Robert Wickens returns to the streets of Long Beach with renewed determination
Professional racing driver Robert Wickens returns to the streets of Long Beach with renewed determination, embarking on another chapter of his remarkable comeback story. As the engines fire up for a new season of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Wickens is not simply competing—he is steadily building toward a long-awaited return to the podium, and ultimately, a race victory that once seemed out of reach.
This season marks Wickens’ second campaign behind the wheel of the formidable Corvette Z06 GT3.R, fielded by DXDT Racing in the highly competitive GTD class. Sharing driving duties with teammate Mason Filippi, Wickens will contest five sprint races—short, intense battles where precision, strategy, and consistency often matter more than outright speed.
What sets the No. 36 Corvette apart from every other car on the grid is not immediately visible to spectators, but it represents a major leap in motorsports engineering and inclusivity. It is the only car in its class equipped with a sophisticated hand-control system that allows Wickens to operate the accelerator and brake entirely by hand. This adaptation, developed through collaboration between Bosch, Chevrolet, and Pratt Miller Motorsports, has enabled Wickens to return to elite competition following a life-altering crash.
Back in 2018, Wickens suffered a severe spinal cord injury during an IndyCar Series race that resulted in paraplegia. For many athletes, such an injury would mark the end of a professional career. For Wickens, it became the beginning of a new kind of challenge. Years of rehabilitation, relentless determination, and technological innovation paved the way for his return to the cockpit in 2021, followed by a full competitive comeback in 2022.
His first season with DXDT Racing in 2025 was one of adaptation and learning. While the team demonstrated flashes of potential, they fell short of securing podium finishes. A fourth-place result at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park stood as their best outcome—a strong performance, but one that left both driver and team hungry for more.
Now, expectations are higher. Wickens is clear about his objectives: surpass last year’s results and consistently challenge at the front of the field. A podium finish would not only mark a personal milestone but also deliver a breakthrough result for DXDT Racing in the series.
Consistency, Wickens emphasizes, is the foundation of success in endurance and sprint racing alike. Rather than relying on luck, he believes in positioning oneself to capitalize on opportunities as they arise. It is a philosophy shaped by experience, resilience, and an understanding of how quickly fortunes can change on the track.
This year also represents a shift in Wickens’ role within the team. No longer a newcomer adapting to a new car and system, he has embraced greater leadership responsibilities. From providing technical feedback to motivating the crew, Wickens is playing an increasingly central role in shaping the team’s performance trajectory. His perspective, forged through adversity, brings a unique kind of leadership—one grounded in perseverance and focus.
Off the track, Wickens’ life has undergone equally profound changes. During the off-season, he and his wife welcomed twins, adding a new dimension to his already demanding schedule. Balancing the responsibilities of parenthood with the rigors of professional racing is no small feat, yet Wickens describes the experience as transformative in the best possible way. It has given him an added sense of purpose and motivation as he returns to competition.
Preparation for the season has been a blend of modern technology and traditional analysis. Wickens and Filippi have spent hours reviewing race footage, analyzing telemetry data, and honing their skills on advanced racing simulators. These tools allow drivers to familiarize themselves with track conditions and refine their techniques, even when they are not physically in the car.
Despite this preparation, Wickens acknowledges that nothing fully replicates the experience of real-world driving. When he takes to the track for practice in Long Beach, it will be his first time behind the wheel in months—a challenge that requires quick adaptation and mental sharpness. Yet, thanks to the strong support system within DXDT Racing, he remains confident in his ability to get up to speed quickly.
The 2026 season carries significant weight for Wickens’ future ambitions. Competing in only five sprint races means limited opportunities to make an impression. Each race becomes critical—not just for immediate results, but for securing a potential full-season drive in the future. Wickens has made it clear that he views these races as auditions of sorts, chances to demonstrate his competitiveness at the highest level of sports car racing.
Central to his confidence is the performance of the Corvette Z06 GT3.R itself. The car has proven to be a highly capable platform, combining power, balance, and advanced aerodynamics. For Wickens, the integration of the hand-control system into such a competitive machine represents a significant achievement—not only for himself but for the broader motorsports community.
He recalls his first test in the Corvette with particular clarity. After years of imagining what driving with hand controls should feel like, the reality exceeded expectations. From the very first lap, he felt a level of comfort and connection with the car that reaffirmed his belief in the project. It was a moment that validated years of effort and collaboration among engineers, designers, and support staff.
The seamless interaction between driver and machine is a testament to the engineering excellence behind the program. The partnership between Bosch, Chevrolet, and Pratt Miller Motorsports has resulted in a system that not only meets the demands of competitive racing but does so without compromising performance. In a sport where milliseconds can determine outcomes, such precision is essential.
Looking ahead, Wickens views the current season as part of a larger journey. While immediate results are important, he is equally focused on long-term growth—gaining experience, refining his skills, and continuing to prove that he belongs among the best drivers in the world. It is a measured approach, one that balances ambition with realism.
At the same time, there is an unmistakable sense of urgency. Opportunities in motorsports are often fleeting, and Wickens is determined to make the most of every lap, every race, and every chance to showcase his abilities. His ultimate goal remains clear: to stand on the podium once again and, eventually, to claim a victory that would symbolize not just personal triumph, but the culmination of an extraordinary journey.
As the season unfolds on the iconic streets of Long Beach and beyond, all eyes will be on Wickens and the No. 36 Corvette. His story is one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering determination—a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the pursuit of excellence never truly stops.
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