Alex Zanardi: A Champion on and off the Race Track

Alex Zanardi is a name synonymous with perseverance and determination. Alex is a two-time champion in the American Champ Car series and a Paralympic gold medalist in hand cycling. But more than anything else, he is an inspiration to people around the world, following his comeback story after a devastating crash that took away his legs.

Zanardi's motorsport career started in the early 90s in the Italian Formula 3 championship. He then moved to the IndyCar series in 1996, where he quickly established himself as a formidable driver, winning the championship in 1997 and 1998. 

In 1999, Zanardi made a switch to Formula One, joining the Williams team. Despite his success in Champ Car, he struggled to excel in Formula One and was eventually released from his contract. He returned to Champ Car in 2001 and was leading the championship, it was during this race in Germany in 2001 that Zanardi suffered a life-changing crash. He lost control and was hit by a competitor, which resulted in the amputation of both his legs. Despite the severity of his injuries, Zanardi refused to let them define him. 

After his devastating crash, Alex Zanardi faced the challenge of adapting to a new type of racing. He was determined to return to the track and began racing with hand controls in his car. Hand controls are a device that allows drivers with disabilities to operate a car using their hands instead of their feet.

He returned to racing less than two years after the accident; competing in the European Touring Car Championship in 2003–2004 and then in the World Touring Car Championship between 2005 and 2009, scoring four wins.

In November 2012, Zanardi tested a BMW DTM touring car, completing 32 laps of the Nürburgring. He later said that the test had rekindled his interest in motor racing, and in January 2014, it was announced that he would return to motorsport in the 2014 Blancpain Sprint Series season, racing a BMW Z4 GT3 for Ravaglia's ROAL Motorsport team. 

In 2018, he made a one-off appearance in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, driving a BMW M4 DTM in the Misano round of the series. After qualifying in last place for both races, he finished 12th out of 13 finishers in the first race before placing in a stunning fifth in the second race in mixed weather.

Zanardi returned to American motor racing by entering the 2019 24 Hours of Daytona that January. Using a similar set of controls as the BMW M4 that he used in the DTM series, the GTLM-specification BMW M8 GTE had a special steering wheel that allowed him to actuate the accelerator with his left hand and shift with his right hand. Brakes were applied with a large handle with his right hand. The brake handle also had a downshift trigger on it so he can still "engine brake".

In September 2011, Zanardi won his first senior international handcycling medal, the silver medal in the H4 category time trial at the World Road Para-Cycling Championships. In September 2012 he won 4 gold medals at the London Paralympics in the individual H4 time trial and the individual H4 road race, followed by a silver medal in the mixed H1-4 team relay, and in September 2016 he won a gold and a silver medal at the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro. He also competed in the Ironman triathlon, further showcasing his incredible resilience and determination.

But Zanardi's comeback story is not just about his motorsport or athletic achievements. It's about the way he approached life after his accident, with a positive attitude and a never-say-die spirit. He has become a motivational speaker, inspiring people to overcome their own challenges and to never give up on their dreams. 

Alex Zanardi's career is a testament to his attitude, talent and determination. He has overcome enormous obstacles to achieve greatness and continues to inspire people around the world with his story of perseverance and success.

After a serious Hand Bike crash in 2020, Alex has been recuperating at home and we wish him a speedy recovery.