80 replies to this topic

[StickShift]

From 7thgear.com

04/12/03

Zanardi to drive at Lausitzring

7G has learned today in Long Beach that during the weekend of the German race at Lausitzring this coming May, former two-time CART champion Alex Zanardi will not only be busy with his Grand Marshal duties, he will be getting behind the wheel of a specially modified Champ Car.

The scenario, as we know of right now, is to have Zanardi run for thirteen laps in the car. That was the number of laps remaining in the race back in 2001 before his unfortunate accident.

SeventhGear will work very hard to try and bring you any further updates regarding this inspiring development.

Show us that you can still do it Zanardi!

[Cociani]

Incredible!

[The Soul Stealer]

A true inspiration to all

[Pine]

Go Alex!!!

[Ross Stonefeld]

Hmm....how

I dont remember the specifics of his injuries, but didnt he lose his legs at about the knee? How would he operate the pedals? And im not sure how well you could convert a CART car to hand controls since it uses a mechanical throttle and brake linkage

[mplach]

Originally posted by Ross Stonefeld
Hmm....how

I dont remember the specifics of his injuries, but didnt he lose his legs at about the knee? How would he operate the pedals? And im not sure how well you could convert a CART car to hand controls since it uses a mechanical throttle and brake linkage

oh yee of little faith...

[FlatFoot]

I don't see the point in this

[Fastcar]

Originally posted by Ross Stonefeld
Hmm....how

I dont remember the specifics of his injuries, but didnt he lose his legs at about the knee? How would he operate the pedals? And im not sure how well you could convert a CART car to hand controls since it uses a mechanical throttle and brake linkage

You don't remember ? I'm surprised at that unless you haven't being paying much attention, as for the car its not rocket science to sort out the paddle system.

[Ross Stonefeld]

Yeah im sorry I dont remember, I dont keep a copy of his medical chart on my wall


This isnt an F1 car where its a case of wiring and electronics, this is mechanical linkages between the brakes, throttle, and gearshift. Ie cables running the length of the car. So either they're going to run all sorts of crazy mechanical systems up the steering column or use an electrical system tied to some sort of motor to power the controls.

[Ray Bell]

No doubt, if they're doing it then it can be done. In fact, by now it will have been largely sorted out...

And yes, he did lose both legs about the knee.

What part might artificial limbs be playing in this? Could he perhaps have throttle control sorted via them?

[Dudley]

specially modified Champ Car

It clearly already has...

I don't see the point in this

Give me a good reason against it?

[glorius&victorius]

Originally posted by Dudley

It clearly already has...
Give me a good reason against it?

I think Zanardi is displaying masochist behaviour... (and we're cheering for that?)

[Dmitriy_Guller]

What does Daniella have to say about this? Also, God forbid something happens during those thirteen laps (here's a good luck charm), wouldn't it be absolutely the stupidest way to go, after all this rehab? It did happen before, Sam Schmidt had a heroic recovery from having his feet pulverized after Scott Sharp's moronic move of the decade, only to be paralyzed on his second day after his return. On the other hand, I do understand the psychological need to drive the last lap in Champcar of your own choosing, not because fate decided that.

[Williams]

It would be interesting to know Zanardi's reasons for doing this. If it just because he wants to complete the thirteen laps he wasn't able to do on that fateful day at Lausitzring, then that is the worst and most selfish reason for wanting to get back into a race car. It would show he is not moving on with his life and he is risking himself, and possibly others, and expending a lot of resources for personal reasons.

I would applaud and support a move by Zanardi to actually attempt to race in Champcars again, if he felt that such a thing could be possible or practical, but going around in circles for thirteen laps for nothing seems an unsupportable waste.

If on the other hand Alex is trying to extend to possibilities for handicapped people in autosports, or to throw a spotlight on on what is possible for handicapped people, then I would applaud this move, providing it could be done without undue danger to himself or the other competitors, as a promotional stunt as opposed to an actual racing attempt.

Another possibility is that Zanardi doing what he can to promote Champcars, and again I would support such a move as a safe promotional stunt.

[KenC]

Originally posted by Dmitriy_Guller
What does Daniella have to say about this? Also, God forbid something happens during those thirteen laps (here's a good luck charm), wouldn't it be absolutely the stupidest way to go, after all this rehab? It did happen before, Sam Schmidt had a heroic recovery from having his feet pulverized after Scott Sharp's moronic move of the decade, only to be paralyzed on his second day after his return. On the other hand, I do understand the psychological need to drive the last lap in Champcar of your own choosing, not because fate decided that.

