British IndyCar driver Justin Wilson died Monday night from injuries suffered in a crash during Sunday’s IndyCar race.
Advertisement
Wilson, a member of the Andretti Autosport team, is an ex-Formula One driver who had competed in various races since 2004.
US racing legend Eddie Cheever, now an IndyCar analyst for ESPN, said Wilson’s death should lead to a thorough analysis of safety measures in the sport, while acknowledging the freak nature of Sunday’s accident.
Wilson went on to carve out a successful career in the United States, winning seven races in his time in the Champ auto series and then IndyCar.
Wilson, from Sheffield, competed for Minardi and Jaguar during the 2003 Formula 1 season.
Lotus’s Romain Grosjean said: “So sad to hear that Justin Wilson passed away”.
The British driver was in a coma in critical condition after sustaining a head injury when he was hit by a large piece of debris that broke off another vehicle in the crash-filled race at Pocono Raceway on Sunday, August 23, 2015. News. “He was a tremendous racer, a valuable member of the team and respected representative to our sport”. Donations may be sent to: Wilson Children’s Fund, c/o INDYCAR, 4551 W. 16th St., Indianapolis, IN 46222.
“He loved our parents, his wife Julia his kids Jane Jess! All of us at IMS extend our prayers and deepest sympathy to the Wilson family”.
“Father, Husband, Friend, just an awesome human being”.
The racing community reacted with sadness and kind words for IndyCar driver Justin Wilson, who died a day after being hit with debris during the ABC Supply 500 at Pocono Raceway. “My thoughts are with his family RIP”, he wrote.
According to his brother, the organs from IndyCar Series Justin Wilson were donated to six different people.
“Justin will be remembered not only as a talented driver but also as quite simply one of the nicest blokes in motorsport.”
Driver Graham Rahal, a former teammate of Wilson’s, said: “Justin was always the first guy to come up to me and say something positive, something constructive, something helpful”.
Advertisement
His death plunged the Formula One community into mourning and tributes poured in from friends, fans and well-wishers.
