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Justin Wilson, the IndyCar driver who was struck in the head by debris following a crash by fellow racer Sage Karam, has died.
The Sheffield, England native, who began his professional career over a decade ago, was 37. He is survived by his wife, Julia, and two young daughters.
“This is a monumentally sad day for INDYCAR and the motorsports community as a whole,” Mark Miles, CEO of Hulman & Co., the parent of INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 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.”
Here’s a look at everything you need to know about the man who has been called the “Gentle Giant.”
1. He Was Struck in the Head By a Nose Cone
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On Lap 179 of 200 at the ABC Supply 500 at Pocono Raceway, Sage Karam lost control in Turn 1 and careened into the wall. As the caution flag went up and Wilson attempted to coast by, the nose cone of Karam’s car appeared to strike him on the head. Wilson went unconscious and rolled into the inside wall.
“Maybe in the future we can work toward something that resembles a canopy,” said Ryan Hunter-Reay, the race winner and Wilson’s teammate. “Something that can give us a little bit of protection and still keep the tradition of the sport. Just to be [an] innocent bystander like that and get hit in the head with a nose cone is a scary thought.”
Wilson was airlifted to a nearby hospital, and the first update revealed he was in a coma.
On Monday, Wilson’s brother, Stefan, who is also a driver, tweeted about Justin:
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!
He never stopped giving & caring for others. Even at this time. He had pre-chosen to donate his organs to help others in need. #myherojw
Karam, the other driver in the crash, also posted on Twitter:
I can’t find the proper words to describe the pain and sympathy I feel for Justin and his family. #RIPJustin
2. He Sold Stocks of Himself to Join Formula One
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In 2003, the then 24-year-old Wilson, who had previously won the Formula 3000 championship, was having a difficult time coming up with the necessary money to join the Minardi team, which had built a bigger car to fit his 6’3″ frame.
As such, he came up with the brilliantly unique idea to sell shares of himself. More than 700 investors bought a piece of “Justin Wilson plc,” and he was able to raise over $1.6 million to join Formula One, becoming the tallest driver ever in the sport.
Wilson said that ended in 2012, when all the shareholders were paid back.
3. He Won 4 Champ Car World Series Races
Wilson (M) celebrates after a win in Netherlands in September of 2007. (Getty)
After a year with Formula One, Wilson joined Champ Car World Series. He spent one season with Mi-Jack Conquest Racing before making the move to RuSPORT, where he teamed up for a short stint with A.J. Allmendinger in 2006.
While Allmendinger eventually moved on, Wilson rocketed to the top of the sport. He won a total of four races in three years, finishing second in the championship to legend Sebastien Bourdais in both 2006 and 2007.
Following the 2007 season, the Champ Car series merged with the Indy Racing League to form what is now known as the IndyCar Series. Wilson was expected to be the Champ Car favorite in 2008, but he took the difficult transition in stride, earning a win and finishing 11th in the final standings for the debut IndyCar season.
4. He Made 120 IndyCar Starts
Wilson (m) after his first-ever IndyCar win at Belle Isle in 2008. (Getty)
Moving between Newman-Haas-Lanigan Racing, Dreyer & Reinbold Racing and finally Andretti Autosport, Wilson established himself as a steady force in the IndyCar series.
In eight seasons, he made 120 starts, and prior to 2015, he started less than 15 in a season only once. Over that span, he earned three wins, 12 podiums and two poles, leading for a total of 302 laps. He finished in the top-10 at the Indianapolis 500 three times, and placed a career-best sixth in the 2013 standings.
5. He Leaves Behind a Wife and 2 Children
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Justin and Julia Wilson were married in England in 2006. They gave birth to two daughters, Jane Louise (b: 2008) and Jessica Lynne (b: 2010). When Justin was airlifted to the hospital, Tony Stewart donated his plane to Wilson’s family so they could quickly be by Justin’s side.
He is also survived by a younger brother, Stefan, who is a racecar driver, and two parents who he said were crucial in getting him into racing as a young boy.
“In lieu of flowers, a fund has been set up for Wilson children. Donations may be sent to: Wilson Children’s Fund, c/o INDYCAR, 4551 W. 16th St., Indianapolis, IN 46222,” IndyCar said in a press release.