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nected to the brake pedal by a series of rods specifically tailored to the Elantra. The ring is attached behind the steering wheel that is pulled with fingers to activate the brake. Two linked throttle paddles and shift paddles, all attached behind the steering wheel, allow the driver to accelerate, shift and make steering inputs. The system also features a switch for Mark Wilkins when he takes over the cockpit in pitstops that deactivates the hand throttle. The Elantra will accelerate and brake using the traditional foot pedals when Mark Wilkins, Wickens' co-driver, is controlling the vehicle. Wickens began his return to racing in late January of this year, with his participation in the 2022 Michelin Pilot Challenge, where Wickens and Wilkens co-drove for Bryan Herta Autosport in the competitions Touring Car class. These races are currently in their midseason phase and will wrap up at the end of October. Of going back to racing, Wickens told IMSA, I know Im a competitor. If I dont give myself a level of competition, I felt like I wouldnt possibly work hard enough to get to the level where I am today. I dont put myself in any category above anybody else whos re- covering from an injury or a setback in their life, but its been quite the ride. Here we are, and Im happy to be here. And as for the future, Wickens is keeping his options open and his gratitude plentiful, I think nothing is out of the question. It would be awesome to race in the Indy 500. At the same time, Im interested in exploring new avenues.
Source: Hyundai Motor America, CBS, IMSA, Wikipedia
Robert Wickens during the BMW M Endurance Challenge at Daytona International Speedway.
DAVID ROSENBLUM/ICON SPORTSWIRE VIA GETTY IMAGES
Robert Wickens, driver of the #33 Bryan Herta Autosport w/ Curb Agajanian Hyundai Elantra N TCR, during the BMW M Endurance Challenge at Daytona International Speedway.
DAVID ROSENBLUM/ICON SPORTSWIRE VIA GETTY IMAGES
Hyundai Veloster N TCR car hand controls used by Robert Wickens during a test session at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.
HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
For more on Robert Wickens, catch him on Instagram.
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