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British IndyCar diver Justin Wilson has died after suffering head injuries on Sunday during a crash at Pocono Raceway.
37-year-old Wilson had been in a coma after he sustained a head injury when he was struck in the head by a piece of debris following a single car accident–and sadly passed away on Monday.
Pocono Raceway said in a statement: “It is with heavy hearts we express our deepest condolences to the Wilson family. Justin was a talented driver on the track and an amazing person to be around off it. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Justin’s family, his friends, his fans and everyone at Andretti Autosport. He will be missed.”
He is survived by his wife, Julia, and two daughters, aged seven and five.
Wilson’s family said in a statement that he was “a loving father and devoted husband, as well as a highly competitive racing driver”.
According to The Gauardian, “Wilson won seven times over 12 seasons in open-wheel racing and finished as high as fifth in the Indianapolis 500. An acclaimed sports car racer, he won the prestigious 24 Hours of Daytona with Michael Shank Racing, and competed in 20 Formula One races in 2003 before moving to the US to join Champ Car.
He finished third in the Champ Car standings in 2005, and was runner-up in both 2006 and 2007. Wilson entered this season without a full-time ride, but went on to join Andretti Autosport and was in the sixth of seven scheduled races with the team. The IndyCar season concludes next Sunday in Sonoma, California.”
Reactions and Tribute From The Racing Fraternity;
“Wow, what a sad day,” driver Danica Patrick posted on Twitter Monday night, adding “@justin_wilson was a good man. A great man. I had the pleasure of knowing him and pray for his family.”
Speedway legend Jeff Gordon also tweeted in memory of the father of two: “So sad to hear that we lost Justin Wilson today. Thoughts & prayers to his family and friends.” And champion stock car racer A.J. Allmendinger also remembered his fallen friend, tweeting, “Ur my boy forever. Love you @justin_wilson. One of the best ever. On and off the track.”
