There was yet another unfortunate shadow cast over the world of motorsport last night as the family of British racer Justin Wilson confirmed his death.
The 37-year-old IndyCar driver, the winner of seven races during a 12-season career that saw him drive for the Williams Formula One team in 2003 before heading to the US open-wheel series.
Wilson suffered fatal head injuries during the season’s penultimate race at Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania on Sunday, when debris – specifically the nose cone – from the car of then race leader Sage Karam – struck Wilson as he attempted to avoid the accident.
He was taken to hospital in a helicopter but died from his injuries last night.
Team boss Michael Andretti said Wilson was “a tremendous racer, a valuable member of the team and respected representative to our sport”, while fellow driver Ed Carpenter added:
“Days like this are extremely hard on all of us. Justin was a great professional driver and extremely good at his craft. Beyond that, he was a great guy. One of the few, if only, guys who really was a friend of everyone in the paddock. Everyone respected him for the way he carried himself.”
Wilson is the first fatality at an IndyCar event since 2011, when fellow Brit Dan Wheldon died at that year’s season-ending race at Las Vegas.
Tributes poured in from the world of motor racing, including from Wilson’s many friends in Formula One:
Tough day in motorsport today as we loose another great person and driver.
RIP Justin. You will be miss. Thoughts and prayers for his family— Juan Pablo Montoya (@jpmontoya) August 25, 2015
The motorsport World comes 2 a standstill once again. @justin_wilson was a great person & racing driver. My thoughts are with his family RIP
— Jenson Button (@JensonButton) August 25, 2015
I raced with Justin as far back as 1989 in Karting and remember his smile was infectious, such a lovely guy. #RIPJustin
— Jenson Button (@JensonButton) August 25, 2015
Well said Jenson. Very sad news about Justin. It's a cruel yet beautiful profession but so tough for family+ friends https://t.co/4R7OANSWKJ
— Martin Brundle (@MBrundleF1) August 25, 2015
Heartbreaking news about Justin Wilson's death. All our thoughts are with Julia, Stefan, the rest of the family and the @IndyCar community
— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) August 25, 2015
All at McLaren are deeply saddened to hear the news about Justin Wilson. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. #RIPJustinWilson
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) August 25, 2015
Terrible news flashed up on American TV.Justin dies from injuries sustained from Sunday's race.Deepest condolences to all the family R.I.P.
— Nigel Mansell CBE (@nigelmansell) August 25, 2015
