Wickens moves up to IMSA GT ranks with DXDT

Robert Wickens continues his racing return journey with a move into the IMSA GTD class

Robert Wickens is set to continue his journey and move up to the IMSA SportsCar Championship with DXDT Racing Corvette in 2025.

The 35-year-old Canadian will join the team for the five sprint rounds behind the wheel of the #36 Corvette Z06 GT3.R, beginning with the Grand Prix of Long Beach in April.

It marks the latest part of a continued progression for Wickens, who drives using hand controls following an accident during his rookie season in an IndyCar race at Pocono Raceway in 2018, where he sustained a spinal cord injury and a thoracic spinal fracture that left him a paraplegic.

The Corvette he will pilot this upcoming season is specifically equipped with a new electronic hand-brake control system from Bosch.

“This is the opportunity I have been seeking for quite a while now, and it wouldn’t be possible without the support from [DXDT Racing owner] David Askew at DXDT, Bosch and General Motors,” said Wickens.

“My goal since returning to racing was to race in IMSA, so to tick that box with a limited schedule in 2025 is a huge step in achieving my goals. It was never going to be an easy task, but when great minds put their heads together anything is possible.”

Three years after his accident, Wickens found his way back into the cockpit and driving a Hyundai Elantra N TCR with Bryan Herta Autosport in IMSA’s Pilot Challenge series.

He won at Watkins Glen and Mosport in 2022, which marked his first victory since his accident. The following season, he and co-driver Harry Gottsacker earned seven podiums en route to the TCR championship, a first in sportscars for Wickens. He backed that up with a runner-up finish for the 2024 title.

“It’s always great when you can add a driver of Robert’s calibre to the team,” Askew said. “He is a top driver and has shown through drive and resilience that nothing is out of reach, evidenced by his race wins and championship titles in TCR.

“It’s certainly going to be a new challenge for all of us, but it’s one I’m so excited to take on. I know with all the work by us, Bosch, GM, and Pratt Miller this off-season, we’re in a good position to hit the ground running in Long Beach.”

Wickens’ co-driver will be announced at a later date.