In a historic announcement, Robert Wickens has confirmed his move to the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship, competing in the GTD class with DXDT Racing in 2025. The Canadian racer, who has inspired countless fans with his return to competitive motorsport after a life-altering injury, will drive a Corvette Z06 GT3.R in the five GTD sprint rounds of the series.
Racing the Iconic Corvette at Legendary Tracks
Wickens, 35, will race at some of North America’s most iconic circuits: Long Beach, Laguna Seca, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, Road America, and VIRginia International Raceway. DXDT Racing, which fields a formidable lineup across the championship, has yet to announce Wickens’ co-driver. The team is also running Charlie Eastwood, Salih Yoluc, and Alex Udell for the full season.
Wickens is no stranger to IMSA, having spent three seasons in the Michelin Pilot Challenge series. He claimed the 2023 TCR championship with seven podiums alongside co-driver Harry Gottsacker and followed it up with a runner-up finish in 2024. His move into IMSA’s headline championship marks a significant progression in his career.
Overcoming Adversity to Rise Again
The former IndyCar driver’s journey to this point is nothing short of extraordinary. Wickens suffered a devastating spinal injury in a 2018 crash at Pocono Raceway, leaving him paraplegic. After years of rehabilitation, he returned to racing in 2021, utilizing a specially designed hand control system. This groundbreaking technology, developed by Bosch and tailored for TCR machinery, will now be adapted for the Corvette GT3.R in partnership with General Motors.
Wickens is eager to test the car in the coming months before his debut at Long Beach in April 2025. The system allows seamless switching between hand controls for Wickens and traditional controls for his able-bodied co-driver, offering a unique competitive advantage while promoting inclusivity in motorsport.
Living the Canadian Dream in a Corvette
For Wickens, driving the Corvette Z06 GT3.R holds a personal significance.
“Growing up, Ron Fellows was a hero of mine. The fact that I’ll be driving a Corvette, a car he made famous to Canadian drivers, is surreal,” Wickens shared during a media call. “I can’t thank DXDT and Bosch enough for making this possible.”
This partnership with Bosch has opened doors for Wickens that previously seemed unattainable. He described the challenges of convincing manufacturers and teams to invest in adapting cars for his use:
“It’s a complex ask-to hire a driver and then develop a braking system that didn’t exist. Bosch stepping in has been a game-changer, allowing me to pursue my goals in the WeatherTech Championship.”
A New Era for Inclusive Motorsport
Wickens’ success in TCR and his leap into GTD racing are powerful reminders of his skill, determination, and ability to compete at the highest level. His transition to the Corvette GT3.R not only showcases his adaptability but also marks a milestone for inclusive innovation in motorsport.
As he prepares for his next challenge, Wickens remains focused on his goals:
“I’ve wanted to move into the WeatherTech series for some time. It’s an amazing day to finally make this step. Now, the real work begins.”
What’s Next?
Wickens’ addition to DXDT Racing’s 2025 lineup is a boost for IMSA fans and the broader racing community. His journey from adversity to elite competition inspires a new generation of racers, proving that resilience and innovation can overcome even the toughest challenges.
With his sights set on competing against the best in GTD racing, Robert Wickens is poised to make history once again. The 2025 IMSA season can’t come soon enough.