I figured an automotive forum was the best place to post this. I am absolutely at awe with what Alex Zanardi has accomplished. It is incredible!

For those of you who don't know, Alex Zanardi returned to the Champ Car series and two years ago raced in Germany, where he was involved in an accident with 13 laps left that almost killed him and he lost his legs. He now has prostectics, and with the help of throttle and clutch controls on the steering wheel, completed the 13 laps that he didn't finish, at race speed.

He is a definite inspiration.

The '96-99 team Target/Ganassi with Vasser/Zanardi was my favorite. Alex is the one who perfected the "victory donut" instead of *cough* climbing a chain link barrier fence. :D
Keep on it, Alex!

...i saw that crash, and i saw the pictures of blood pouring out of his legs like they were garden hoses... i thought for sure he was gone.

it was miracle enough he lived, it was miracle enough that he walked again, it was miracle enough that he could drive a normal car again, but to then turn a lap that would have put him 5th on the grid at the track which very nearly took his life is... just beyond description.

i think inspiring is an understatement.

way to go Alex. :)

And he operated the brakes with his prosthetic leg, using his hips to move it.

All of the credit goes to the safety teams, and the way that CART has them setup (trauma trained, practicing EMTs, who travel with the series, knows all of the drivers, their allergies, etc. etc.). If it weren't for that, they would not have gotten him stabilized and to the hospital quick enough.

---jps

Originally posted by Andrew
I figured an automotive forum was the best place to post this. I am absolutely at awe with what Alex Zanardi has accomplished. It is incredible!


I watched a segment on that today on CBS. Truly, a touching and inspiring accomplishment. It was beautiful watching him complete the remaining 13 laps he had lost that fateful day.

Zanardi is hands down my favorite racer ever. He exudes nothing but class, compassion, and has a drive to win like no other person in sports.

I watched the race live that day. Zanardi was outpacing the entire field; nobody could haul him down. At that time, I believe he hadn't won a single race all season, but that day nobody could touch him. Looked just like the Zanardi of a few years prior. When I saw him struggle outta the pit, and Tagliani was flying up I knew it had to be bad. I honestly thought he was a goner when i saw his car get sliced completely in half.

What was a very sad day turned into a great story of courage and desire that few people could match.

Zanardi is a true class act. Seeing him finish his last 13 laps almost got me teary eyed. I don't know if there is anyone I respect more in any sport. He is truly one of a kind.

Alex Zanardi reminds me of Niki Lauda. Both are true champions.