‘Remarkable’ is the word that immediately springs to mind when describing David Butler. An extremely successful self-made businessman, his capabilities also extend to motor racing and won last season’s coveted MGOC/BARC Series Best Novice Trophy after only one season out on the circuit.
Despite his obvious talent behind the wheel, competing for many years with notable results in sprints, hillclimbs and rallies, David has battled with the RAC for the past 30 years to grant him a Race Licence.
Why? Bureaucatic rules have formerly ruled out anyone physically disabled regardless of proven competence. David lost both legs and his left hand to a long-forgotten World War II bomb at the age of 11 when on a family picnic.
Zoe Heritage met David to discuss just how he managed to prise this precious piece of paper out of the RAC. “It’s ironic to think that I won the Novice Trophy at the age of 47” laughs David Butler. “I must be the oldest novice ever in the history of motor racing!” Nevertheless, to capture such a trophy after only one season on the circuit in competitive racing is a fantastic achievement and his joking comment belies the award’s true worth.
He races a 1964 Class A MGB and chose this car specifically to race at club level. “I just love the camaraderie and fellowship amongst the competitors in club racing. It may be fast and furious out on the track but we are all good friends back in the pits and everyone is always willing to lend a hand or give advice. To me, it epitomises just what club racing should be all about. When my licence was definitely on the horizon I approached Jim Baynam, co-ordinator of the MGOC Race Series and asked him if any of the other MG drivers would mind if I joined them.
Apparently the decision was unanimously in favour and I was welcomed into their ranks with immediate warmth.”
Last Updated: 31/01/2007
