Torsten Gross Shows The World How To Race A Car With ‘Just Hands'
'I scuba dive. I did 12 marathons in 12 months. I skydive. I do anything that that challenges my life insurance policy,' Gross says, smiling widely.
Gross is someone one might describe as 'full of life.' Considering Gross was clinically dead for a full two and a half minutes after the diving accident that paralyzed him, that's quite a statement. Only 15 when he dove into the water and emerged a C6 quadriplegic, Gross is now 46 and continues to find ways to push his physical and mental limits.
Although he uses a wheelchair to get around on a daily basis, Gross isn't letting anything stop him; that includes racing cars at high speeds. And while Gross has only been racing cars for a a few years (uses hand controls instead of the typical foot pedals), he has become a fixture running laps around Lime Rock Park, the historic race track 10 minutes from his house.
His passion for racing caught the attention of Amazon, which sent a film crew to capture his path for a new series on Prime called Just Hands: For the Love of Racing. With the full support of automotive industry giant Pennzoil, Gross is telling his story to inspire others to push their own limits.
Torsten Gross And His Journey To COTA
The Just Hands: For the Love of Racing documentary follows Gross for three years as he pursues GT competitive racing. Starting with episode 1, Gross is behind the wheel of his adapted Porsche, taking on the legendary track at Watkins Glen. Episode 2 features wheel-to-wheel action at the IGT championship at Virginia International Raceway. In Florida, Gross tackles 24 Hours at Daytona in episode 3. And finally, Austin's Circuit of the Americas is the ultimate test for his journey.
Constant filming might be intrusive to some, but not to this adventurer.
'My only goal is to get more people in chairs behind the wheel of track cars because of how freeing it is,' Gross says.
What Gross wants to convey is that his story has nothing to do with being an adaptive driver, and everything to do with coming up with creative approaches to life. Specifically, in this case, in motor sports. His route is also unique in that he didn't train in go-karts as a kid the way many race car drivers do. He is not a multimillionaire with big bucks to funnel into his passion. And, of course, that he started racing later in life. Gross built this road piece by piece on the way up.
'It would be criminal if you stop racing'
Now 46, Gross has an extraordinarily understanding wife who doesn't just support him and his need to try new and heart-pounding things, she encourages him to keep going.
'We're very supportive of each other, because we understand that life is short,' Gross says. 'It's meant to be lived, not to be wondered about.'
That outlook was put to the test recently when her husband broke his femur and punctured his lung in a crash at the track.
'I do a lot of crazy stuff, unfortunately for her,' Gross says. 'We were in the emergency room and I told her I'd stop racing. But she actually stopped me and said something to the extent of 'Look, you're on an adrenaline high right now. You're not thinking straight; you're in an emergency room. Let's talk about this later.''
Later, Gross's wife told him she thought it would be a shame for him to stop racing cars.
'She said, 'You're good at it and you love it,'' Gross remembers. 'She said it would be criminal if I didn't continue doing it.'
As Gross was being transported to the hospital, he insisted the cameras stay on all the way up to the point he got to the operating room. He wanted this part of his journey to be documented and real.
Pennzoil Steps In To Support Torsten Gross And Just Hands
Gross is effusive in his praise of the way Pennzoil has not only championed this project, but the way the company gives him a chance to be himself on screen.
'When we first started talking, I told them 'There's a difference between using a guy in a wheelchair that's a race car driver versus a race car driver that happens to be in a wheelchair,'" Gross recalls. 'They get it. Pennzoil has always treated me that way, and that to me, that means a lot.'
