Corvette Racing is gearing up for the IMSA GTP and GTD class-exclusive run at Long Beach this weekend. The Bow Tie Brand will field two Corvette Z06 GT3.R race cars, one of which will be outfitted with adaptive hand controls for its paraplegic driver, showcasing its accessibility alongside its speed.
The No. 36 Corvette Z06 GT3.R, which is fielded by DXDT Racing, features Bosch hand-control electronic braking built for driver Robert Wickens. Wickens was injured in a motorsports crash in 2018, losing the use of his lower body, but it hasn’t kept him out of the cockpit. The forthcoming race on April 12th, 2025 will be Wickens’ first turn in the latest Corvette Racing machinery, putting him in control of a Vette Z06 GT3.R for the first time in his career. His codriver, Vette factory driver Tommy Milner, has already tested the system, assuring that it’s ready for race day.
“After finally getting my first taste of the Corvette Z06 GT3.R in Sebring a few weeks ago, I have been counting down the days until Long Beach,” Wickens said. “My first race with DXDT and finally my first race of 2025. It is going to be a very steep learning curve, but I am thankful I have a strong team behind me and a great teammate in Tommy Milner to help get me up to speed.”
Mark Stielow, director of Chevrolet Motorsports Competition Programs, weighed in on the unique race car.
“Everyone within Chevrolet and Corvette Racing is excited to be part of this project,” Stielow said. “Chevrolet’s commitment to accessibility and innovation in motorsports drove investment in this project. We all support Robert’s drive to compete at the highest levels of motorsport and are proud to partner with groups like Bosch, Pratt Miller and DXDT Racing to realize part of that dream.”
AWA Racing is fielding the other Corvette Racing entry: the No. 13 Vette Z06 GT3.R of Matt Bell and Orey Fidani. The green flag on the 100-minute sprint is scheduled for 2:05 p.m. PT on Saturday.
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Awesome. Will be rooting for him!