Zanardi

[TravelGal]

One small part of Alex's decision to chose Daytona next month over LeMans was his connection with his US fans in Open Wheel Racing so I thought I'd post this link here. A Marshall Pruitt "Catching Up with" podcast from Dec 4.

https://racer.com/2018/12/04/catching-up-with-alex-zanardi/
About 42 minutes. Marshall's preamble ends at 2:55.

[Ed_Severson]

I’m not big on self-promotion or bragging — I have a fun job and I’m very lucky to get to do it, but I’m not special in that regard. However, over the weekend I had a really incredible experience that is one of the highlights of my career.

As many of you are aware, I’ve been working for RLL on their IndyCar program. Due to some staffing issues with holiday travel, I was asked to come help out the BMW team with a test at Daytona. Specifically, I worked the test as the performance engineer on the 24 car, driven by Alex and John Edwards.

Zanardi is remarkable. Funny, thoughtful, humble, determined, and completely unflappable. Watching him figure out how to drive the M8 with the modified controls was amazing, and at one point he outbraked a prototype into Turn 1 with Connor DePhillippi trailing behind in our sister car. Connor came on the radio and said “that was maybe the coolest thing I’ve ever seen!”.

Sometimes I can’t believe the people I get to work with and the things I get to do. Below is a photo of me running driver change practice with Alex (and John is in the car).

979

[SteveH]

Very cool, Ed. I was just reading about it here (https://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/zanardi-completes-comprehensive-daytona-test-with-rll/)

[Elmo T]

Very cool - and it is great to see Zanardi there like it is just another day in office.

[TravelGal]

Very cool, Ed. I was just reading about it here (https://sportscar365.com/imsa/iwsc/zanardi-completes-comprehensive-daytona-test-with-rll/)

First of all, Ed, so glad to see you. SteveH, thanks for the link. It led me to this one, posted a week ago. Hearing Zanardi do the lap=heaven. "This is the corner I was having most of my problems" and you see big black tire marks from someone else heading off into the horizon. :)

https://sportscar365.com/features/videos/onboard-with-alex-zanardi-in-the-bmw-m8-gte-at-daytona/

[G.]

I’m not big on self-promotion or bragging — I have a fun job and I’m very lucky to get to do it, but I’m not special in that regard. However, over the weekend I had a really incredible experience that is one of the highlights of my career.

As many of you are aware, I’ve been working for RLL on their IndyCar program. Due to some staffing issues with holiday travel, I was asked to come help out the BMW team with a test at Daytona. Specifically, I worked the test as the performance engineer on the 24 car, driven by Alex and John Edwards.

Zanardi is remarkable. Funny, thoughtful, humble, determined, and completely unflappable. Watching him figure out how to drive the M8 with the modified controls was amazing, and at one point he outbraked a prototype into Turn 1 with Connor DePhillippi trailing behind in our sister car. Connor came on the radio and said “that was maybe the coolest thing I’ve ever seen!”.

Sometimes I can’t believe the people I get to work with and the things I get to do. Below is a photo of me running driver change practice with Alex (and John is in the car).


Saw you on the TeeVee...

:thumbup:

[SteveH]

I really hope NBC Sports is done replaying his accident. I’ve seen it more in the pre-race than I have cumulative since it occurred. :rolleyes: :shakehead:

[SteveH]

Zanardi Set To Compete For BMW in Super GT/ DTM ‘Dream’ Race At Fuji (http://www.dailysportscar.com/2019/09/25/zanardi-set-to-compete-for-bmw-in-super-gt-dtm-dream-race-at-fuji.html)


:thumbup:

[Lux Interior]

Saw him race a bunch in CART. At least 6-7 times.

[SteveH]

https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Ftg24.sky.it%2Fsport%2F2020%2F06%2F 19%2Falex-zanardi-incidente%3Fsocial%3Dtwitter_skytg24_photo_null

:(

[rabbit]

https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Ftg24.sky.it%2Fsport%2F2020%2F06%2F 19%2Falex-zanardi-incidente%3Fsocial%3Dtwitter_skytg24_photo_null

:(
Just saw that on motorsports.com, Steve. :(

https://www.motorsport.com/general/news/alex-zanardi-accident-hospital-handbike/4809326/

[rabbit]

Severe head trauma :(
https://apnews.com/a548282b12809d585bb1e6c678037764

[TravelGal]

Just catching up. I'm crying as I post. Prayers for Alex and his wonderful wife and family.

