Motor racing is mourning the
loss of Justin Wilson
, the Sheffield-born IndyCar racer injured in an accident on Sunday who died last night from the injuries sustained when he was hit by debris from another car and then crashed into a wall. A father of two and a highly respected member of the American single-seater community for over 10 years, tributes have been pouring in from his family, team and the wider racing community.
"With deep sadness, the parents of Justin Wilson, Keith and Lynne, his wife Julia, and his brother Stefan share the news that Justin passed away today after succumbing to injuries suffered during the Verizon IndyCar event at Pocono Raceway on Sunday, August 23," says a statement on the
racer's website
. "Justin was a loving father and devoted husband, as well as a highly competitive racing driver who was respected by his peers."
Head of IMSA Ed Bennett added to the tributes. "IMSA joins the motorsports community in mourning the loss of Justin Wilson. As a competitor on the racetrack, Justin was one of the best, as he proved on multiple occasions, including with his victory in the 2012 Rolex 24 At Daytona. Off the racetrack, he was one of the most respected and well-liked human beings; a true champion and a true gentleman. Our hearts and prayers go out to Justin's family, friends and teammates, including Michael Shank Racing and Andretti Autosport. He will be missed."
Wilson's death follows that of another British IndyCar star,
Dan Wheldon
, back in 2011. Safety concerns were already being addressed
at that time
, Wheldon's role in developing the distinctive Dallara IndyCar with its extended sidepods and much upgraded crash protection leading to it being called
the DW12
Sadly not even that was enough to save Wilson, IndyCar - like Formula 1 after the death of Jules Bianchi and sportscar racing with Allan Simonsen - having to face the facts that even at the very elite end of motorsport death can still cast its shadow.
The incident that ended Wilson's life will no doubt be investigated and changes made as a result but, for now, the focus is very much on celebrating his career and mourning his loss.
Unsurprisingly PHers are already discussing Justin's passing. Join the discussion here.
UPDATE: A release has been issued by the Motorsports Association in the wake of Justin's death, his early career of course UK-focused with stints in karting and Formula Vauxhall. Chief Executive Rob Jones said: "On behalf of the UK governing body... we are shocked and saddened that his life has ended so prematurely. We offer our sincere condolences to Justin's family, friends and many fans at this very difficult time. From his karting days through to IndyCar, Justin was a credit both to himself and to the sport he loved."