Uhm, he's NOT racing. Why should he be at any greater risk than driving his modified 540 wagon in Monaco or Bologna?

[KenC]

Originally posted by Ross Stonefeld
Yeah im sorry I dont remember, I dont keep a copy of his medical chart on my wall

Yep, an insensitive smart-aleck remark. Way to go, you've got my sympathy!

Originally posted by Ross Stonefeld
This isnt an F1 car where its a case of wiring and electronics, this is mechanical linkages between the brakes, throttle, and gearshift.

Yep, it "isn't an F1 car", nor is it a standard Champcar. It's a specially modified Champcar.

Originally posted by Ross Stonefeld
Ie cables running the length of the car. So either they're going to run all sorts of crazy mechanical systems up the steering column or use an electrical system tied to some sort of motor to power the controls.

See! You apparently already know what they'll have to do to the car, so what exactly is the difficulty besides a little time, effort and money? Or is this your typical curmudgeonly response? If Stoner doesn't like it, it can't possibly be right or be done.

[Mox]

In 1999, F3000 driver Jason Watt was paralyzed from the waist down in a freak motorcycle accident during a photoshoot for a local magazine.

In 2002, the same Jason Watt won Danish Touringcar Championship, setting a great example of inspiration for the handicapped community, not only by his achievement, but also by his attitude towards life.

Jason also now holds the speed record for production saloon cars, having driven a Kleeman Mercedes to 338km/h.

Who said not being able to use your legs means you have to go slow ?


It is amazing to see Alex Zanardi fighting the consequences of his tragic accident, and I can think of no stronger statement from him to himself, as well as the rest of the world, than to go back and "finish his race" - to show the Lausitzring who is the greater of the two.

Whether he will ever drive competetive open-wheel racing again remains to be seen, but the only boundaries are those you set upon yourselves, and so far it seems that Alex has chosen to set none.

, Alex. You're a great rolemodel and an inspiration to us all.

[random]

It's confirmed. Zanardi will be driving a specially prepared Champcar the German 500 next Sunday.

Knowing Alex, he's going to be running full tilt.

http://f1.racing-liv...504031426.shtml

[Ross Stonefeld]

Good lord im gonna have to start checking up on KenC more often, what a ****

[random]

You're not wrong Ross...

[KenC]

Originally posted by Ross Stonefeld
Good lord im gonna have to start checking up on KenC more often, what a ****

Wow, your use of the english language is so impressive, I'm so intimidated!

[KenC]

Originally posted by random
You're not wrong Ross...

O poo, another poor person who seems to have a grudge.

[Ross Stonefeld]

Seriously now, whats up?

[Dmitriy_Guller]

Originally posted by KenC

Uhm, he's NOT racing. Why should he be at any greater risk than driving his modified 540 wagon in Monaco or Bologna?

Uhm, maybe because this car goes a wee bit faster than 540, and requires a bit more precise control? Not to mention the fact that he will indeed be racing.

[Lada Lover]

Jason Watt

[KenC]

Originally posted by Dmitriy_Guller

Uhm, maybe because this car goes a wee bit faster than 540, and requires a bit more precise control? Not to mention the fact that he will indeed be racing.

Are you sure that "he will indeed be racing"?!?

From a CART press release: ?I am honored to serve as the Grand Marshal for the German 500 and look forward to seeing all of the Champ Car fans again,? Zanardi said. ?It was always nice to be cheered by the crowd and it will be great to hear those cheers even through a symbolic effort such as this.?

Hmmm...I've never heard "racing" described as a "symbolic effort", are you still so sure?

And, from a Zanardi teleconference: " And again, I'm very honored to serve the role of Grand Marshal for the event and it would be exciting for me to put my helmet on and compete in the main event. Unfortunately this won't be the case,"

Hmmm..."won't be the case", seems pretty clear, I hope.

And, I guess they do drive faster in a Champcar than in a 540, but 155mph in a 540 is still pretty awesome!

[Dmitriy_Guller]

The version that is circulating now has Zanardi running the last 13 laps of the real race, and for that purpose he will also be given the license to compete in CART. It doesn't sound like it would be the 13 demo laps between practice sessions, from what I understand. Obviously he won't be racing, but taking part in a race nonetheless.

[DamattaSpeed]

He's running the 13 laps BEFORE the race! The competition license is a symbolic gesture. It's all about closure for Alex. Nothing else. I can't believe the cynicism of some toward this.....