[SteveH]

Sporting legend Alex Zanardi in artificial coma after horrific handbike crash in Italy
(https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/20/motorsport/alex-zanardi-coma-cycling-accident-paralympics/index.html)

[TravelGal]

CBC cuts closer to the bone with more facts and quotes. I can't imagine Daniela and Niccolo at this moment.

http://https://www.cbc.ca/sports/paralympics/alex-zanardi-handbike-crash-surgery-1.5620733

[nrc]

Wow. :cry:

The "worth treating" assessment is... not encouraging. On coming traffic during a bike race? Is that a normal thing? :shakehead:

God bless Alex Zanardi. Pushing it to the limit in everything he does is who he is.

[pfc_m_drake]

:(
Hoping for the best...

[opinionated ow]

Wow. :cry:

The "worth treating" assessment is... not encouraging. On coming traffic during a bike race? Is that a normal thing? :shakehead:

God bless Alex Zanardi. Pushing it to the limit in everything he does is who he is.

A lot of bicycle races and triathlon events are on open roads. From what I can tell he lost control and ended up on the wrong side of the road

[JoeBob]

If ever someone could pull through, it's him.

[SteveH]

Zanardi, the bulletin and the updated conditions: «Pharmacological coma, risk of damage to eyesight» (https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.corriere.it%2Fsport%2F20_giugn o_20%2Fcondizioni-alex-zanardi-l-incidente-70eb3bfc-b2bd-11ea-8839-7948b9cad8fb.shtml)

[TravelGal]

Zanardi, the bulletin and the updated conditions: «Pharmacological coma, risk of damage to eyesight» (https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.corriere.it%2Fsport%2F20_giugn o_20%2Fcondizioni-alex-zanardi-l-incidente-70eb3bfc-b2bd-11ea-8839-7948b9cad8fb.shtml)

A little rough going in the translation but definitely the most thorough article I've seen. No chest or abdominal injury. Cardiac and respiratory functions progressing. I felt a little bit better. On the other side is the need to work on reconstruction of the cranial theca. Initial reports said he was awake and speaking at the scene. I wonder if that was true? It has not been repeated. :( He is constantly on my mind and in my prayers.

[nissan gtp]

A little rough going in the translation but definitely the most thorough article I've seen. No chest or abdominal injury. Cardiac and respiratory functions progressing. I felt a little bit better. On the other side is the need to work on reconstruction of the cranial theca. Initial reports said he was awake and speaking at the scene. I wonder if that was true? It has not been repeated. :( He is constantly on my mind and in my prayers.

Sadly, the initial response is not indicative of the ultimate outcome. Brain swelling doesn’t happen right away, but does a lot of damage. It’s one reason head trauma patients are sedated so deeply (to reduce swelling and the resulting pressure that causes damage).
Poor guy, I too wish for the best, but don’t hold out much hope. :(

[TedN]

Zanardi surgeon compares injury to Schumacher's (https://www.grandprix.com/news/surgeon-says-zanardi-injury-not-like-schumachers.html)

Ted

[G.]

Zanardi surgeon compares injury to Schumacher's AND THEY DONT APPEAR TO BE SIMILAR (https://www.grandprix.com/news/surgeon-says-zanardi-injury-not-like-schumachers.html)

Ted

Just a little edit.
:cool:

[SteveH]

Take a moment and enjoy Alex's first win in CART
https://twitter.com/Basso488/status/1275398199734407168?s=20

[TedN]

More details on Alex's condition. Link (https://www.grandprix.com/news/doctor-says-zanardi-has-very-bad-eye-injury.html)

[TravelGal]

Difficult indeed. I've read they are bringing in all sorts of specialists, not just an ophthalmologist.

