Other statements on Justin Wilson’s death (Update)
Bobby Rahal
"Justin was one of the best — on track and off. He was lucky because he had a wonderful family with his beautiful bride Julia and two lovely daughters and he was excited about all the possibilities in life, not just in 2016 but beyond, for both his career and his family. Every year I spoke with Justin about joining our team, even as recently as Mid-Ohio. In addition to his ability to be one of the best race car drivers, he was the ultimate team player.
“Justin was a wonderful person and that’s what made this so distressing. I ache for his family. I have no doubt that our community will try to bring them as much peace as possible. Justin was universally liked and respected by his fellow competitors and there are not many people out there that can make that claim. The only thing that makes it tolerable, and it sounds trite, is that he was doing what he wanted to do. That doesn't take the pain away from those of us who grieve now, but for him he most likely was enjoying every second of what he was doing. And we have to believe that to continue.
“As I said in a get together with Max, Dario & (Jimmy) Vasser following Greg Moore's death, we have no choice but to remember the man, the personality and the smile."
Mike Lanigan
“At these very sad times, one has to question, why? A father, son, husband, friend, and so young. As we all know, Justin was not only a great talent, but as all great drivers have is the heart and love of his sport to overcome all the challenges presented to get to the pinnacle of his lifelong dream.
“I first met Justin in 2004 when Mi-Jack hired him for his first season in Champ Car. I found out quickly that he was not only a dedicated driver with a lot of talent, but more importantly a class act with a wonderful family. Coming from a humble background, you could see that Justin's career was a family affair.
“Under the circumstance of his death, there is no doubt that our makers wanted him now, and I believe he is sitting in the perfect race car smiling down on us. He lived out his childhood dreams and passed away doing what he loved best. Let's not mourn his passing, let us celebrate his time with us and learn from his example and life lessons he taught us. I am obviously crushed by his loss, but we must support his wife, children, and parents during these most difficult times. I am quite sure Justin would tell us to go forward and live your own dream as he has and now is being rewarded in the biggest race we can imagine next to his maker.
“Hard to imagine, more difficult to accept, but that's what faith is, isn't it."
Graham Rahal
“Some things in life just don't make sense. I know there's always a plan, but this one doesn't make any sense to me.
“Justin was the epitome of a great guy, an incredible teammate, great father and a wonderful friend. My time spent with him will forever be time I cherish, and I learned more from him than any other teammate I ever had. He led by example, he cared about others and the greater good, and he had a genuine way about him that you always knew you were safe when he was around you on the race track. There are people you can trust, then there's Justin. Never did I ever worry about racing him wheel to wheel, not once.
“Justin, rest in peace my friend. My fondest memory I've ever had in racing was shared with you by my side and I'm going to do everything I can to win this championship for you. Thanks for the memories, you're a badass."
STATEMENT FROM RRDC PRESIDENT BOBBY RAHAL, ON THE PASSING OF JUSTIN WILSON:
"We at the RRDC are saddened by the loss of one of our members, Justin Wilson. Justin was a talented race-car driver in the prime of his career who was often described by some of his fellow members as a 'gentle soul.'
"Losing his life in an incident that was beyond his control is difficult to accept. His expert driving skills and keen awareness of all that was going on around him could not save him. We mourn his passing and will honor his memory as a championship-caliber driver who left us way too soon.
"Our sincerest compassion and thoughts go out to his family and friends." — Bobby Rahal, president, RRDC
KVRT KVSH Statement re Justin Wilson
The entire KV Racing Technology and KVSH Racing organization extends its heartfelt condolences to the Wilson family on this very sad occasion.
For those of us who raced with him and against him, Justin was a gentlemen and a friend off the track and the toughest competitor on it.
He was a loving husband and father, and a true champion.
He will be truly missed.
Art St. Cyr, president, Honda Performance Development
“To say that we are heartbroken over the loss of Justin Wilson would create the false impression that our pain is localized. At a time earlier in the season, when we were in a continuing struggle to remain competitive in the Verizon IndyCar Series, Justin was the guy who WANTED to be with Honda, and he demonstrated that time and again. That allows you to take the measure of the man, and we will be forever grateful for his loyalty, and the gracious and gentlemanly way he represented our company, on and off the race track.
