Alex Zanardi has been invited back to the Long Beach Grand Prix time and time again in any official race role he wanted. The Italian was informed he would be inducted into the Walk of Fame, but Zanardi was always too busy. Training for the Paralympics, hosting his popular talk show or simply content to inspire others to never give up on their life journey.

Tired of waiting to honor the beloved athlete, race promoter Jim Michaelian inducted Zanardi into the 16th class of the Walk of Fame in absentia on Thursday. Zanardi has been recovering in Italy since a 2020 crash into a truck while competing in a race on his handcycle. “We felt it was time to get Alex the due recognition that he deserves,” Michaelian said.