"Finally, the hospital said it has been advised by Zanardi's family that no further medical updates will be provided "until there are significant changes in his state of health"." I suppose this is necessary to prevent being besieged with requests for information but I wish they would provide daily briefings, even if they were in writing and just said No Change. I gives a link to him and that's what his fans want now. #ForzaAlex

[TravelGal]

This from yesterday. Waiting for today's update.
https://www.motorsport.com/general/news/zanardi-undergoes-second-neurological-operation-/4814128/

[TravelGal]

I take this to mean no news is good news as of Tuesday.
https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/alex-zanardi-undergoes-second-surgery-after-handcycling-accident/

[TedN]

Further update. Can this be seen as positive?

Link (https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/article244371537.html)

[TravelGal]

Further update. Can this be seen as positive?

Link (https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/article244371537.html)

I dearly hope so. At least and at last, it's a beginning. "Suspension" of sedative means to me that he is awake. What that means is anyone's guess. What faculties he has -- also unknown. Prayers, or positive thoughts if you like to call them that, do work. Positive energy always helps. Please send some his way.

[TedN]

Comments from Alex's son. Link (https://www.grandprix.com/news/zanardis-son-says-rehabilitation-to-be-long.html)

[TravelGal]

I can tell you how much it means to me that you find these articles, TedN. Still unconscious, so sobering. No threat to his life and that it happened more quickly than they expected, so encouraging. I pray for Alex every day.

[SteveH]

Alex Zanardi transferred to intensive care, just days after moving to a specialist neuro-rehabilitation center (https://edition.cnn.com/2020/07/24/sport/alex-zanardi-intensive-care-crash-spt-intl/index.html)

:(

[TravelGal]

Alex Zanardi transferred to intensive care, just days after moving to a specialist neuro-rehabilitation center (https://edition.cnn.com/2020/07/24/sport/alex-zanardi-intensive-care-crash-spt-intl/index.html)

:(

There was an Autoweek article today that included the quote below. I tried to take it as a positive in that it said he was conscious part of the time while Niccolo said he wasn't. Still, I had the feeling that something was "off." Then I read the news you linked, SteveH. Somehow that rehab clinic doesn't seem to have what's necessary. Let's hope this is only a temporary setback. :(:(

The quote from Autoweek today: Father Luca Poli, a priest who serves at the rehabilitation clinic, tells Italian media outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport following a visit to see the Paralympic champion:

"Alex Zanardi is only sometimes conscious and he gets tired quickly," Poli said. "Sometimes he's awake, sometimes not. After the transfer from Siena to here, he was very tired and I could only see him briefly. I also couldn't take his hand because we have to keep our distance from the patients in these times.

"What is certain is that this is a man with an incredible will to live. Honestly, I don't know where he gets his energy from."

[SteveH]

http://twitter.com/champwebdotnet/status/1287019220220485633

[TravelGal]

http://twitter.com/champwebdotnet/status/1287019220220485633

Somehow this seems like good news as long as he can beat it. At least it's not the injury.

[SteveH]

https://twitter.com/champwebdotnet/status/1287363249428733954?s=20

[TravelGal]

https://twitter.com/champwebdotnet/status/1287363249428733954?s=20

Dust off your Italian or Google translate. I started looking because even I know that venerdi is Friday, not Thursday. PS, you can probably hear me sighing a huge sigh of relief all the way from here to there.

https://www.gazzetta.it/Auto/26-07-2020/zanardi-primo-giorno-san-raffaele-risponde-cure-quadro-critico-380672313132.shtml

[Kiwifan]

Dust off your Italian or Google translate. I started looking because even I know that venerdi is Friday, not Thursday. PS, you can probably hear me sighing a huge sigh of relief all the way from here to there.

https://www.gazzetta.it/Auto/26-07-2020/zanardi-primo-giorno-san-raffaele-risponde-cure-quadro-critico-380672313132.shtml

Sadly as soon as Edge translates the article it blurs out and asks for a subscription but by the excited tones it looks promising. Fingers crossed!

[SteveH]

http://twitter.com/champwebdotnet/status/1287788231719899137

[TravelGal]

Different story every day. So difficult when you can't read the original Italian to get a better feel for the meaning. Onward and Upward. #ForzaAlex.

