Wickens tests DXDT Corvette at Sebring ahead of Long Beach debut

Robert Wickens turned his first laps in DXDT Racing’s No. 36 Bosch/Mobil1 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R this week at Sebring International Raceway, in preparation for his racing debut with the team on the streets of Long Beach next month. Wickens expressed delight at his first laps in the car, which has been equipped with Bosch’s state-of-the-art hand-control braking system.

“So far, so good. I am acclimating quickly to the Corvette Z06 GT3.R — it’s a great race car,” said Wickens. “The Bosch system is delivering excellent performance. I’ve got a dream team behind me with Bosch, GM, Pratt & Miller and of course David Askew and everyone at DXDT Racing, and now an outstanding co-driver! I couldn’t be more excited to race at Long Beach again.”

That co-driver will be two-time GTLM champion Tommy Milner, who also familiarized himself with the Bosch system while completing straight-line tests with DXDT in January. The system features a button that activates the pedals.

“I’m really excited to join DXDT and Robert at Long Beach,” Milner said. “This event presents a perfect combination of opportunities: reuniting with DXDT, supporting Rob in his Corvette debut, and returning to the Long Beach track.”

RACER revealed last November that Wickens would be running the IMSA WeatherTech Championship sprint races this season with DXDT. The first of these at Long Beach will also be Wickens’ first on a street circuit using hand controls.

The Canadian last competed at Long Beach in his IndyCar rookie season in 2018, which was cut cruelly short when he suffered spinal injuries in a crash at Pocono. Despite his injuries, Wickens vowed to race again and 1258 days after his accident, he returned to competition in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge with a Bryan Herta Autosport Hyundai equipped with hand controls, Wickens went on to win three MPC races and the 2023 series title, becoming the first driver to win a significant motorsports title in North America using hand controls.

Last year, Bosch announced its collaboration with Wickens to design a state-of-the-art hand control system that would be compatible with various forms of racing platforms, allowing Wickens to return to the elite levels of professional racing.