Robert Wickens wants to race in the opener of the new IndyCar iRacing Challenge series Saturday, but he will need some help in finding a ride.
Or in this case, the components of a simulation rig.
Wickens already was on the initial entry list for the race, but he was scratched Thursday morning because of an equipment availability problem.
IndyCar officials said Wickens can be added back anytime before Saturday’s 4 p.m. virtual green flag, and the Canadian put out the word Thursday night on what he needs: a steering wheel with dual axis analog paddles and a hydraulic hand brake.
Just found out the company that was providing me a sim has decided not to support me anymore. Anyone in the Indy area that can help me out?! I need a steering wheel with dual axis analog paddles and a hydraulic hand brake. Trying to find a way to make this happen! #iracing #sim
— Robert Wickens (@robertwickens) March 27, 2020
If Wickens is able to get the necessary simulation equipment to race, it’ll be a boon to have him in a de-facto IndyCar race for the first time since he suffered spinal injuries in an Aug. 19, 2018 crash at Pocono Raceway.
Wickens, who has been promised a ride by Arrow McLaren SP co-owner Sam Schmidt if he is able to recover and return to racing, has become one of the most popular drivers in IndyCar while documenting his rehabilitation.
Last week, he caused an inspirational stir on Twitter with a video doing 10 pushups alongside his dog, James (on National Puppy Day).