The Associated Press is reporting that IndyCar driver Justin Wilson has passed away after sustaining severe head injuries during Sunday’s 500 mile race at Pocono.
Wilson’s team Andretti Autosport released the following statement after IndyCar announced his death at 9:10PM ET.
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.
Godspeed, JW.
Wilson’s family also released a statement of their own:
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.
Wilson Children’s Fund
C/O INDYCAR
4551 West 16th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46222
Wilson, a native of Sheffield, England suffered his injuries after pieces of Sage Karam’s car came down and struck him (Wilson) in the head knocking him unconscious. Wilson was airlifted to Lehigh Valley Health Network Cedar Crest Hospital where Wilson would fall into a coma.
After racing in Europe for many years before making his way to the United States in 2004, Wilson has been a competitor in IndyCar since the league merged with ChampCar in 2008.
Wilson leaves behind a wife and two daughters.