Paralyzed in a crash, Robert Wickens kept on racing, and now he’s adding a new chapter

The crash that Robert Wickens experienced during a 2018 IndyCar race was nothing short of horrifying. His car’s wheels clipped those of Ryan Hunter-Reay’s car, sending Wickens airborne and crashing into the fencing at Pocono Raceway. The injuries he sustained were extensive, including spinal fractures, leg fractures, hand fractures, broken ribs, and 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 devastating injuries, he never once considered giving up on his dream of racing. With unwavering determination, Wickens made a remarkable comeback 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.

Now, Wickens is set to embark on a new chapter in his racing career as he moves up to the IMSA SportsCar Championship. This weekend, he will be competing in a race through the streets of Long Beach, California, driving a Chevrolet Corvette for DXDT Racing in the GTD class. His participation in this high-level competition is made possible by an electric hand-controlled throttle and braking system developed by Bosch and Pratt Miller.

The advanced hand control system allows Wickens to operate the car almost as seamlessly as if he were using traditional pedals. The system, which can be fine-tuned for optimal performance, has been a game-changer for Wickens, enabling him to compete on equal footing with other drivers. The technology continues to evolve, narrowing the performance gap between hand-controlled systems and traditional pedal systems.

Despite the challenges he faced in returning to racing, Wickens remains focused on pushing the boundaries of what is possible. He hopes to see hand-controlled systems become more readily available in commercially produced vehicles, making them more accessible and cost-effective for individuals with disabilities. Wickens envisions a future where driving with hand controls is as simple as plugging in a USB device.

As Wickens prepares to compete in Long Beach and beyond, his determination and resilience serve as an inspiration to many. While he may not see himself as an inspiration, those who know him admire his refusal to give up on his dream of being a professional driver. Wickens is not only focused on his own success but also on helping others facing similar challenges in pursuing their passions.

In a testament to his perseverance and spirit, Wickens continues to defy the odds and showcase his talent on the racetrack. As he embarks on this new chapter in his racing career, the world will be watching to see where his unwavering determination will take him next.

(Photo courtesy of Chevrolet Racing)