Whatever....Go, Alex.

[jk]

From F1-live's article:

making the popular Italian champion the first driver to ever pilot a serious race car by using hand controls.

Now this is just wrong. As someone mentioned, Jason Watt has done just that. You might not think his DTC Peugeot 307 is serious race car, but DTC is one of the strongest national touring car championships, with drivers like Jason (F3000 runner up), Jan Magnussen (ALMS ace, Formula 1 driver, 3-times Kart World Champion etc.), John Nielsen (Le Mans winner), Kurt Thiim (DTM ace), Henrik Larsen (who was Mika Hakkinens main opponent in Opel Lotus) and Henrik Lundgaard (former Rally european championsip. Actually it has surpassed STCC, and Jens Edman has joined the series. It is a very tough championship, and very impressive that Jason could win it!

Now if this isn't enough, Jason drove some sportscar races after his accident. He drove a Panoz at Nurburgring, and though he didn't test a lot, he was gaining on John Nielsen in the other Panoz.
The Panoz is a serious race car...


It is good to see Alex back at the wheel, but if he wants to race again, he should start racing touring cars just like Jason. I don't see much point in running 13 laps alone on a circuit.

[Mox]

I agree !

I even had to write F1-Live to tell them

Not to take anything away from Zanardi, but F1 and CART isn't the only "serious" race cars out there.

GO ALEX

[arcwulf7]

Wouldn't put anything beyond Alex. I saw him jumping fences and keeping everyone galloping to keep up with him on his hi tech artificial legs last year in Toronto . Go Alex.

[Chickenman]

Originally posted by DamattaSpeed
He's running the 13 laps BEFORE the race! The competition license is a symbolic gesture. It's all about closure for Alex. Nothing else. I can't believe the cynicism of some toward this.....

Whatever....Go, Alex.

I Agree.... Alex is a great inspiration to people with disablities from all over the world....as is Jason Watt, Rick Hansen, Terry Fox etc, etc. Shows what you can do with heart and determination.

Go Alex!!!

[BorderReiver]

Jesus, for a while I thought that Ross Stonefield was a rational and sensible poster. Now it appears he's an abusive pedant who can't understand courage. What a noble human being he makes himself out to be.

Alex Zanardi is something that we are seriously lacking in this media enhanced celebrity hyped world, a true blue bloody hero. I assume that you detractors regard Douglas Bader going up in his Hurricane to fight Fascism a dangerous and irresponsible act, that wasn't practical. Perish the thought that both of these men are in fact brave.

Or perhaps its the worry that disabled people may actually be good at something? Please spare us your own predjudices and try to support someone who is facing his daemons and setting a fantastic example for introverted little men like yourselves.

Remarks like Ross' conceited smug ones only show who the real emotional cripples are.

Ross your attitude is it can't be done

Alex Zanardi's is it CAN be done.

I know which one I'd rather have in a racing car.

[BorderReiver]

Actually its worth mentioning att his juncture, Jason Watt of course, but also a name that is oft forgoteen in F1 these days. Clay Reggazoni. Without him hand controlled race cars wouldn't be nearly as possible. Clay was and is a great bloke, I was priviledged to meet him once quite by accident at a resteraunt in Southern France.

I went over with my father and asked for an autograph on a napkin which he very kindly gave us. As he was leaving the resteraunt he wheeled past our table and we began to get up to wish him goodbye. At which point he said,

"Don't get up, after all I wouldn't for you." and gave a big grin and a wink. A fantastic driver and a fantastic man.

[nigel red5]

I posted this a few days ago, in the other thread "Is A Zanardi a treu superman", BTW thanks DaMattaspeed for confirming that it`ll happen before the race
--------------------------------
I have`nt read any reports about this (only this thread), but i agree with others here that he`ll probably run alone, either before or after the race and complete the task that he set out to do.

He probably won`t run at any great speed, but that`s not the point. The point is he`s going to beat this bloody jinx-ridden racetrack come hell or high water.

Somehow i can well imagine him having seen the state that he was in, that he decided right there in the German hospital all those months ago, that he was gonna do this and finish the job.

I probably won`t even watch the champcar race, as i stopped following regularly that series some time ago, although i do read the results and generally "keep up". But i say one thing.....i`ll make damn sure that when Alessandro Zanardi takes to the track i`ll drop whatever i`m doing and watch the man achieve his goal with a tear in my eye, and i think that should go for all of us, whether we support his idea or not.

