Wickens back in top-tier motorsport as perseverance pays off

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Robert Wickens' incredible journey back to top-tier motorsport has reached a new milestone with the Canadian set to compete in the 2025 IMSA SportsCar Championship.

Paralyzed from the waist down after a devastating crash at Pocono Raceway in 2018, Wickens has fought tirelessly to reignite his racing career.

Since returning to competition in 2022, he has made headlines, winning the Michelin Pilot Challenge last year in a Hyundai Elantra N TCR. Now, he’s stepping up to drive the #36 Corvette Z06 GT3.R for DXDT Racing in the GTD class, using a custom-designed hand-control system from Bosch.

“This is what I’ve been pushing for since day 1 of my recovery,” Wickens shared on X.

“I’m excited to announce that I am entering the IMSA WeatherTech Series in the GTD class with DXDT Racing.

“None of this would have been possible without the support of the team, Bosch, GM, and so many more. While this isn’t a full schedule, it’s a very big first step to returning to top-tier competition.

“This was never going to be an easy task, but with the great minds involved in this project working together, anything is possible!”

Wickens’ journey continues to inspire, proving that determination and innovation can rewrite even the most challenging stories.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.