IndyCar racer Justin Wilson succumbs to injuries sustained in a crash on Pocono Raceway
Justin Wilson succumbed to head injuries sustained from a crash at the Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania, USA on Sunday August 23, during the Verizon IndyCar Series. The 37-year old British racer, who was driving the Number 25 Andretti Autosport Honda, was on lap 180 of the 200-lap race when Sage Karam's car spun and hit the wall, sending debris flying in all directions. Unfortunately, a large chunk hit Wilson's helmet, knocking him unconscious. He was airlifted to the nearest hospital but all efforts to save him were in vain.
In a statement to the press, Andretti Autosport said, "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."
Justin Wilson was a seven-time IndyCar winner, his most recent victory being in 2012 at the Texas Motor Speedway. Out of his 174 starts, eight were from pole. He made his Formula 1 debut in 2003 and drove for Minardi and Jaguar.
Justin Wilson is survived by his wife and two daughters. He was hailed as a loving father and a devoted husband. He was also an ambassador for dyslexia, a condition he battled when he was young.
The untimely death of Justin Wilson highlights the dangers of motorsport and risks that each driver takes when he gets into a racecar. The incident reminds one of the only too recent death of Formula 1 driver, Jules Bianchi, after his crash at Suzuka in Japan during the 2014 season. The fateful crash caused by a recovery tractor that was lifting a stricken racecar out of the track.
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