(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." 
Where was he popular?
In America 