Wickens Makes Return to Driving in BHA Hyundai Veloster N TCR

Photo: BHA

Robert Wickens made his return to the wheel Tuesday at Mid-Ohio, less than three years after sustaining spinal cord injuries in a NTT IndyCar Series accident, with the Canadian turning laps in one of Bryan Herta Autosport’s Hyundai Veloster N TCR cars.

The 32-year-old drove the team’s No. 54 Hyundai that’s already equipped with hand controls for the paralyzed Michael Johnson, who teams with Stephen Simpson in IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge.

Tuesday’s test is understood to be the first step in a potential return to racing for Wickens, who has been actively pursuing opportunities in open-wheel and sports car racing.

While having been out of the cockpit since his IndyCar accident, Wickens has made considerable progress in his road to recovery through physical therapy and has competed virtually in several IMSA iRacing Pro Series races and other esports events.

IMSA will host a Zoom conference call with Wickens this afternoon to get reaction on his return to driving.

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