37-year old Indy Car Driver Justin Wilson died after being stuck in the head by debris from another crash during the Verizon IndyCar Series race at Pocono Raceway.
Rookie Sage Karam lost control of his vehicle and hit a wall but the flying debris made contact with Wilson as he was driving through the crash zone. IndyCar drivers’ heads are exposed because of the vehicle’s open cockpit design so they are far more susceptible to this type of injury.
Wilson is survived by wife Julia and daughters Jane, 7, and Jessica, 5.
CEO of Hulman & Co., the parent of IndyCar and Indianapolis Motor Speedway released this statement:
“This is a monumentally sad day for IndyCar and the motorsports community as a whole. 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.”
The Wilson family has also released a statement:
With deep sadness, the parents of Justin Wilson, Keith and Lynne, his wife Julia, and his brother Stefan share the news that Justin passed away today after succumbing to injuries suffered during the Verizon IndyCar event at Pocono Raceway on Sunday, August 23.
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.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Wilson Children’s Fund care of IndyCar.”