[TedN]

Latest update sounds promising ... Link (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/zanardi-showing-signs-clinical-improvements/4859854/?ic_source=home-page-widget&ic_medium=widget&ic_campaign=widget-1)

[G.]

Is it too early to ask how badly Chuck Norris' truck was damaged in this collision?


Latest update sounds promising ... Link (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/zanardi-showing-signs-clinical-improvements/4859854/?ic_source=home-page-widget&ic_medium=widget&ic_campaign=widget-1)

[SteveH]

This needs translated. I’m on my phone otherwise I would post the translated text. It’s sobering

https://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/altrisport/zanardi-parla-il-dottor-costa-reagisce-agli-stimoli-visivi-e-sonori_23097644-202002a.shtml

[nrc]

This needs translated. I’m on my phone otherwise I would post the translated text. It’s sobering

https://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/altrisport/zanardi-parla-il-dottor-costa-reagisce-agli-stimoli-visivi-e-sonori_23097644-202002a.shtml

Yeah, I hope this is just the beginning of another miraculous recovery. Translation:


The fight is long and will still be very hard but for Alex Zanardi there is a light of hope in the long and difficult rehabilitation after the frightening accident that three months ago made him fear for the life of the Paralympic champion. Zanardi "is reacting to visual and sound stimuli" says Dr. Claudio Costa who, interviewed by La Stampa, looks far ahead and dreams: "I already see him at the Olympics"

Alongside Zanardi, who is always hospitalized at the San Raffaele hospital in Milan, there are always his wife Daniela and their son Niccolò. Doctor Costa, who has become his confidant and friend, recounts the day of the Italian champion: "I have seen improvements, he gives responses to stimuli, squeezes his fingers, his head is being re-educated. He has a science fiction physique and an extraordinary mind. I know this time we're talking about the brain, but I'm sure he'll be able to invent something with what's left ".

[SteveH]

Zanardi undergoes further surgery
(https://racer.com/2020/09/24/zanardi-undergoes-further-surgery/)

And more surgery is being planned. :(

[devilmaster]

Zanardi undergoes further surgery
(https://racer.com/2020/09/24/zanardi-undergoes-further-surgery/)

And more surgery is being planned. :(

I do take this as a very reserved, good news.

[TravelGal]

Zanardi undergoes further surgery
(https://racer.com/2020/09/24/zanardi-undergoes-further-surgery/)

And more surgery is being planned. :(

If someone with medical knowledge could chime in about "the patient responds with transient and initial signs of interaction with the environment" The wording of the Racer article is much more sobering to me than the that of Sportsmediaset. :(

Alex Zanardi has undergone a successful craniofacial reconstruction surgery, and his cognitive and motor rehabilitation remains ongoing at San Raffaele hospital in Milan.

The two-time CART champion and multiple Paralympic medalist, who sustained severe head and facial injuries in a crash during a handbike race in Siena in June, was initially released to a rehabilitation center in July, but was rushed back into intensive care just two days later.

According to an update from the hospital, Zanardi is “subjected to sessions of cognitive and motor rehabilitation, with the administration of visual and acoustic stimuli, to which the patient responds with transient and initial signs of interaction with the environment”. Doctors reiterated that there remains a “persistence of a complex general clinical picture”, and cautioned that it is still impossible to speculate on the 53-year-old’s long-term prognosis.

Further craniofacial surgery is scheduled for the coming weeks.

[opinionated ow]

Sounds to me like slow development after a coma and brain injury. I seem to remember Richard Hammond having similar when he crashed the jet dragster almost 15 years ago. Brain injuries are not a quick recovery

[JoeBob]

Looking for silver linings… he’s responding to visual stimuli. There was concern that he’d lose his eyesight. Presumably this means he can see something.

[TravelGal]

This past week I've been scouring the web for news of Zanardi. Now this from Nov 22 "Racer." thi I wish "generally stable" lifted my spirits more than it does.

Some five months after the road accident that left him with critical head injuries, Alex Zanardi has been transferred to a hospital in Padua, Italy nearer to his home to continue his recovery.

