The crash that occurred during a 2018 IndyCar race involving Robert Wickens was nothing short of horrifying. Wickens’ car clipped the wheels of Ryan Hunter-Reay’s car, sending him airborne and crashing into the fencing at Pocono Raceway. The injuries he sustained were extensive, including a thoracic spinal fracture, neck fracture, fractures in both legs, hands, and ribs, as well as a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed from the waist down.
At the time of the accident, Wickens was on the verge of stardom in the world of motorsports. Despite the severity of his injuries, the thought of giving up on his racing career never crossed his mind. He was determined to make a comeback and continue pursuing his passion for racing. Wickens, now 36 years old, made a remarkable return to competitive racing just over three years after the accident. Using a hand-controlled throttle and braking system, he competed in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge and went on to win the drivers’ championship in 2023.
This weekend marks a new chapter in Wickens’ racing career as he steps up to compete in the IMSA SportsCar Championship in Long Beach, California. Driving a Chevrolet Corvette for DXDT Racing in the GTD class, Wickens will face off against top competitors in the world of sports car racing. His ability to race at this level is made possible by an electric hand-controlled throttle and braking system developed by Bosch and Pratt Miller.
The advanced hand control system enables Wickens to operate the car with precision, almost as if he were using traditional foot pedals. The system allows him to adjust the braking sensation and provides a seamless transition between him and his co-driver, Tommy Milner. Wickens’ determination to return to racing, despite the challenges of securing sponsorship and accessibility, is a testament to his resilience and passion for the sport.
Looking ahead, Wickens hopes to see advancements in hand-controlled systems for commercial vehicles, making them more widely available and cost-effective. He dreams of a future where anyone can easily install a hand-controlled steering wheel in their car, similar to plugging in a USB. As he continues to race and explore opportunities in the IMSA SportsCar Championship, Wickens remains open to new challenges and aspirations, including a return to the prestigious Indianapolis 500.
While Wickens may not see himself as an inspiration, those who know him admire his unwavering determination and positive attitude in the face of adversity. He remains humble in his journey back to racing and hopes to inspire others facing similar challenges. Wickens’ story serves as a reminder of the resilience and perseverance that can lead to achieving one’s dreams, no matter the obstacles faced along the way.
