Racing has taken yet another driver’s life. British IndyCar driver Justin Wilson died Monday night from injuries suffered in a crash during Sunday’s IndyCar race.
Wilson was 37 years old. As previously reported, Wilson was hit in the head by flying debris after Sage Karman hit the wall during Sunday’s race at Pocono Raceway. After being hit by the debris his car went off the track and hit an interior wall. He was knocked unconscious and was airlifted to a nearby hospital where he was in a coma. IndyCar announced Wilson’s death around 9 pm Monday night.
"This is a monumentally sad day for IndyCar and the motorsports community as a whole," IndyCar CEO Mark Miles said in a statement, Fox Sports notes. "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.”
In a statement posted on Wilson’s website, his family thanked the hospital staff and the entire racing community for their support. Wilson is the first IndyCar driver to die while racing since Dan Wheldon died in 2011.
Wilson was a native of Sheffield, England. In 2003 he competed in Formula 1 before moving to the United States in 2004. He was considered one of the most talented drivers in IndyCar. He had seven wins, eight poles, 47 top-fives, and 94 top-tens in 174 starts in IndyCar and Champ Car, according to ESPN. In 2012 he was a part of the winning team at the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
Wilson’s younger brother Stefan is also an IndyCar driver. He is survived by his wife Julia, and two children, Jane and Jessica.