Tribute to IndyCar Driver Justin Wilson (1978-2015)
|One of the greatest auto racing drivers in the world passed away on August 24 due to a vehicular accident. IndyCar announced that Justin Wilson, who had been racing for more than two decades, have died from a severe head injury at age 37. He sustained the injuries while racing in the Verizon IndyCar Series at Pocono Raceway on Aug. 23.
The CEO of Hulman & Co., the parent company of IndyCar and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, released an official statement regarding the death of Justin Wilson. “This is a monumentally sad day for IndyCar and the motorsports community as a whole,” Mark Miles 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,” he added.
We at VroomVroomVroom are saddened by the news and extend our deepest condolences to Justin Wilson’s family, including his wife Julia and their two daughters Jane and Jess, as well as to his fans in Sheffield, England (his birthplace) and around the world. Many famous personalities shared their sentiments on the death of the IndyCar driver through Twitter.
His brother Stefan Wilson, who is also a well-known driver, wrote:
He lived for this sport, he loved it. The only comfort I feel is that he lived a life he loved! RIP mate, I'll chuffing miss you.
— Stefan Wilson (@stef_wilson) August 25, 2015
Stefan also revealed the generosity of his brother.
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
— Stefan Wilson (@stef_wilson) August 25, 2015
NASCAR driver A.J. Allmendinger posted:
JW I wish I could have been there to say goodbye. Told u how much u meant to me. Told u how much u inspired me to be better.Gone way to soon
— AJ Allmendinger (@AJDinger) August 25, 2015
Columbian racing driver Carlos Muñoz, who is also Justin’s teammate wrote:
No words..Really sad news…Hard to let go of a team mate and a great person…We will never forget you #Rip pic.twitter.com/mskcn9chqX
— Carlos Munoz (@CarlosMunoz034) August 25, 2015
Auto racing analyst and History Top Gear host Rutledge Wood shared:
Friday @justin_wilson went w/ @Racing_For_Kids to cheer sick kids up @ a hospital, & now he's up with the Angels. Gone too soon #RIPJustin
— Rutledge Wood (@RutledgeWood) August 25, 2015
British Formula One driver Jenson Button sympathized with Justin’s family:
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
Legendary retired world champion Mario Andretti wrote:
Devastated by the passing of Justin Wilson & wonder why I had so many more blessings. God please now bless Julia, the kids & @stef_wilson
— Mario Andretti (@MarioAndretti) August 25, 2015