Zanardi targets Rolex 24 at Daytona bid in 2019
Racing hero and multiple Paralympic gold medalist Alex Zanardi is targeting a return to the American racing scene by taking part in the 2019 Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona with BMW.
The former Indy car star – who lost his legs in a horrifying CART crash at Lausitz in 2001 – is to develop a special braking system for the BMW M8 GTE so he can use his prosthetic lower limbs.
He will test the system later this year, and if successful will join BMW’s assault on the US sportscar classic in 2019.
“I’m thrilled that we can work together with Alessandro Zanardi on this new project in 2018,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt.
“It was his great wish to return to North America for a big race and we want to make that possible, so the fans in Daytona can look forward to an absolute highlight in 2019 with Alex and the BMW M8 GTE.”
The two-time Indy car champion raced BMWs in the World Touring Car Championship, Blancpain and Italian GT series after recovering from his Lausitz injuries, but has enjoyed most success in wheelchair racing.
He has won four gold and two silver medals in the Paralympic Games, and is an eight-time world champion in the para-cycling discipline.
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