25/08/2015

British Driver Justin Wilson Dies

British driver Justin Wilson has died after suffering a head injury while racing in the Pocono IndyCar 500 race.

Wilson, 37, was killed after being struck by flying debris from a single car crash on lap 180 of the race on 22 August.

The debris broke off Sage Karam's car when Karam spun into a wall while Wilson's car veered left directly into an interior wall.

He was airlifted to hospital but later died.

In a statement, IndyCar said his death was a 'monumentally sad day'.

Mark Miles, CEO of Hulman & Co, the parent company of IndyCar, said: "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."

Wilson is survived by his wife, Julia and two daughters.

In a family statement posted on the drivers website, his wife, along with his parents, Keith and Lynne, and his brother Stefan – also an Indycar driver – said he had been "a loving father and devoted husband, as well as a highly competitive racing driver."

Wilson won seven times over 12 seasons in open-wheel racing and finished fifth in the Indianapolis 500.

(LM)

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