In racing there is the opportunity for a driver to be not only a champion but a hero. Throughout the ages, since the first wheels rolled down to the first turn, that once in a lifetime chance to be hero has been there for the taking. Since that first race was run many years ago, many champions, and many heroes, have come and gone. It is the true heroes, however, those that inspire us to be more than we thought we could be and teach us that nothing is impossible, that are, in fact, the true champions regardless of points or trophies won. Alex Zanardi is one such champion.
Zanardi was born in Bologna, Italy in 1966. He began racing karts at the age of 13 and by 1988 he had joined the Italian Formula 3 Series with a fifth place as his highest finish. In 1991, after a strong season in F3000 Zanardi was rewarded with a seat with Jordan that resulted in three starts that year. The next season brought frustration and only occasional rides here and there. In 1993, Zanardi signed with Lotus alongside teammate Johnny Herbert. Zanardi held his own and even scored a point in the 1993 Brazilian Grand Prix. Shortly thereafter, he was involved in an accident where an elderly motorist knocked him off his bicycle and ran over his foot, injuring him seriously. Zanardi did not give up, however, and showing great determination, he raced in Germany, showing his grit and desire to race regardless. In practice for the Belgium Grand Prix he was involved in a racing accident that left him with a serious concussion and several injuries. Zanardi was unable to make the start of the 1994 Formula 1 season yet his spirit remained unbroken and he fought to heal and get back in the car.
After the Lotus F1 team folded, Zanardi found himself in need of a ride. He raced in both sports cars and CART, finding his talent and skill to be adaptable to almost any series. No matter where he was, or in what car, his spirit and light was undeniable. He was always gracious and positive, and found special success with the Target Chip Ganassi team in CART. He attempted an F1 comeback and then in 2000 found himself again interested in a CART ride. He tested for Mo Nunn and in 2001 signed with the team.
On September 15, 2001 CART headed for the track at Lausitzring in Germany. Zanardi was having a competitive race and despite starting from the back of the pack, Zanardi was making his move and climbing up the leaderboard. He was exiting the pits after a routine stop when he accelerated quickly, spun, and was hit by Alex Tagliani. The impact sheared the nose of the car off, and with it, Zanardi’s legs. The response team reacted quickly and miraculously Zanardi survived. His legs had both been cut off completely, one at the knee and one slightly above it, although with surgery came the removal of more of the leg. Throughout the grueling process of recovery, Zanardi remained positive, continuing to fight to create a new life in the wake of a tragic moment.
Zanardi still wanted to race. He was fitted with prosthesis but found himself dissatisfied as the prosthesis was uncomfortable and unrealistic to use. After creating his own prosthesis, Zanardi returned to racing with BMW and continues to race still, even speaking hopefully about a return to the Indy 500. In addition, he has won two gold and one silver medal – at Brands Hatch of all places in the London Paralympics on a handcycle which he designed as well. Even this year he took part in the Blancpain GT series. Zanardi has taken the tragedy that befell him and made the very best of it, keeping his perspective positive and continuing to move forward and do things people previously thought were impossible, inspiring others to do the same as he did so.
The first time I saw Alex Zanardi interviewed after the accident that he lost his legs in was a moment I would never forget. The reporter asked Zanardi if he was upset, or angry, about the loss of his legs but Zanardi responded with a firm no, quite the contrary. He replied, with his customary grin that he was thankful for every day and that it was only his legs, and not his life, that he had lost. I had the pleasure of meeting Zanardi several times during his CART career and he was always an impressive person, but never more so than at that moment. I have often heard that the way you look at something is really everything. Your perspective is what allows you to get up and get on or stay down and out. Over the course of his racing career, and his life, Zanardi has experienced the highest of peaks and lowest of valleys, and has negotiated all of it with integrity, heart, and a brilliant attitude that serves as inspiration to people of all ages, least of all me.
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