LONG BEACH, Calif. (AP) Nearly seven years after a devastating IndyCar crash left him paralyzed from the chest down, Robert Wickens is set to make a remarkable comeback to elite motorsport. This Saturday, he will take the wheel of a specially modified Corvette in the prestigious IMSA sports car race, held on the bustling downtown streets of Long Beach.

The accident occurred at Pocono in 2018, marking a tragic turn in Wickens' racing career. Despite the life-altering injury, Wickens has remained determined to return to professional racing. He considers this IMSA event a monumental milestone in his journey back to the top echelons of motorsport. From the outset, my ultimate goal has been to get back to the highest levels of racing, Wickens remarked. IMSA represents the pinnacle of sports car racing in North America, so it would be a dream come true to say I've had a ten-year career racing against the best drivers in the world in one of the finest series available.

Wickens will be competing for DXDT Racing, alongside his teammate and experienced Corvette driver, Tommy Milner. The Corvette he will be driving is equipped with an innovative hand-controlled throttle and braking system developed in collaboration with Bosch and Pratt Miller. This advanced system allows Wickens to maintain optimum control of the vehicle, as it features brake controls mounted on the steering wheel that are independent of the steering itself, enabling seamless transitions between hand controls and traditional pedals for Milner when it is his turn to drive.

The steering wheel that Tommy, or any other teammate, will use in this Corvette is the same as those they are accustomed to, Wickens explained. Whats impressive is that, theoretically, it can be adapted to any steering column, given the right bolt pattern. The knowledge we gain today could apply to any race car. Ultimately, we hope to evolve our developments into improving road safety and enhancing accessibility in everyday vehicles.

Wickens has previously driven for Bryan Herta Autosport in the Michelin Pilot Challenge, a lower-tier division of IMSA, where he celebrated a class championship win in 2023. He has also tested a Formula E car and conducted demonstrations for Honda in Canada, his home country. Now, he is poised to make his much-anticipated debut in IMSAs GT Daytona class.

Honestly, taking the green flag in Long Beach will represent a significant leap forward in my career and my journey to reclaim the highest levels of racing, Wickens said. We are competing against the best cars and drivers in the entire sports car industry, and that is a thrilling prospect.

The car that Wickens and Milner will race is not only a testament to Wickens' personal journey but also eligible for the GTD championship. I want to win championships not just for myself, but also for General Motors and DXDT, he stated. Although there is still work to be done, this marks a major milestone in my return to racingperhaps the biggest box we can check off so far.

Looking ahead, Wickens expressed his desire to race full-time in the series next season. As he and Milner begin to forge a partnership, they are also getting acquainted with the intricacies of the car, particularly the unique operational system that accommodates Wickens' driving style.

In Robbies case, he has to handle all the driving using his hands. The system is designed so he can control everything directly from the steering wheel, Milner explained. Theres a brake ring and throttle paddles that replace the traditional pedals. Its an impressive setup that even features a one-button switch to transition between controls for able-bodied drivers and hand controls, which is crucial during driver changes in endurance racing.

Milner has been deeply inspired by Wickens' resilience and drive following his life-altering crash during his rookie season in IndyCar. In addition to his role as a driver, Milner also works with Andretti Global as a driver coach, where he engages in data analysis, driver guidance, and direct race support. For him to endure what he has and still strive for competitive racing is inspiring for everyone, Milner noted. His journey serves as a reminder that its how you respond to adversity that defines you. While his life has changed in many ways, he remains committed to racing and performing at the highest level.