Robert Wickens makes return from near fatal crash at virtual IndyCar race

Nearly two years after a near fatal crash that left him in a wheechair, Canadian IndyCar driver Robert Wickens returned to the track on Saturday, finishing eighth in the virtual Alabama iRacing IndyCar Challenge.

Wickens suffered numerous injuries in the August 19th, 2018 crash at Pocono Raceway including a bruised spine that left him unable to walk.

But after months of grueling rehabilitation, Wickens has begun to walk again and saw Saturday's virtual return to the track as another step towards his goal of racing again.

Robert Wickens never gave up on his dreams.

When his Formula One hopes fizzled, Wickens worked his way back through the ranks to compete in the IndyCar Series. When doctors told him he might not walk again following a horrific crash at Pocono in August 2018, he set out to prove them wrong.

And now, with some technological help, Wickens is about to return to racing.

The Canadian driver is scheduled to compete in the second round of the IndyCar iRacing Challenge — a 45-lap virtual race on an Alabama road course that holds real promise for Wickens’ comeback hopes.