Former NTT IndyCar Series driver Robert Wickens will return to racing action as he prepares to compete in the Michelin Pilot Challenge in a Hyundai Elantra N TCR which has been specially adapted with hand controls with Bryan Herta Autosport.
The Canadian commented saying:
“There’s a lot of emotions, “… A lot of times during my recovery I thought it was possible (and then) thought it wasn’t going to be possible. It took a lot of hard work and a lot of dedication, but I wouldn’t be here without the support of a lot of really good people.”
Robert Wickens who has raced in the NTT IndyCar Series, DTM and as Formula One test driver commented saying:
“I’m not regaining any more muscle function,” . “Unfortunately, it looks like I’ll be in a chair for the remainder of my life as long as modern medicine and science stays where it is. But it’s a great life. I was able to regain a lot of function. I can stand with support and take a couple of steps with support. But in terms of leaving the chair permanently, I don’t think that’s in my pipeline right now.”
Wickens said:
“Hand controls are an open book as far as what you need, and every driver is different. “We’re trying to make small improvements and trying to make it a little more comfortable and more consistent.”
Robert Wickens said that he would love to compete in the Indianapolis 500 someday and speaking about that he said:
“Once we can tick that box, I think nothing is out of the question. “It would be awesome to race in the Indy 500. At the same time, I’m interested in exploring new avenues. I’ve never really done any sports car driving. Racing at the highest levels of IMSA in the WeatherTech series would be amazing.”