LEXINGTON, Ohio – Inspired by the goal to race again and powered by courage, determination, persistence, and perseverance, Robert Wickens returned to the cockpit in a Hyundai Veloster N TCR car on May 4, 2021, for the first time since his horrific IndyCar accident in 2018. Highlighted with triumphant breakthroughs and executed with laser, goal-oriented focus, Wickens completed 989 days of grueling rehabilitation anticipating today’s milestone.
A native of Canada, Robert Wickens, stellar IndyCar debut season featured a pole position, and four podium finishes in addition to the Indy 500 Rookie of the Year title. Having transitioned back to North America from Europe where he was a Formula One test and reserve driver, Wickens’ IndyCar career looked set for championship contention. It was cut short with the horrific accident at Pocono Raceway on August 19, 2018. As a result of the accident, Wickens suffered a thoracic spinal fracture, spinal cord injury, neck fracture, tibia and fibula fractures to both legs, fractures in both hands, a fractured right forearm, fractured elbow, a concussion, four fractured ribs, and a pulmonary contusion in the incident.
Through his relentless regimen of rehabilitation and therapy, Wickens has become a trailblazer in developing new technology and treatment methods for the spinal cord injury community.
SOURCE: Bryan Herta Autosport