Race car driver with paraplegia tests out new hand control system

Canadian race car driver Robert Wickens recently test drove an adapted Corvette in preparation for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship next month. Wickens, who is paralyzed from the waist down due to an accident in 2018, utilized a new hand control system developed by Bosch along with an updated braking system.

During the test at Sebring International Raceway, Wickens expressed his satisfaction with the hand controls installed in his DXDT Racing Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R, stating that they worked seamlessly.

According to Sportscar365, Wickens commented, “There hasn’t been a single hiccup. It’s like when they designed the Corvette Z06 GT3.R it was always in the plan. It looks like it belongs in the car. It feels like it belongs in the car. Immediately I felt way more comfortable with the braking feeling and braking sensation than I had in my past racing in TCR with the Bosch [Electronic Brake System]. It was a massive step forward so hats off to all the men and women at Bosch, Pratt Miller, GM and DXDT Racing for collaborating in making this all possible.”

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A video showcasing the braking system was released, featuring Wickens exploring and explaining the system, which involves a pull for the brake attached to the steering wheel:

An added benefit of the new system is its ability to facilitate a smooth transition of controls between Wickens and his able-bodied co-driver, Tommy Milner. Previously, a pedal was used to switch between the two drivers’ systems, but it caused mechanical friction in the braking system. Now, the system switches seamlessly and could potentially be adapted for use in other vehicles besides the Corvette Z06 GT3.R.

This technological advancement could pave the way for enhanced accessibility in other cars in the future, potentially extending to everyday vehicles as well as racing cars.

Reflecting on the potential impact of the electronic braking system developed by Bosch, Wickens mentioned to Ars Technica, “I think what we’re learning here today can transfer into any race car and then hopefully down the road what we’re developing with the electronic braking system from Bosch, you know—opportunities are endless that maybe this can evolve into road safety and into everyday road vehicles and accessibility.”