[Fastcar]

Originally posted by Ross Stonefeld
Yeah im sorry I dont remember, I dont keep a copy of his medical chart on my wall


This isnt an F1 car where its a case of wiring and electronics, this is mechanical linkages between the brakes, throttle, and gearshift. Ie cables running the length of the car. So either they're going to run all sorts of crazy mechanical systems up the steering column or use an electrical system tied to some sort of motor to power the controls.

Who needs to make a record ? have you got to write your name down to remember it ? So anyway Alex driving the champcar then what the hell are you talking about there just gonna fix the car up for use with hands its as simple as that, get over it. Who the hell cares what they're gonna do he's driving the car and thats the end of it so go back to sleep.

[ffiloseta]

I don't understand how can anyone be against this, but, hey, it's their right.

Vai Alex ! Forza !

[Lateralus42]

This was more than a parade lap, Alex turned some laps at 192 mph while practicing. It's a 'real' Champ Car alright, which makes it more amazing.

[DamattaSpeed]

Alex's laps would have qualified him 7th on the grid for tomorrow's race! As David Hobbs once said, Zanardi has "Large Attachments". Extremely Large.

[cheesy poofs]

I'm not quite sure if I saw this right, but does he seem to have a forward looking camera installed on the nose of the car ?

[917k]

Funny thing is..if F1 was doing this for Alex,and they plastered the side of the car with ''FIA'' or ''Formula 1'' logo's,this place would be almost universal in its condemnation of the crass and horribly commercial exploitation of a great,former driver.

Are the cynics too cowed to mention this aspect of all of this?

[Ross Stonefeld]

Originally posted by BorderReiver

Alex Zanardi is something that we are seriously lacking in this media enhanced celebrity hyped world, a true blue bloody hero. I assume that you detractors regard Douglas Bader going up in his Hurricane to fight Fascism a dangerous and irresponsible act, that wasn't practical.

I cant even begin to imagine how inappropriate that comparison is.

[balaclava]

I don't think that Zanardi needs any more reasons than his love for racing to do the run. You know what they say... true racing drivers are fearless, passionate people.

So to him

[Ray Bell]

Originally posted by jk
.....Now this is just wrong. As someone mentioned, Jason Watt has done just that.....

As long ago as 1964 I watched a guy racing with hand controls...

He had no mobility in his legs, so had arranged a kind of handlebar like a motorcycle that came up beside the steering column in his racing Holden. It had the typical twist grip on the end for the throttle and must have had the brake handle like a bike there too. The clutch handle I don't remember, but it would have been on the other side of the steering column somewhere I guess...

All of this was an adaptation of what they did at the time for paraplegic road car drivers.

The irony was that he loaned his car to Bruce McPhee, a top Holden punter of the time, for a Towac race meeting. Bruce rolled it, so gave the guy the shell etc of his own Holden and so the bits and pieces of the controls got fitted to it. I think the handicapped driver lived in Orange, too.

As for Zanardi and 192mph laps, just incredible!

How anyone can in any way denigrate his efforts I do not know... and how Ross can edit down BorderRiever's comment so that it goes halfway to being inept I don't understand.

But I guess there has to be someone around here to keep the arguments going...

[Ross Stonefeld]

He tried to compare a soldier's actions to that of someone who's actions are ultimately self serving. If you cant comprehend that maybe the ineptitude is on your end.

[Ray Bell]

Go back and read it, Ross... along with the suggestion that 'both are brave'...

Can you deny that Zanardi is brave?

[Ross Stonefeld]

Actually yes. Losing his legs was terrible but im not sure id call it brave. He's had the best of everything availible since the accident. Going out and driving a race car is only brave in so far as any lingering fear he might have had from the accident. He's not a 'true bloody hero' and he's not even close to someone who actually risks their life for another. A racing driver and a soldier are on completely opposite ends of the egotism and heroism spectrum.

[Ray Bell]

Well now we know where you stand, Ross...

Thank you!

Bravery only applies if you're taking the risk to help others. It's not what's written in the dictionary, but it's Ross' understanding so we know where Ross is coming from. We'll try not to upset you again...

[Ross Stonefeld]

Thats not what I said at all Mr Inept. Shall I hammer the point home so you can better understand it? I never said bravery had to be helping others. I said that a racing driver and a soldier are not in the same category of admiration.

[Justafan]

Parade, meet rain.