Tragedy has struck the world of IndyCar racing after it was announced Justin Wilson passed away from a head injury sustained at Pocono Raceway.
On August 23, Sage Karam crashed during the ABC Supply 500 and when Wilson, driving for Andretti Autosport Honda, attempted to avoid the carnage, a nose cone from Karam’s car struck him in the head.
A helicopter transported him to a nearby hospital where he eventually succumbed to his injuries. He was 37 years old.
“This is a monumentally sad day for IndyCar and the motorsports community as a whole,” said Mark Miles, CEO of IndyCar parent company, Hulman & Co.
“Justin’s elite ability to drive a race car was matched by his unwavering kindness, character and humility – which is what made him one of the most respected members of the paddock. As we know, the racing industry is one big family, and our efforts moving forward will be focused on rallying around Justin’s family to ensure they get the support they need during this unbelievably difficult time.”
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
The Englishman had won seven Indy car races and tallied up 711 career laps led.
Prior to that he was a Formula One driver with Minardi and Jaguar.
Wilson was also an ambassador for dyslexia, a disorder he suffered from in his youth.
He is survived by wife Julia and two daughters.
“Obviously, Justin was a great professional driver and extremely good at his craft,” CFH Racing co-owner/driver Ed Carpenter said.
“Beyond that he was a great guy. One of the few, if only, guys that really was a friend among everyone in the paddock, amongst the competitors, and respected for the way he carried himself.
In 2011, IndyCar lost two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Weldon after also sustaining head injuries in a crash at the IZOD IndyCar World Championship.
The entire NASCAR family mourns the death of Justin Wilson. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/l0RkpUMxjZ
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) August 25, 2015
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