Robert Wickens is back where his IMSA journey began, and he's looking to reignite the spark. This weekend's Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach marks his return to the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, the first of five planned GTD class races in a Corvette Z06 GT3.R for DXDT Racing. It's a fresh start after funding hurdles forced a revision of his ambitious full-season plans.
Long Beach holds special significance for Wickens. Last year, the street circuit served as the stage for his series debut in the same car, a monumental moment following the 2018 IndyCar crash at Pocono that left him paralyzed. His resilience was on full display again just a day later, celebrating from the pits as a technical consultant for Andretti Global when Kyle Kirkwood won the IndyCar race from pole position.
The 2025 season was a testament to his adaptability and speed. Wickens not only proved competitive in IMSA, coming agonizingly close to podiums in the hand-controlled Corvette, but also showcased his endurance racing prowess by finishing second in class at the grueling Nürburgring 24 Hours. Off the track, life expanded as he and his wife Karli welcomed twins, bringing their family to five.
Yet, the harsh realities of professional motorsport intervened. "When you are with a customer team in sports car racing, it tends to come with a price tag to it," Wickens explained. Despite the on-track success, securing the necessary sponsorship for a full-season campaign, including the Michelin Endurance Cup, proved elusive this year. "I wasn’t able to put together the funds required," he stated frankly.
Now, the focus shifts to maximizing this opportunity. Teaming once more with co-driver Mason Filippi—a partner from that strong Nürburgring run—Wickens faces a packed 17-car GTD field in the 100-minute sprint. For a driver who won a Michelin Pilot Challenge championship just three years ago, the goal is clear: translate last season's promising momentum into concrete results.
"I am hoping to continue the momentum that we started to create in 2025," Wickens said, acknowledging the long break since his last race at Virginia International Raceway in August. His gratitude extends to his team and the innovative technology that enables his drive. "I'm really just excited to continue with DXDT Racing and Corvette and, most importantly, with Bosch and my electronic braking system and hand controls that help make the whole thing possible."
In a sport defined by overcoming adversity, counting out Robert Wickens has never been a wise bet. His return to Long Beach isn't just another race; it's the next chapter in a remarkable comeback story, driven by pure determination and a relentless will to compete at the highest level.