Zanardi has been undergoing treatment at the San Raffaelle hospital in Milan since an early attempt to transfer him to a rehabilitation center was unsuccessful. Now, however, doctors feel confident enough in the 54-year-old’s condition to permit the move.

“The patient has reached a generally stable physical and neurological condition that permitted his transfer to another hospital equipped with all the necessary clinical specialties and closer to the family home,” the San Raffaele hospital announced in a statement to the media.

Edit: Searching Twitter, I find a link from Matt Archuleta to First Poste in an article from Agence France-Presse. ""In the last two months, he has also been able to undertake a path of physical and cognitive rehabilitation," the hospital added."

[SteveH]

cognitive rehabilitation

that's ominous

[cameraman]

that's ominous

Yeah that's one of those gray areas, it can mean anything. I really wish the families would just be straight forward with the public just tell the full story. It would end any speculation and honestly get the story out of the news.

[SteveH]

Ex-F1, Indy And Paralympic Star Zanardi Shakes Hands After Five Brain Operations (https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaeltaylor/2020/12/21/ex-f1-indy-and-paralympic-star-zanardi-shakes-hands-after-five-brain-operations/?sh=439298a05b77)


Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera today wrote that Zanardi, 54, had recovered his hearing and sight, and was able to respond with hand movements to questions from doctors and his wife, Daniela.

Doctors have confirmed Zanardi was able to shake hands on demand and raise his thumb to signal “Ok”, and also turn his head towards Daniela.

[devilmaster]

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

[TravelGal]

Ex-F1, Indy And Paralympic Star Zanardi Shakes Hands After Five Brain Operations (https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaeltaylor/2020/12/21/ex-f1-indy-and-paralympic-star-zanardi-shakes-hands-after-five-brain-operations/?sh=439298a05b77)

I'm not crying, you're crying. Overwhelmingly good news. Thanks SteveH.

[TedN]

Best Christmas gift ever!

[TravelGal]

Best Christmas gift ever!

:thumbup:

Even with the brutally poor Google translate, this is incredibly poetic. The second paragraph about Daniela is particularly moving. One doesn't know if it's correct or only for the story but the emotion grabs me anyway.

https://www.corriere.it/cronache/20_dicembre_20/zanardi-fa-ok-il-pollice-guarda-moglie-l-impresa-impossibile-alex-c94a79a0-4301-11eb-a388-78033ff67873.shtml

[pfc_m_drake]

Awesome news! :thumbup:

[racermike]

He has been such a fighter his entire life ... still gives me inspiration and happy that he is awake and has his family with him for Christmas this year

[G.]

Doctors are reported to be confident that Zanardi will recover the majority of his brain functions after his latest step forward.

If the Docs actually reported this, then this is huge.

:thumbup:

[SteveH]

Evidently he is speaking according to this article (https://autosprint.corrieredellosport.it/news/mondo-racing/2021/01/13-3818259/zanardi_ha_ripreso_a_parlare_e_stata_una_grande_em ozione_/)in Italian

Translation (https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=it&tl=en&u=https://autosprint.corrieredellosport.it/news/mondo-racing/2021/01/13-3818259/zanardi_ha_ripreso_a_parlare_e_stata_una_grande_em ozione_/)

[TravelGal]

I am beyond thrilled. Thank you SteveH. Here are a couple of quotes from Daniela.

https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1103042/

[SteveH]

https://www.eurosport.it/paralimpiadi/alex-zanardi-parla-il-figlio-niccolo-papa-e-cosciente-e-migliora_sto8293185/story.shtml

translated text


Niccolò Zanardi, Alex's son, told repubblica newspaper what happens to his father during the day. After the terrible accident of June 2020 in Pienza,for which the Siena prosecutor's office requested the closure, the Italian champion is improving. "Dad's been conscious for a while now, for a few months now. Slowly his condition is improving. These are small steps. But we know it's a long road, it's going to take a long time. No one can tell us what they can do again. He's improving, yes, but we know it's a very long time. In recent months we have never lacked our support and affection".

Keep fighting, Alessandro.

