Billy was driving at 120mph when he hit a stationary car on the Donington Park race track in April. Known as Billy Whizz – for good reason given his rapid rise through the Formula 4 ranks – the then 17-year-old was trapped in his car for 90 minutes as medics rushed to try to save his life.
He was put into an induced coma and eventually pulled through.
Doctors, though, were unable to save his lower legs, both of which had to be amputated.
After such a horrific experience, one of motor racing’s brightest and quickest young stars could have been forgiven for turning his back on the sport for good.
Billy, though, isn’t your average young sportsman – and he was having none of it.
Within three months, the teenager was pictured with a beaming smile on the bonnet of his Team Brit Racing car at Brands Hatch, vowing to return to the track sooner rather than later.
Billy was able to rekindle his love of speed through the use of a specially adapted VW Beetle with hand controls.
He has been working with engineers on a race simulator to prepare for his planned return to the grid.
In August, Billy shared pictures of himself using walking bars as he stepped up his rehab. And the following month he completed a pit lane walk to raise money and say thanks to the Air Ambulance, which helped saved his life.
That followed his meeting with Lewis Hamilton after the Mercedes star had won at Silverstone in glorious style back in July.
Other leading Formula One drivers, including Romain Grosjean, also paid tribute to Billy, whose desire to get back in the car and race has been the driving force behind his truly astonishing recovery.
Characteristically, he has already set himself his next target too – the Le Mans 24-hour race in France.
He aims to drive alongside Frenchman Frédéric Sausset, who competed in the event last year after losing his arms and legs as a result of illness.
It would take a brave punter to bet against him achieving his aim. Billy Whizz, it seems, is already back.
Billy is just so inspirational. From the moment he woke up in hospital he has been determined to get back behind the wheel, and help other people too, usually with a beaming smile on his face. A truly remarkable young man.
