DXDT Racing announced today that Corvette Racing’s Tommy Milner will be joining Robert Wickens as co-driver for the #36 Corvette Z06 GT3R at Long Beach. The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach will be held on April 11-12th and the field is limited to only GTP and GTD classes.
Wickens just turned his first laps in the Z06 GT3R with two days of testing at Sebring International Raceway. Wickens, who is a paraplegic, will be utilizing a state-of-the-art hand-control system built by Bosch.
“So far, so good. I am acclimating quickly to the Corvette Z06 GT3.R., it’s a great race car. The Bosch system is delivering excellent performance. I’ve got a dream team behind me with Bosch, GM, Pratt & Miller and of course everyone David Askew and everyone at DXDT Racing, and now an outstanding co-driver, I couldn’t be more excited to race at Long Beach again.”
This is Tommy’s second go-around with DXDT Racing after joining the team in 2024 as a co-driver in the GT World Challenge America series, winning eight consecutive races in the DXDT Corvette Z06 GT3R with Alec Udell.
“I’m really excited to join DXDT and Robert at Long Beach. This event presents a perfect combination of opportunities: reuniting with DXDT, supporting Rob in his Corvette debut, and returning to the Long Beach track.”
Tommy previously worked with engineers from Bosch and Pratt Miller Motorsport engineer to test the hand-control system that adds acceleration and braking controls to the steering wheel following the Roar Before the 24. A button on the steering wheel activates and deactivates the Bosch controls, allowing able-bodied drivers the ability to use the brake and gas pedals as usual.
Wickens was severely injured and suffered damage to his spinal cord in an IndyCar accident at Pocono Raceway in 2018. Approximately 1,258 days later, Wickens returned to competition with the help of hand controls to steer, accelerate, shift, and brake. His return was a success as he finished third at Daytona in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge. Robert would go on to win three races and earn 12 podium finishes during the season as he became the first driver to win a significant motorsports title in North America using hand controls.
The 100-minute Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is run on a temporary street course that is 1.97 miles in length and features 11 turns. This even will be the 50th Anniversary of the Grand Prix at Long Beach.
Source:
DXDT Racing
Related:
Corvette Racing at Sebring: From Hopes to Heartbreak
[VIDEO] Watch a Corvette Z06 GT3.R Testing Hand Controls for Robert Wickens and DXDT Racing
Robert Wickens Joins DXDT for IMSA Sprint Rounds in 2025
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This article highlights how not one of us really has an valid excuse for not trying something a little outside of our comfort zone
God bless DXDT racing, Tommy Milner & Robert Wickens, 2 of the most talented drivers on the planet. Good luck to all @ Long Beach!
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