For Torsten Gross, this is just the start. Stay tuned to find out what he'll try next.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Buzz Feed
28 minutes ago
- Buzz Feed
35 Products That Will Brighten Your Day Every Day
A limited edition Eos 24H Moisture Super Balm in a delectable marshmallow fluff flavor that'll hold you over until you can actually sit 'round a campfire and make s'mores with your pals. Oh, and it'll keep your lips feeling hydrated all day and night! Vanilla Velvet Touchland Power Essence Hydrating Body and Hair Fragrance you can easily stow away in your tote to freshen up your scent throughout the day (a must during these gross, sweaty, summer days). An iced coffee enamel pin for anyone who considers themselves a proud member of the I-Drink-Iced-Coffee-No-Matter-The-Temperature-Outside Club. Add this to your tote bag or denim jacket to let the world (and your barista) know *exactly* what you like. A set of five dinosaur nugget pillows that'll make you want to bring your favorite childhood meal out of extinction — they're so plush and cozy you'll want to bury yourself in 'em while your *actual* nugs cook in the air fryer. A lovely 5-inch ceramic planter adorned with a panther design you'll want to show off to everyone that enters your home — it has a drainage hole in the bottom so if you dare to plop a living plant in it you'll be fully equipped! An LCD writing tablet that'll remind you of the rainbow scratch art crafts of your youth — snag it for the kiddo in your life to keep 'em entertained in the car or use it yourself to doodle while watching TV, write your crush's name with hearts all around it, or to leave your roomie a note (but with some extra pizzazz). An attachable Stanley Cup snack bowl to take your favorite drinking vessel to the next level — a drinking and snacking vessel! Fill it with cookies, chips, fruit, candy... whatever! Once you've stocked it up, you won't have to leave your bedroom until morning. See ya never. A boat-shaped Dinghy Soap that your kids will be impressed by, regardless of whether they're 2 or 12! Toss it right into the tub alongside your mini-mes and watch as they look on in amazement to discover IT FLOATS. Your next game of "sink or float" is going to be incredible. An Owala FreeSip water bottle in an exciting color that'll ensure no one ever picks up yours by mistake while you're lifting weights at the gym. Not to mention, it's made of triple-layered, vacuum-insulated stainless steel that'll keep your drink cold for 24 hours *and* two ways to drink from it (a spout and a straw!) Stunning patterned taper candles you can count on to bring a smile to your face whenever you glance at them atop your mantle. They're too pretty to leave sitting in your Amazon wish list — add 'em to your cart, it's what you and your home decor deserve. Some solar-powered lights that'll make your boring old patio feel like Alice's Wonderland once night falls. Your friends won't be able to resist taking aesthetic Insta pics of them — imagine how magical they'll look with a cool filter added to them??? Flower vase fridge magnets for anyone who simply doesn't have the space in their kitchen for a full-size planter but longs to bring some florals into their space. Polly Pocket herself couldn't come up with a cuter solution than these cuties!!! The flowers and the vases arrive packaged separately, so you can pretend you're a teeny tiny florist while setting them up on your fridge. A splurge-worthy new Nintendo Switch 2 you should probably stop reading about here and buy immediately before it sells out again — it'll be a major upgrade from the original model you've been playing on for years with poor battery life. Not to mention, it has 12 GB of RAM (the first one only had 3 GB!), a vibrant OLED screen, a built-in GameChat voice communicator for when you play alongside your friends, *and* the ability to use the Joy-Con 2 controllers as a mouse (WUUUUT). Egyptian Diamond Hair, Face and Body Glitter Mist, because Tinker Bell isn't always available to cover you head to toe in shimmer dust. Spray this baby all over for a magical, sparkly, glow with minimal effort. Or a pack of glitter freckles if you don't want to commit to full-on body glitter. They're water-resistant, will shimmer beautifully in the sunlight, and can be easily taken off with makeup remover. A crayon vase, because it's nearly back-to-school season and we LOVE 👏 A👏 THEME. 👏 And who wouldn't want a colorful new piece of decor to liven up their space? This nostalgia-giving beauty simply belongs with you. A stackable oval gem ring you can totally wear on *that* finger to convince everyone at your high school reunion (mainly your ex) that you're happily taken (they'll be none the wiser). If that's not your plan (to each their own) you can stack it beautifully with other high-quality Pavoi rings for a fabulous lil' look. A tin of emergency googly eyes because there won't be a single day that passes where you won't have the thought "this family photo could be improved with some silly googly eyes." Keep this pack in your back pocket and break it out when the opportunity presents itself. A pack of food-themed bandages, so when you nick yourself shaving or get a nasty paper cut, you'll be able to cope with a giggle. A phone umbrella you won't know how you've survived the entire summer without. It suctions to the back of your device and shades the screen so you can happily text your mom about your date from last night or devour the latest beach read everyone on BookTok has been raving about. A realistic "Things I'll Cancel Later" undated daily planner for the optimistic homebody who makes a ton of plans for themselves, then suddenly has "a headache" when said activity comes along. No judgment here, my friend. A 30.4 fl. ounce bottle of Monday Cleanse Body Wash filled with grapefruit extract, coconut and avocado oils, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid that'll help both moisturize and clean your skin. You'll be pleased it comes in such a large pump bottle after experiencing how incredible it smells and makes your skin feel. A miniature wacky waving inflatable tube man that'll make you want to throw your hands up in the air and yell, "WOOHOO!" A magnetic goose holder because *someone* needs to be in charge of keeping your keys from getting lost in the black hole that is your apartment. If you're a fan of the Untitled Goose Game for Nintendo Switch, you won't be able to resist welcoming this literal *silly goose* into your home. A Grim Steeper silicone tea infuser for anyone who feels *dead* until they choke down their first cup of caffeine. No need to hold off until spooky season rolls around the