(CNN) -- For Alex Zanardi, losing both legs in a life-threatening crash was only the beginning of a new chapter. 

This year, the Italian racing driver, who has competed in Formula One and Indycar series, added two Paralympic gold medals and a win in the New York marathon's handcycle division to his career highlights. 

Reflecting on what lies next, he says: "I have to tell you that the possibilities are not lacking in my life, and this is something for which I feel very lucky." 

At school, Zanardi didn't compete in sports much, "because I was really fat as a kid." 

After his sister was killed in a car crash his parents were eager to keep him off the road -- but they did allow Zanardi to race go-karts. 

"I clearly remember that first day on the go-kart being the best in my life," he says. 

Zanardi first raced in Formula One in 1992. After a contract with Lotus ended, he switched to Indycar racing, ultimately winning two championships. 

In America he became a popular driver, making a signature move out of performing post-race donuts on the track, and earning the nickname Latka (a reference to a character in '80s sitcom "Taxi"). 

The crash 

In 2001, Zanardi was leading in a Champ car race at Lausitzring in Germany, with 13 laps to go. But as he emerged from a final pit-stop, something went wrong. 

"I lost control of the car in the acceleration lane, spun around and basically ended up ... a sitting duck in the middle of the racing line." 
Did Alex Zanardi have a sister?
Did she die young?
How
Did this make his parents nervous about him driving?
What did they let him drive?
What does he think of as the best day in his life?
When did he begin Formula One?
For who?
What did he do when that obligation was through
Did he win anything?
What?
Where is he from?
Where was he popular?
Did he have a move he was known for?
What was it?
Where?
Where did his nickname come from?
What was it?
Does he still have his legs?
When did he lose them?
Yes
After his sister was killed 
Yes
After his sister was killed 
in a car crash
 in a car crash
yes
 were eager to keep him off the road 
go-karts
go-karts
that first day on the go-kart
that first day on the go-kart
1992
1992
Lotus
 Lotus
he switched to Indycar racing
 he switched to Indycar racing
Yes
 two championships. 
two championships.
two championships.
Italy
 Italian r
In America
In America 
yes
 making a signature move out of performing post-race donuts on the track
performing post-race donuts
performing post-race donuts 
on the track
on the track
a character in '80s sitcom "Taxi"
 a character in '80s sitcom "Taxi"
Latka
 Latka
No
losing both legs
in a life-threatening crash
in a life-threatening crash