Bosch Hand-Control Braking System Debuts With Wickens

Photo: Mike Levitt/IMSA

A new hand-control braking system developed by Bosch Motorsport debuts on Robert Wickens’ Bryan Herta Autosport Hyundai Elantra N TCR this weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The Canadian driver, a race-winner in IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge competition, utilizes hand controls in the TCR class entry after being paralyzed following an NTT IndyCar Series accident in 2018.

The new system, developed using Bosch’s existing electronic brake system module from the LMDh platform, along with a controls platform and display, provides a more “robust” solution according to the company.

It has been more than a year in development.

“The added technology allows Wickens to have more consistency across the application of brakes, faster response rate and advanced diagnostics for safety,” a statement from Bosch read.

Wickens added: “The collaboration with Bosch marks a new stage in my career and I can’t wait to see what lies on the horizon for myself and other drivers looking to compete at the highest levels of motorsport.”

The 35-year-old has expressed interest in advancing his racing career back into open-wheel racing, having recently tested a Formula E car, while also holding aspirations of entering top-level prototype racing.

“This innovation project came to us as a need in the sport that our technology could solve, and we didn’t look back,” said Jacob Bergenske, director of Bosch Motorsport in North America.

“Robert Wickens is a standout driver with a bright future and we look forward to seeing how our collaboration will support him for years to come.”

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John