Alex Zanardi Competing at Paralympics

Rascasse

Might interest people here that Alex Zanardi (ex Cart champion & F1 driver) will be competing for Italy in the hand cycling at the Paralympics in a couple of weeks.

Ironically the venue selected for the hand cycling is Brands Hatch motor racing circuit.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-drive/new-cars/auto-news/former-cart-champ-zanardi-to-compete-at-paralympic-games/article4460770/

Infoanon

Rascasse wrote: »

Might interest people here that Alex Zanardi (ex Cart champion & F1 driver) will be competing for Italy in the hand cycling at the Paralympics in a couple of weeks.

Ironically the venue selected for the hand cycling is Brands Hatch motor racing circuit.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-drive/new-cars/auto-news/former-cart-champ-zanardi-to-compete-at-paralympic-games/article4460770/

One of the most inspirational drivers of all time - add WTCC to the list - Alex was a multiple winner in WTCC following his accident.

To this day Zanardis overtake on Herta at Laguna Seca on the last lap at the cork screw for the win ranks as one of the greatest if not the greatest ever overtake move.

f1dan

Definitely illegal but ballsy and dramatic none the less!

Monkeybonkers

Was any action taken against him (Zanardi)?

Infoanon

The ' move' was awarded the Autosport overtake of the year.

The majority see the move for what it was - sheer brilliance - and I recall the Autosport editor had a few things to say about those who saw it as anything else !. (American Herta had never won a race previously and a few got upset about the race being 'stolen' from him)

Zanardi pulled off some incredible moves in indycar - his fightback from last to first at Clevelend is still my favourite race of all time

iDave

I was so excited when he joined Williams in 99. Really thought he would set F1 alight. shame it didnt work out for him.

KenSwee

Ahh man, that was brilliant. I remember exactly where I was when I saw that.
Paul Page on commentating, Laguna Seca, Turbos, Ground Effects and Zanardi. Great racing. Modern Indy hasn't a patch on it.

And as for the great man in the Olympics, well, he is what I just called him.

Rascasse

Just a quick bump - Alex has won gold in his first event the H4 time trial.

What a story!

Grim.

fantastic news indeed the chap is a legend

Infoanon

Jimmy Vasser is working on a deal to run Alex Zanardi in next years Indy 500 - Alex is on for it.

Oddly - in the sense of engine manufacturer - Jimmy is talking of a joint venture with Chip Ganassi to run Alex (a Honda favourite btw)

Rascasse

That would be great and also explain his comments after the race. When asked what's next for him he replied 'to add a wheel and an engine'.

afatbollix

Infoanon wrote: »

Jimmy Vasser is working on a deal to run Alex Zanardi in next years Indy 500 - Alex is on for it.

Oddly - in the sense of engine manufacturer - Jimmy is talking of a joint venture with Chip Ganassi to run Alex (a Honda favourite btw)

that was a old deal that if Zanardi got gold he would have a car built for him that he could use. Word is once he got over this finish he rang to say he got gold and start building the car! The man is a legend.

Rascasse

Second gold for Alex!

Edit: Video from Channel 4: http://paralympics.channel4.com/video/key-moments/videoid=1236615/index.html#former-f1-driver-alex-zanardi-takes-his-second-gold-of-the-games

Grim.

Rascasse wrote: »

Second gold for Alex!

fecking class!!

MudSkipper

Alex is a Legend

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/world-of-sport/zanardi-pulls-tows-quadriplegic-end-hand-bike-marathon-162700890.html

h3000

MudSkipper wrote: »

Alex is a Legend

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/world-of-sport/zanardi-pulls-tows-quadriplegic-end-hand-bike-marathon-162700890.html

He is such an amazing guy.


*I'm just chopping onions, I swear.