IndyCar Driver Justin Wilson Dies From Head Injuries
IndyCar driver Justin Wilson has passed away at the age of 37, following injuries sustained during last Sunday’s ABC Supply 500 at Pocono Raceway.
Wilson suffered a severe head injury after being struck on the head by a piece of debris from Sage Karam’s car. A statement from his family read:
“With deep sadness, the parents of Justin Wilson, Keith and Lynne, his wife Julia, and his brother Stefan share the news that Justin passed away today after succumbing to injuries suffered during the Verizon IndyCar event at Pocono Raceway on Sunday, August 23.
“Justin was a loving father and devoted husband, as well as a highly competitive racing driver who was respected by his peers. The family would like to thank the staff at the Lehigh Valley Health Network Cedar Crest Hospital, Pocono Raceway, Andretti Autosport, and the Verizon IndyCar Series as well as the entire racing community for the amazing outpouring of support from fans around the world.
“The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Wilson Children’s Fund care of IndyCar.”
Wilson, from Sheffield in England, enjoyed success in several series during a two-decade long career in motorsport. After winning the Formula 3000 title in 2001, he took victories in World Series by Renault and secured an F1 drive for the 2003 season with Minardi.
A switch to Jaguar for the final five races saw the British driver score his only point in Formula 1, with eighth place at the United States Grand Prix. He then switched to Champ Car and IndyCar, winning seven races in 173 starts and finishing runner-up in the championship twice, and also won the 2012 Daytona 500.
Tributes from across motorsport have flooded in for Wilson, who was a popular member of the IndyCar paddock.
Can't find the words… impossible. Extremely sad day. We will miss you forever. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. #RIPJustinWilson
— Takuma Sato (@TakumaSatoRacer) August 25, 2015
So distraught to hear the news of Justin's passing. He was such a fantastic human being & will be dearly missed.
— Will Power (@12WillPower) August 25, 2015
You smiled in the face of anything that came your way, your friendship was worth more than you could know. We miss you already, JWill.
— JR Hildebrand (@JRHildebrand) August 25, 2015
A special special person. Until next time #BadassWilson pic.twitter.com/F5AkKmzdHV
— Josef Newgarden (@josefnewgarden) August 25, 2015
The motorsport World comes 2 a standstill once again. @justin_wilson was a great person & racing driver. My thoughts are with his family RIP
— Jenson Button (@JensonButton) August 25, 2015
I raced with Justin as far back as 1989 in Karting and remember his smile was infectious, such a lovely guy. #RIPJustin
— Jenson Button (@JensonButton) August 25, 2015
Devastated by the passing of Justin Wilson & wonder why I had so many more blessings. God please now bless Julia, the kids & @stef_wilson
— Mario Andretti (@MarioAndretti) August 25, 2015
Rest in peace Justin, it was a real privilege to know you and call you a friend. Love to Julia, the girls @stef_wilson Keith and Lynne
— Dario Franchitti (@dariofranchitti) August 25, 2015
#RIPJustinWilson, my thoughts are with his family and friends. So sad, difficult to accept.
— Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) August 25, 2015
He will be missed by many and is survived by his wife Julia and their two daughters. Our thoughts are with his family and friends, RIP Justin.
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