On April 15, 2025, Hyundai Motor America announced that driver Robert Wickens will take on the grueling ADAC RAVENOL 24 Hours Nürburgring race, scheduled for June 21-22, 2025. This marks a significant milestone for Wickens, who has been paralyzed from the waist down since a 2018 IndyCar accident. Competing in a Hyundai Elantra N TCR equipped with state-of-the-art Bosch hand controls, Wickens’ participation in the legendary “Green Hell” race symbolizes resilience and technological innovation.

Wickens, a former Mercedes-AMG DTM driver, and TCR Championship winner, has defied the odds since his life-altering accident. His journey back to competitive racing, including a return to the track in 2022 with Hyundai, highlights his determination. “I’m always striving to be the best version of myself, both on and off the track,” Wickens said. “Hyundai, Bosch, and Bryan Herta Autosport have an incredible team spirit, and I’m thrilled for this chance to compete in one of the world’s most demanding endurance races.”

The Nürburgring 24 Hours, held on the iconic 15.7-mile Nordschleife and GP-Strecke circuits, is known for its extreme conditions and challenging layout. Wickens will rely on Bosch’s advanced hand-control system, which debuted in the 2024 IMSA races. This system, built on Bosch’s electronic brake system (EBS) module, offers improved braking consistency, faster response rates, and enhanced diagnostics, making motorsport more accessible and safer.

“After debuting our new Bosch brake system in 2024, it was clear it was a big step forward in safety and braking feel,” Wickens noted. Jacob Bergenske, director of Bosch Motorsport in North America, added, “This project is a true embodiment of our company ethos, ‘Invented for Life,’ and exemplifies our pursuit of bringing innovative solutions to improve lives.”

Wickens’ participation in the Nürburgring 24 Hours is a testament to human potential and the power of adaptive technology. Follow his journey on Hyundai’s social media channels for updates on this inspiring story.

The post Breaking Barriers: Wickens’ Nürburgring 24 Journey with Hyundai Elantra N TCR appeared first on Indiana Chronicle.

Final Race Positions

Race Breakdown

• Victory Margin: Kirkwood crossed the finish line 2.6859 seconds ahead of Palou.
• Race Duration: The 90-lap event lasted 1 hour, 45 minutes, and 51.2058 seconds.
• Speed: Kirkwood’s average speed was 100.395 mph, a testament to the race’s relentless pace.
• No Yellow Flags: The absence of cautions made this a rare, uninterrupted street race.
• Lead Swaps: Seven drivers exchanged the lead 9 times, with Christian Lundgaard (26 laps) and Sting Ray Robb (12 laps) among the standout leaders.

Who Led When

• Kyle Kirkwood: Laps 1-6, 30-34, 53-65, 69-90
• Christian Lundgaard: Laps 8-27, 35-40
• Sting Ray Robb: Laps 41-52
• Kyffin Simpson: Laps 66-68
• Scott Dixon: Laps 28-29
• Marcus Armstrong: Lap 7

Championship Standings (After Long Beach)

1. Alex Palou – 142
2. Kyle Kirkwood – 108
3. Christian Lundgaard – 96
4. Felix Rosenqvist – 88
5. Scott Dixon – 86
6. Pato O’Ward – 80
7. Colton Herta – 73
8. Scott McLaughlin – 69
9. Will Power – 63
10. Josef Newgarden – 58
11. Alexander Rossi – 58
12. Marcus Ericsson – 55
13. Santino Ferrucci – 51
14. Marcus Armstrong – 50
15. Kyffin Simpson – 48
16. Rinus VeeKay – 46
17. Graham Rahal – 45
18. David Malukas – 42
19. Christian Rasmussen – 40
20. Sting Ray Robb – 39
21. Conor Daly – 32
22. Robert Shwartzman – 30
23. Nolan Siegel – 26
24. Callum Ilott – 25
25. Louis Foster – 25
26. Devlin DeFrancesco – 24
27. Jacob Abel – 17

Standout Moments

• Kirkwood’s Dominance: Kyle Kirkwood led 49 laps, starting from pole and securing his third career INDYCAR win, his first since 2023.
• Palou’s Steady Run: Finishing second, Alex Palou maintained his championship lead with a consistent podium finish.
• Lundgaard’s Surge: Christian Lundgaard climbed from 12th to 3rd, proving Chevrolet’s strength on the street circuit.
• Clean Racing: The lack of cautions highlighted the drivers’ precision on the challenging Long Beach layout.
• Siegel’s Grit: Despite battling food poisoning, Arrow McLaren’s Nolan Siegel finished 20th, a testament to his determination.
• Team Performance: Siegel’s teammate Lundgaard earned a podium (3rd), underlining Arrow McLaren’s strong showing.
• Next Stop: The INDYCAR series heads to Barber Motorsports Park on April 28, where Siegel aims to bounce back after his health setback.

Follow along for more INDYCAR action as the 2025 season unfolds!

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