Andretti Racing IndyCar racer and TFL test driver Justin Wilson succumbed to injuries today that he sustained during the Verizon IndyCar Series race at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pa., on Sunday.
Wilson was struck in the head by debris from Chip Ganassi Racing driver Sage Karam’s car, which was involved in a one-car crash. He was treated at the scene and airlifted to Lehigh Valley Hospital Cedar Crest in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where he was in a coma and in critical condition.
Wilson was a part-time driver for Andretti Motorsports this year and was hoping to secure a full-time seat in 2016. During his successful IndyCar career, he recorded seven victories and eight pole positions in 174 races. He most recently scored a second-place finish at Mid Ohio.
Before moving to IndyCar, Wilson drove briefly in Formula One and was the Formula 3000 champion in 2001.
Wilson, 37, a native of Sheffield, England, is survived by his wife, Julia, and two daughters. The family issued the following statement:
“Justin was a loving father and devoted husband, as well as a highly competitive racing driver who was respected by his peers. The family would like to thank the staff at the Lehigh Valley Health Network Cedar Crest Hospital, Pocono Raceway, Andretti Autosport, and the Verizon IndyCar Series as well as the entire racing community for the amazing outpouring of support from fans around the world.”
In lieu of flowers, a fund has been set up for the Wilson children. Donations can be sent to Wilson Children’s Fund, c/o INDYCAR, 4551 W. 16th St., Indianapolis, IN 46222.
Justin was a good friend of the TFL team and he will be missed.
“This is perhaps the worst day of my TFL professional career. I just feel like Justin was way too kind, way too smart and way too talented to pass away so early,” said TFL publisher Roman Mica.
R.I.P Justin Wilson. All proceeds from the video will be donated to Justin’s family.
