term","title":"oversteer","url":"/glossary/oversteer","quote":"...you have to avoid someone who's spun off or, you know, if you make a mistake and you have to catch a big oversteer moment, those were the moments, actually, that the controls...","canonicalId":"term:oversteer","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.98,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-mini","data":{"explanation":"Oversteer is when the rear of the car loses grip and starts to rotate more than intended. In racing, catching an oversteer moment quickly is a key skill because it can save a lap or prevent a spin.","simplifiedExplanation":"This is when the back of the car slides out more than the driver wants. Drivers have to react fast to keep the car from spinning."}},{"startTime":794.3,"endTime":797.3,"type":"concept","title":"Lewis Hamilton","url":"/glossary/lewis-hamilton","quote":"and potentially I could, you know, make it to Formula 1\nand be, you know, like as successful as a Lewis Hamilton\nor a Jensen, but that was kind of default process.\nSo when you're kind of solely focused on that,\nyou don't really open yourself up to these other sort of","canonicalId":"concept:lewis-hamilton","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.99,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-mini","data":{"explanation":"Lewis Hamilton is a Formula 1 world champion and one of the most successful drivers in the sport’s history. Billy uses him as the benchmark for the level he hoped to reach.","simplifiedExplanation":"Lewis Hamilton is one of the biggest names in racing. Billy is saying he wanted to be as successful as Hamilton."}},{"startTime":865.2,"endTime":868.6,"type":"concept","title":"podium","url":"/glossary/podium","quote":"The only time I'd been on camera before my accident was like in sort of post-race interviews if I'd been on like the podium and I'd be talking about how the race went for me","canonicalId":"concept:podium","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.98,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-mini","data":{"explanation":"The podium is the top-three finishers' stage in racing, where drivers celebrate and receive trophies. Being 'on the podium' means finishing in one of the top positions, usually first through third.","simplifiedExplanation":"In racing, the podium is the stage for the top finishers. If a driver is on the podium, they finished near the front and usually get a trophy."}},{"startTime":1009.9,"endTime":1015.2,"type":"concept","title":"the accident","url":"/glossary/the-accident","quote":"The ability to kind of just take control\nand manage everybody around it?\nI think it was probably more the accident itself\nthat sort of made me that sort of way","canonicalId":"concept:the-accident","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.98,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-mini","data":{"explanation":"This refers to Billy Monger’s racing accident, which is the life-changing event being discussed in the interview. It’s central because it explains why he talks about needing support and taking control afterward.","simplifiedExplanation":"This is the crash that changed his life. The conversation is about how he and his family dealt with it afterward."}},{"startTime":1199.5,"endTime":1205.9,"type":"company","title":"Hera","url":"/glossary/hera","quote":"take a look at the Hera website using the link in the description below and use my code RTS because it will get you 15% off site-wide","canonicalId":"company:hera","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.98,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-mini","data":{"explanation":"Hera is the brand being promoted in the ad read. In podcast transcripts, sponsor names are worth noting because they explain the commercial context of the segment.","simplifiedExplanation":"Hera is the company being advertised here. It’s the brand behind the website and discount code mentioned in the intro."}},{"startTime":1329.0,"endTime":1333.0,"type":"concept","title":"motor sport","url":"/glossary/motorsport","quote":"I tried lots of other sports when I was younger and stuff like that and nothing had come close to motor sport for me so\nI just wanted to keep doing that thing that I loved so much","canonicalId":"concept:motorsport","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.99,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-mini","data":{"explanation":"Motor sport is the umbrella term for competitive racing disciplines, from karting to single-seaters and touring cars. In this context, Billy is saying racing was the only activity that felt like a real career path to him.","simplifiedExplanation":"Motor sport just means racing and other competitive driving sports. He’s saying that racing was the one thing he really wanted to keep doing."}},{"startTime":1348.7,"endTime":1374.6,"type":"concept","title":"Covid","url":"/glossary/covid","quote":"...and like Covid as a sort of period of time that kind of was the thing more than anything that sort of halted my racing career...","canonicalId":"concept:covid","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.99,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-mini","data":{"explanation":"The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted motorsport budgets, schedules, and sponsorship deals across the industry. Here it is being described as the event that caused funding to dry up and made it harder for the speaker to keep racing.","simplifiedExplanation":"This is the pandemic that affected everything, including racing. It made sponsors pull back and made it much harder to keep a racing seat funded."