break out this festive friend. A "Gracula" garlic crusher to make even the most serious of chefs let out an audible giggle. Unless that chef is, of course, a vampire. They might not find it quite as hilarious — but let them know it can crush nuts up, too! A bee-proof and drip-free copper hummingbird feeder that'll have you whisper-singing "My nectar brings all the birds to the yaaaaard" while quietly admiring the gorgeous new feathered friends frequenting the new addition to your outdoor space. A trendy textured bag you can throw over your shoulder and feel like a fashionista, even though 1. It's filled with things like a dried-up lip balm, and sweat blotting wipes, and 2. It costs less than 30 bucks. Reviewers say it looks just like the Clare V. Petit Moyen bag (which retails for $385, in comparison). A set of mushroom bookmarks that'll both save your spot in your book while also making you feel like you've finally achieved your cottagecore dreams. I can totally see using these in a big ol' science textbook during the school year to mark off different chapters with whimsical flair. A box of flash-frozen coffee pods you can use to whip up a delicious caffeinated bev faster than you can say "I need coffee." All you have to do is defrost and pour over milk and ice for a delectable latte or pour hot water over the frozen pod for a life-changing hot coffee. Plus, the coffee itself is made from recognizable bean brands you likely already love, like Counter Culture, Onyx, and Joe Coffee! A set of cat-shaped double-sided sponges because why not turn one of your most hated tasks (scrubbing, well, anything) into an adorable experience that'll encourage you to do it *meow* instead of later? Glitter-infused highlighters, so the next time you get the urge to annotate your already worn-down copy of Pride and Prejudice, you can do so with the kind of flair Jane Austen deserves. You better believe I'm reserving shimmery red for Mr. Darcy. A puppy night-light that'll be the paw-fect companion to your need to pee about three times every night, despite cutting yourself off from drinking water at least an hour before climbing into bed. Sigh, such is life. Anyways, it has a lovely glow to it *and* has different color settings so you can customize it exactly to your up-in-the-middle-of-the-night liking. A set of Disney Princess–themed playing cards to bring some magic to your daily game of Solitaire. The best part? You won't know whether your deck will be *pink* or *blue* a la Sleeping Beauty's gown in the film until it arrives on your doorstep! And a Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse pumpkin throw pillow that'll look so gourd-geous on your couch, your partner won't even care when you display them in the midst of summer instead of holding out until the *Ber* months.
CBS News
29 minutes ago
- CBS News
Nearly 20 cars destroyed in massive Santa Ana carport fire
More than two dozen cars were destroyed or damaged in a massive fire at a Santa Ana carport early Wednesday morning, and investigators are working to determine what sparked the destructive blaze. Firefighters were dispatched to the 800 block of S. Sullivan Street at around 3:20 a.m. after learning of the blaze, according to the Orange County Fire Authority. Upon arrival, they found 19 vehicles that were fully engulfed in flames. By the time they were able to extinguish the fire, four other cars also sustained damage. One person was treated at the scene for minor injuries, but it's unclear what the nature of those injuries was. People living in the nearby Villa del Sol apartments were woken up to the sound of explosions and blaring car alarms when the fire erupted. Many of their cars are now destroyed. Investigators are working to determine what may have started the fire and have not released any details on a possible suspect. Property management at the apartment complex has not yet returned CBS News Los Angeles' request for comment on the matter.
Forbes
29 minutes ago
- Forbes
Projections: ‘Freakier Friday' To Flush ‘Fantastic Four' At Weekend Box Office
Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan's Freakier Friday is looking to end The Fantastic Four: First Steps' reign at the domestic box office this weekend. Disney and Marvel Studios' superhero tale debuted at No. 1 in its opening weekend with $115.6 million in North American ticket sales from July 25-27 and hung on to the top spot Aug. 1-3 despite a disastrous second weekend. Thanks to an anemic take of $38.6 million in its second frame, The Fantastic Four dropped a staggering 67% in business from its opening weekend. Now, this coming weekend, it appears that another Disney film, the family-friendly comedy Freakier Friday, will deliver the First Family of Superheroes a knockout punch. Freakier Friday is projected by Deadline to earn $30 million in its opening weekend domestically, while The Hollywood Reporter projects the film will open with about $28 million in ticket sales. Casting a much wider net, however, is Box Office Pro, which is projecting Freakier Friday will make $35 million to $45 million in its opening weekend. 'Weapons' Is Also Taking Aim At 'The Fantastic Four' Freakier Friday — the sequel to the 2003 hit Freaky Friday also starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan — isn't the only newcomer to the domestic box office this weekend. Warner Bros. horror thriller Weapons, starring Julia Garner and Josh Brolin, is projected by Box Office Pro to earn $25 million to $35 million domestically, which is more in line with Deadline and THR's projections for the film at $30 million and $25 million, respectively. So, where does that leave The Fantastic Four First Steps? Box Office Pro is projecting a $15 million to $20 million third-weekend take for the film, and clearly, their projections for its competitors are loftier than Deadline and THR. The latter two, in fact, didn't even mention The Fantastic Four in its conversation as to where it will end up financially in its third frame. No matter where The Fantastic Four ends up by Sunday, exectives at Disney and Marvel will no doubt be doing some soul searching — if they haven't already been — about how the film that was so adored by critics and big with audiences in its opening weekend fell so far so fast. One thing's for certain: Marvel Studios will be navigating some shaky ground in the coming year and a half trying to figure out how to get the Marvel Cinematic Universe back on course after its third box office disappointment of 2025. After all, Fantastic Four is the film meant to set up the return of Robert Downey Jr. to the MCU with Avengers: Doomsday, which is currently scheduled for a Dec. 18, 2026, release.
