via Imago
Robert Wickens
via Imago
Robert Wickens
Back in 2018, Robert Wickens was the victim of a horrific IndyCar accident at the Pocono Raceway. Initial reports suggested fractures to his legs, spine, and right forearm, as well as a pulmonary contusion. However, it was later confirmed that he was paralyzed from the waist down. Since then, he has been in rehabilitation. Recently, he announced some great news.
The Canadian driver revealed that he will be back behind the wheel for the 2022 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge season. The 32-year-old is joining the Bryan Herta Autosport team, driving a Hyundai Elantra.
It’s been a long, winding, and difficult road to this point and the journey is not over, but thankful we’ll be able to move down the road with a bit more speed!
I’ll be joining @BHA for the 2022 @IMSA season and piloting one of their @hyundai Elantras.
Now, let’s go win. pic.twitter.com/hoPyoorJTO
— Robert Wickens (@robertwickens) January 14, 2022
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He wrote on Twitter, “It’s been a long, winding, and difficult road to this point and the journey is not over, but thankful we’ll be able to move down the road with a bit more speed!”
Naturally, there were many fans and racing drivers who were thrilled at the news.
Today is a good day. Thanks to @Hyundai https://t.co/F4NCJtqKY6
— Bryan Herta (@BryanHerta) January 14, 2022
Easily the best news of 2022 so far. 🙌🏻 https://t.co/v4m0RLAKRl
— Pippa Mann (@PippaMann) January 15, 2022
Amazing! Have fun!🏁 https://t.co/piLY0cWHIb
— Miguel Paludo (@miguelpaludo) January 14, 2022
Get ready for it @IMSA 🔥🏁 https://t.co/geRxd1HFki
— Oriol Servia (@OriolServia) January 14, 2022
YES mate !!! https://t.co/exY2deYX5o
— Romain Grosjean (@RGrosjean) January 14, 2022
An inspiration! Very cool to see! https://t.co/ipPxXYHpcd
— Tom Blomqvist (@tom_blomqvist) January 15, 2022
On behalf of Bell Helmets: Welcome back.
Wickens will be returning to full time driving duties with @BHA for the 2022 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge https://t.co/GyPZsogaV5
— Bell Racing (@BellRacingHQ) January 14, 2022
This is so awesome! https://t.co/nvTv04yffk
— Spencer Boyd (@SpencerBoyd) January 14, 2022
YES! Awesome! Congrats Rob! https://t.co/c05LSCe1a7
— Dalton Kellett (@Dalton_Kellett) January 14, 2022
Amazing news from our teammate, @robertwickens. 🧡💪 https://t.co/JQtD938wPG
— Arrow McLaren SP (@ArrowMcLarenSP) January 14, 2022
Hell yeah! https://t.co/xSe4hctZh7
— Parker Kligerman (@pkligerman) January 14, 2022
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Although he has not raced in three years, Wickens will be hoping to make a grand return to racing. Ever since the accident, he has been posting regular updates about his therapy and his gradual progress. Whether he will still be competitive in a race car is a different story altogether.
A few NASCAR drivers will also join Robert Wickens
For the NASCAR fans, there are a few familiar faces in the Michelin Pilot Challenge paddock. To be precise, Chase Briscoe, Hailie Deegan, Harrison Burton, and Austin Cindric will be racing. The first race of the season kicks off at the Daytona International Speedway on January 27th until the 30th.
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The grand return to racing from a near career-ending crash is certainly an inspiring one. It also goes to show just how far determination and hard work can help one out. One thing is for sure, there will be legions of fans cheering for the Canadian driver after his 4-year hiatus.
READ MORE: IndyCar Driver Paralysed After Huge Accident in August