}},{"startTime":1446.6,"endTime":1448.8,"type":"concept","title":"Formula One","url":"/glossary/formula-one","quote":"career path at the time was then in the media space in Formula One so I was presenting and sort of being a pundit on the Channel 4 show","canonicalId":"concept:formula-one","priority":0.9,"confidence":1.0,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-mini","data":{"explanation":"Formula One is the top level of single-seater circuit racing, and it’s the main professional series most people mean when they say F1. In this context, Billy is talking about working around the sport even when he wasn’t racing himself.","simplifiedExplanation":"Formula One is the highest level of open-wheel racing. Billy is saying he stayed close to that world even when he wasn’t driving."}},{"startTime":1474.2,"endTime":1475.9,"type":"concept","title":"F1 paddock","url":"/glossary/f1-paddock","quote":"it's being in the F1 paddock where all of the big bosses and all of the people that make the decisions","canonicalId":"concept:f1-paddock","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.99,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-mini","data":{"explanation":"The paddock is the area behind the scenes at a race where teams, drivers, engineers, and officials work. In F1, being in the paddock means being close to the people and decisions that shape the sport.","simplifiedExplanation":"The paddock is the behind-the-scenes area at a race. It’s where the teams and important people are."}},{"startTime":1860.5,"endTime":1862.5,"type":"brand","title":"Johnny Herbert","url":"/glossary/johnny-herbert","quote":"[1858.5s] but I really really connected\n[1860.5s] with the story of Johnny Herbert\n[1862.5s] and how he come to visit you","canonicalId":"brand:johnny-herbert","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.99,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-mini","data":{"explanation":"Johnny Herbert is a former Formula 1 driver and broadcaster. He’s being referenced because of his own racing background and the accident story Billy is discussing.","simplifiedExplanation":"Johnny Herbert is a former racing driver. He raced in Formula 1 and later became a TV personality."}},{"startTime":1892.5,"endTime":1896.3,"type":"concept","title":"amputated","url":"/glossary/amputated","quote":"he obviously didn't\nend up having his legs and\nfeet amputated and was able to\ngo through a recovery process...","canonicalId":"concept:amputated","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.99,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-mini","data":{"explanation":"Amputation means surgically removing a limb or part of a limb, usually because of severe injury or medical necessity. In this context it explains the scale of Billy Monger's accident and why his return to racing is so remarkable.","simplifiedExplanation":"Amputated means a body part had to be removed by doctors. Here it refers to Billy losing both legs after the crash."}},{"startTime":2123.1,"endTime":2125.1,"type":"concept","title":"Formula 4","url":"/glossary/formula-4","quote":"if Formula 1 can withstand and benefit a Formula 1 car then they think okay well then obviously it can benefit Formula 2 Formula 3, Formula 4","canonicalId":"concept:formula-4","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.99,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-mini","data":{"explanation":"Formula 4 is an entry-level single-seater racing category for younger or newer drivers. It’s mentioned here as part of the progression of safety tech from F1 down through the junior ranks.","simplifiedExplanation":"Formula 4 is one of the first steps in open-wheel racing for developing drivers. It’s a beginner-friendly racing class compared with Formula 1."}},{"startTime":2522.4,"endTime":2528.9,"type":"concept","title":"mental strength","url":"/glossary/mental-strength","quote":"...one of the\nparts of unpacking people's heads on this\npodcast is like unpacking mental\nstrength yeah it's without mental strength\nyou haven't been able to do so many of the...","canonicalId":"concept:mental-strength","priority":0.2,"confidence":0.97,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-mini","data":{"explanation":"Mental strength here refers to the psychological resilience needed to keep competing after setbacks, injury, or pressure. In racing, it can be as important as physical skill because drivers must stay focused and confident under extreme stress.","simplifiedExplanation":"It means staying tough in your head when things go badly. In racing, that helps a driver keep going after crashes, injuries, or pressure."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Tweak Marketing","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/billy-monger-reveals-how-he-races-after-loosing-his-legs/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}