Ex-F1 driver Justin Wilson
lost his fight for life on Monday after succumbing to a severe head
injury he suffered during an IndyCar smash in Pennsylvania on Sunday.
The 37-year-old from Sheffield was left in a coma after the high-speed crash, which saw him being hit on the head by an airborne nose cone before he careered into a safety barrier.
IndyCar were first to make the announcement of his passing at the request of his family on Monday evening.
"This
is a monumentally sad day for IndyCar and the motorsports community as a
whole," IndyCar CEO Mark Miles said in a statement.
"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."
Shortly after, Wilson's family also released a statement thanking
fans for their outpouring of support as well as the staff at Lehigh
Valley Health Network hospital, where he was taken following the crash.
"Justin
was a loving father and devoted husband, as well as a highly
competitive racing driver who was respected by his peers," the statement
read.
"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."
The racing ace leaves behind his wife Julia and their two daughters, who are seven and five years old.
Within minutes of the announcements tributes flooded in for the "gentle giant".
NASCAR
star Max Papis tweeted: "RIP @justin_wilson a GENTLE GIANT with a
special heart My prayers with his family form all at Papis family."
Race
legend Tony Stewart's team added: "Our thoughts and prayers are with
the family of Justin Wilson and the IndyCar community. Rest in peace and
Godspeed."
Former Indy 500 Champ Tony Kanaan wrote: "Oh man, my
heart is aching another friend gone. Godspeed to one of racing's truest
gentlemen. #justinwilson."
His brother Stefan Wilson shared:
"Can't even begin to describe the loss I feel right now. He was my
Brother, my best friend, my role model and mentor. He was a champion!”
American
driver Sage Karam, whose car debris struck Wilson, said: "I can't find
the proper words to describe the pain and sympathy I feel for Justin and
his family. #RIPJustin.”
Wilson won three IndyCar races out of the 120 he has entered after seven years in the sport.
His was involved in F1 for one season - 2003 - driving for Minardi before switching to Jaguar.
Despite
picking up his first point during the US Grand Prix, the team opted
against keeping him on and instead Wilson moved to the Champ Car World
Series.
Motor racing has worked tirelessly to improve safety measures that prevent incidents such as these from occurring.
Henry
Surtees - son of ex-F1 driver John - tragically died during an F2 race
at Brands Hatch in 2009 after being struck on the head by a wheel from
another car.
In the same year, Brazilian Felipe Massa suffered a
fractured skull after being hit on the head by a 700g spring while
travelling at 175mph.
He returned the following year after surgery.
(Daily Mirror)
No comments:
Post a Comment