Robert Wickens for history

Few drivers deprived of the use of their legs have managed to win a motorsport race. The names of Alex Zanardi or Jason Watts naturally come to mind. It will now be necessary to add that of Robert Wickens. The Canadian won the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge at the opening of the 6 Hours of Watkins Glen.

Published on 26/06/2022 à 23:25

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Robert Wickens made his comeback to competition this year in this North American championship mixing cars from the GT4 and TCR categories. Remember that the Canadian has been quadriplegic since his tragic accident at Pocono Raceway in Indycar en 2018. Depuis le début de la saison, il est engagé dans l’équipe de Bryan Herta (Bryan Herta Autosport) avec le soutien de Hyundai Motorsport en Amérique du Nord. Au volant de sa Hyundai Elantra TCR et associé à Mark Wilkins, la paire est déjà montée sur le podium de la catégorie TCR en ouverture des 24 Heures de Daytona en janvier. Il manquait encore la victoire au duo canadien, c’est désormais chose faite pour cette cinquième manche de la saison en levé de rideau des 6 Heures de Watkins Glen. Heureux mais sans trop d’effusion Robert Wickens a reconnu: « It means a lot to me, but I'm not a very emotional guy. I'm just trying to live this moment for myself, before adding, but hey it’s pretty nice all the same.”

Back where we belong… VICTORY LANE! Unbelievable day. We've known we could do this from the start. Mega work by @MWilkins to keep us out front in the final lapse.

Thank you to @BHA and @Hyundai for a fast race car!

This isn't the finish line. We want more!@IMSA | #ImBack pic.twitter.com/8ybk9WppLs

— Robert Wickens (@robertwickens) June 25, 2022

With this result, Wickens occupies 9th place in the general classification. Next round of IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge next weekend in Canada on the Canadian Motorsport Park track in Ontario.