[nissan gtp]

my dad went through a similar injury. it’s hard for everyone

[pfc_m_drake]

Keep hanging in there :thumbup:

[SteveH]

Must see TV
http://twitter.com/BMWMotorsport/status/1388125318918115337

[nrc]

Must see TV
http://twitter.com/BMWMotorsport/status/1388125318918115337

Such a remarkable individual. I hope we'll get to see that smile again.

[TravelGal]

Just saw a tweet that it is on Prime video. I use TimeBe. Here's the link for conversion to PDT from Central European time.
http://www.timebie.com/timezone/pacificdaylightcentraleuropeansummer.php

This is about the first recovery. I keep searching for news on his ongoing second one. Anyone know anything more?

[TravelGal]

I couldn't stand it so I went looking. A short note in Grand Prix that Alex is conscious and getting better but no one knows "what functions will be restored." :cry: Edit: A different story translates Nico's words to "how much he will be able to do."

https://www.grandprix.com/news/zanardi-gradually-getting-better.html

[TravelGal]

Just saw a tweet that it is on Prime video. I use TimeBe. Here's the link for conversion to PDT from Central European time.
http://www.timebie.com/timezone/pacificdaylightcentraleuropeansummer.php

This is about the first recovery. I keep searching for news on his ongoing second one. Anyone know anything more?

Sorry to quote myself but I just went to Prime Video to watch this because I wasn't able to catch it last Saturday. Prime shows it but says "not available." Does anyone know where I can see it?

[RaceGrrl]

Sorry to quote myself but I just went to Prime Video to watch this because I wasn't able to catch it last Saturday. Prime shows it but says "not available." Does anyone know where I can see it?

Amazon is apparently blaming the inability to watch in the UK and US on the company that produced the program. https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/40490/nobody-anywhere-can-watch-the-new-alex-zanardi-documentary-that-debuted-last-week

I've been following his recovery and am so happy that he has his sight and hearing back and that he can at least speak. If anyone can recover from this, he can. A legend, indeed.

[SteveH]

Alex Zanardi’s wife provides update on his condition (https://racer.com/2021/07/01/alex-zanardis-wife-provides-update-on-his-condition/)

Keep fighting, Alex.

[TravelGal]

Alex Zanardi’s wife provides update on his condition (https://racer.com/2021/07/01/alex-zanardis-wife-provides-update-on-his-condition/)

Keep fighting, Alex.

I don't know whether to smile or cry. This says so much and reveals so little. I had thought he was talking. I gasped when I read it is "communicating." I think of him so often. My prayers for you Alex. #forzaAlex

[RaceGrrl]

I agree, TravelGal. Just the fact that his wife said he has strength in his hands and arms and is training extensively on that equipment is miraculous to me. I have hope that he will again regain his speech in time.

[TedN]

Update on Alex as he returns home.

Source (https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/news/alex-zanardi-returns-home-with-fighting-spirit-after-18-months-in-hospital)

[RaceGrrl]

Thanks for the link- glad to hear he's going to be home.

[nrc]

Great to see that. Hoping for the best.

[TravelGal]

I am elated and discouraged all at once. So much is carefully not said. #ForzaAlex. We love you.

[SteveH]

Zanardi involved in house fire in Italy
https://dailygp.com/en/zanardi-involved-in-house-fire-in-italy/

Explicative deleted :(

[TravelGal]

Zanardi involved in house fire in Italy
https://dailygp.com/en/zanardi-involved-in-house-fire-in-italy/

Explicative deleted :(

:mad: "machines upon which Zanardi depends..." :cry:

[pfc_m_drake]

:(
You'll all remind me of Alex's story whenever I think that *I* have bad luck.
Best wishes...

[nrc]

Wow. That's some ********. :cry:

[SteveH]

Alex Zanardi able to return home after 76 days in hospital
https://www.planetf1.com/news/alex-zanardi-home-76-days-hospital/

[RTKar]

Not surprisingly, no current pictures of him, ala Schumacher.

[TravelGal]

Not surprisingly, no current pictures of him, ala Schumacher.

At least it's not the news I'm always fearing when I see new entry in this thread. Forza Alex.

[RTKar]

At least it's not the news I'm always fearing when I see new entry in this thread. Forza Alex.

So true.