Robert Wickens Triumphs in Long Beach IMSA WeatherTech Debut
In a triumphant return to the racing world, Robert Wickens made headlines with his impressive debut in the IMSA WeatherTech Championship at Long Beach. Nearly seven years after a devastating crash left him paralyzed below the waist, Wickens showcased his resilience and skill in the GTD class, driving a specially modified Corvette Z06 GT3.R.
Despite facing numerous challenges, Wickens and his co-driver Tommy Milner demonstrated that they are a force to be reckoned with on the track.
Robert Wickens’ Remarkable Comeback
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Robert Wickens’ journey back to professional racing is nothing short of inspirational. After a severe IndyCar crash at Pocono in 2018, Wickens was left with a spinal cord injury that paralyzed him from the waist down. However, his passion for racing never waned.
With the support of cutting-edge technology and a dedicated team, Wickens made his comeback in the IMSA WeatherTech Championship. He drove a DXDT Racing Corvette Z06 GT3.R equipped with hand controls featuring fly-by-wire braking devised by Bosch.
Overcoming the Odds
Wickens’ return to the track was marked by numerous challenges. The IMSA event at Long Beach is known for its demanding street course, which provided a tough testing ground for Wickens and his new hand-control system.
Despite having only two short practice sessions to acclimate to the controls before qualifying, Wickens surprised himself and his team with his pace and potential.
In the race, Wickens held his own, pitting from seventh place after 35 minutes. His co-driver Milner worked his way up to fifth before a fender damage incident. Wickens’ performance was a testament to his determination and the effectiveness of the Bosch hand-control system.
A New Chapter in Wickens’ Racing Career
Wickens’ debut in the IMSA WeatherTech Championship is just the beginning of a new chapter in his racing career. He has a series of five appearances lined up with DXDT Racing, and his performance at Long Beach has set the stage for what promises to be a successful season.
His co-driver, Milner, expressed confidence in Wickens’ abilities, stating that he has the pace, race craft, and potential to excel in the series.
Support from the Racing Community
Wickens’ return to racing has been met with widespread support from the racing community. Before his IMSA race, he cheered on Andretti Global drivers Kyle Kirkwood and Colton Herta as they swept the front row on the grid for the IndyCar finale of the Acura Long Beach Grand Prix.
Kirkwood, in turn, was among those pulling for Wickens in his race. Wickens has also been working as a data analyst for Andretti Global, helping their drivers with video and data analysis.
Wickens’ story is a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination required to overcome adversity. His journey back to professional racing serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that with the right support and technology, it is possible to achieve great things despite significant challenges.
Looking Ahead
As Wickens continues his journey in the IMSA WeatherTech Championship, the racing world will be watching closely. His debut at Long Beach has shown that he has what it takes to compete at the highest level, and his future appearances in the series will undoubtedly be highly anticipated.
Wickens’ story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the human spirit, and his success on the track is a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges.
The Road to Recovery
Wickens’ road to recovery has been long and arduous. But his determination and love for racing have kept him going.
His use of advanced hand-control technology has allowed him to return to the sport he loves. His performance at Long Beach is proof of his skill and dedication.
As he continues to compete in the IMSA WeatherTech Championship, Wickens will undoubtedly inspire others with his story of resilience and triumph.
For more details on Robert Wickens’ debut in the IMSA WeatherTech Championship, you can read the full article on Autoweek.
