IndyCar driver Justin Wilson dies from racing injuries

IndyCar announced the tragic news that driver Justin Wilson, who enjoyed success in multiple motorsports series during a two-decade professional career, died today from a head injury sustained in the IndyCar Series race August 23 at Pocono Raceway. He was 37.

Wilson was struck by debris from a single-car crash on Lap 180 of the 200-lap race on the 2.5-mile triangular oval. Wilson was attended to by the Holmatro Safety Team and airlifted to a local hospital.  He had been in a coma prior to his passing.

"This is a monumentally sad day for IndyCar and the motorsports community as a whole," said Mark Miles, CEO of Hulman & Co., the parent of IndyCar and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "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."

A native of Sheffield, England, Wilson recorded seven career Indy car victories - the most recent in 2012 at Texas Motor Speedway - and eight pole starts in 174 races. He totaled 711 career laps led, including two in the August23 race.

Wilson also competed in Formula One in 2003 with Minardi and Jaguar, and his initial F1 points were scored that year in the U.S. Grand Prix on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. He co-drove a Michael Shank Racing sports car entry to the overall victory in the 50th anniversary Rolex 24 at Daytona in 2012.

The outpouring of grief from the racing community was tremendous, as many expressed their shock and sadness over the death of the well-respected driver.

Andretti Autosport issued the following statement on Wilson:  

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Justin Wilson. He was a tremendous racer, a valuable member of the team and respected representative to our sport. While Justin was only part of the Andretti lineup for a short time, it only took a second for him to forever become part of the Andretti family. His life and racing career is a story of class and passion surpassed by none. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Wilson family and fans worldwide."

Driver Graham Rahal added:

“Some things in life just don't make sense. I know there's always a plan, but this one doesn't make any sense to me."

“Justin was the epitome of a great guy, an incredible teammate, great father and a wonderful friend. My time spent with him will forever be time I cherish, and I learned more from him than any other teammate I ever had. He led by example, he cared about others and the greater good, and he had a genuine way about him that you always knew you were safe when he was around you on the race track. There are people you can trust, then there's Justin. Never did I ever worry about racing him wheel to wheel, not once."

“Justin, rest in peace my friend. My fondest memory I've ever had in racing was shared with you by my side and I'm going to do everything I can to win this championship for you. Thanks for the memories, you're a badass.”

Wilson, a road cycling and mountain biking enthusiast, also was an ambassador for dyslexia, a learning disorder that challenged him as a youth. He often would speak to groups at the racetrack and visit schools near INDYCAR race venues.

Wilson is survived by his wife, Julia, and two daughters. Funeral arrangements are pending. In lieu of flowers, a fund has been set up for Wilson children. Donations may be sent to: Wilson Children's Fund, c/o INDYCAR, 4551 W. 16th St., Indianapolis, IN 46222.

By Staff of TheDailySportsHerald.com and news services