There will be a new media darling in town when the Rolex 24 comes to Daytona Beach at the end of the month. While Alex Zanardi will be a newcomer to the event, he’s no stranger to the sport of racing. The legendary Formula 1 driver is suiting up for BMW Motorsport to drive a leg of the 24-hour race.
- Alex Zanardi will make his Rolex 24 debut on January 26
- In 2001 Zanardi was in an Indy Car accident, in which he lost both of his legs
- BMW created a steering wheel that allows Zanardi to control the entire vehicle with his hands.
His zest for life cannot be mistaken, in fact it’s infectious.
Alex Zanardi zips around the garages at Daytona International Speedway with such ease, especially for being in a place he’s never raced before.
“Next to my personal taste (Formula 1), this is probably one of the most prestigious motor sports events in the world,” Alex Zanardi said of the Rolex 24.
The Italian race car driver, who made a name for himself on the Formula 1 circuit, is in town for the Rolex 24 practice and qualifying rounds.
Every time he gets to race there added emotion.
“It’s a great feel. It’s not about the speed, it’s about, don’t get me wrong, it’s about controlling the speed,” Zanardi explained. “Controlling the car for what the limits are.”
The passion spilling out of the 52-year old, whose door is the most popular at the open garages inside the speedway.
It’s not only fans wanting to snag a picture or an autograph but teammates, too, looking to soak up a little bit of his time.
“You know it’s not tips about racing and the driving line, we all talk about that stuff to help each other go quicker. But when you have Alex in the program, I feel like you learn a lot more about life,” Zanardi’s BMW team mate John Edwards said.
“He has this attitude that is full of positivity and despite everything he’s overcome he still has a huge passion for motorsports.”
In 2001 Zanardi was in a horrific Indy Car accident in Germany where he nearly lost his life.
Both of his legs would be lost but not his competitive spirit.
He kept racing a part of his world. He continued driving cars and picked up a passion for cycling. He won 4 gold medals at the Paralympic Games between 2012-2016 and also won 10 World Championships (2013-17).
“Whether it’s at this level or you are just trying to fix spaghetti for your son and hear him say ‘boy, your spaghetti is better than mom made,’ you gotta just try and do the best you can,” Zanardi said of his competitive drive.
At the end of the month he will make his debut at the 24 hour race in the #24 car.
With the help of BMW, they’ve created a steering wheel that allows Zanardi to control the entire vehicle with his hands.
Because this race involves a team of drivers, the wheel is able to switch out quickly and does not affect the traditional controls for the other drivers. The swap is something Zanardi has mastered.
“The way he can move is amazing,” Edwards said of his team mate. “The guy has no legs but he’s overcome that by just using his arms, he jumps out of the car as quick as any of us. “
Zanardi says he is going to embrace every moment back in the driver’s seat and try not put to put too much pressure on himself.
“I am not looking forward to crossing the line at the end of it because that would be the end” Zanardi explained. “I’m just enjoying the execution of the project and I want to keep, pardon the expression, and keep my feet on the ground. I don’t want to be too overwhelmed.”
The Rolex 24 race will begin at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, January 26.