For the most part we use the Wagner BMW of Shrewsbury blog to share the latest and greatest with BMW models, or new technologies being developed from BMW. This time though we are taking a different approach and focusing on a man instead. This man is Mr. Alex Zanardi and he is someone that really knows how to get the most out of life.

For all you racing fans out there you may recognize the name from CART (where he was champion twice) and Formula One (also a success for him) from the late 1990's. A bad crash in early 2000 took both of his legs but it did not take his life

Demonstrating great spirit, Zanardi quickly picked himself up and re-entered the racing circuit in 2003. Specifically, he joined BMW Team Italy-Spain, which he competed on behalf of for the next six years.

In 2009, Zanardi decided it was time to shift directions and took up a different kind of racing...racing on three, rather than four wheels. Yes, we're talking about handbiking. And, Just as he had on the traditional track, Zanardi immediately met the sport with great success, winning two medals a couple of short years later.

Today, Zanardi is preparing for the 2012 Summer Paralympics competing for Italy. Zanardi is gearing up hard and plans to not give any of the competition a chance.

We don't know about you, but Wagner BMW of Shrewsbury serving Shrewsbury, Boston, Worcester and Sudbury , finds this story incredibly inspiring. We've recently watched the video documenting this new chapter of Zanardi's life and highly recommend it to everyone, regardless of whether or not you're a BMW enthusiast. While it is indeed produced by BMW, there isn't so much as a hint of sales pitch in it. Rather, it offers profound insight into how Zanardi thrives the way he does - and without any pomp and circumstance. Zanardi, despite all that he's accomplished in his fast-tracked life, is most humble.

To view BMW-produced "Alessandro Zanardi - Golden dreams" and see exactly what we're talking about, visit YouTube on your next work break. We'd love it if you left a comment telling us, and all Wagner BMW of Shrewsbury blog readers exactly what think.