He was our friend, and our comrade. All of our thoughts and prayers are for his wife, Julia, daughters Jane and Jessica; his parents Keith and Lynne; his brother Stefan; and his many friends around the world."
08/24/15 Dale Coyne Statement:
It is with the great sadness that we learn of the passing of a great man, Justin Wilson. Justin was the kindest, gentlest racer that we have ever known. His wife Julia and there adorable girls Jane and Jessica, were shining lights of Justin's spirit. All of us that got to know Justin or just met him in passing must be saddened by this astonishing loss. Our thoughts and prayers continue with his entire family from all of us at Dale Coyne Racing and beyond.
Dale Coyne
IndyCar Statement
INDYCAR announced that driver Justin Wilson, who enjoyed success in multiple motorsports series during a two-decade professional career, died today from a head injury sustained in the Verizon IndyCar Series race Aug. 23 at Pocono Raceway. He was 37.
"This is a monumentally sad day for INDYCAR and the motorsports community as a whole," said Mark Miles, CEO of Hulman & Co., the parent of INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "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 was struck by debris from a single-car crash on Lap 180 of the 200-lap race on the 2.5-mile triangular oval. Wilson was attended to by the Holmatro Safety Team and airlifted to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest in Allentown, Pa.
A native of Sheffield, England, Wilson recorded seven career Indy car victories – the most recent in 2012 at Texas Motor Speedway – and eight pole starts in 174 races. He totaled 711 career laps led, including two in the Aug. 23 race. He competed in Formula One in 2003 with Minardi and Jaguar, and his initial F1 points were scored that year in the U.S. Grand Prix on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. He co-drove a Michael Shank Racing sports car entry to the overall victory in the 50th anniversary Rolex 24 at Daytona in 2012.
Wilson, a road cycling and mountain biking enthusiast, also was an ambassador for dyslexia, a learning disorder characterized by difficulty reading that challenged him as a youth. He often would speak to groups at the racetrack and visit schools near INDYCAR race venues.
Wilson is survived by his wife, Julia, and two daughters. His younger brother Stefan is an accomplished race car driver who has competed in the Verizon IndyCar Series and Indy Lights. Funeral arrangements are pending. 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.
Chevrolet Statement
"The motorsports community has suffered a tremendous loss with the passing of Justin Wilson. Justin will be missed. He loved the sport and the fans truly loved him. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends and legions of fans. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Julia, and their two young daughters, and everyone at Andretti Autosport."
Pocono Raceway Statement on the Passing of Justin Wilson
“It is with heavy hearts we express our deepest condolences to the Wilson family. Justin was a talented driver on the track and an amazing person to be around off it. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Justin’s family, his friends, his fans and everyone at Andretti Autosport. He will be missed."
Sonoma Raceway Statement
The following is a statement from Sonoma Raceway President and General Manager Steve Page regarding the passing of Verizon IndyCar Series driver Justin Wilson following an on-track incident at Pocono Raceway.
"Justin Wilson was a much beloved member of the IndyCar family and the larger motor racing community. His loss is painful for all of us and a reminder to embrace life and the family and friends we hold dear. We offer our heartfelt condolences to Justin’s wife, daughters, and all those whose lives he touched."
IMS Statement Regarding Justin Wilson
A statement from Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles about the passing of Indianapolis 500 and United States Grand Prix veteran Justin Wilson:
"We're saddened to have lost such an exceptional driver, friend and role model to many in the INDYCAR community. Justin was one of the most versatile and talented drivers of the last 15 years, as evidenced by his wins in sports cars, Champ Car and INDYCAR. More important than his driving ability was his approachable personality, his calm spirit, and the respect he earned throughout the racing community for the tremendous person, friend, father and husband he was. Justin made innumerable friends and admirers throughout the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and INDYCAR communities. All of us at IMS extend our prayers and deepest sympathy to the Wilson family."
Wilson first competed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the 2003 United States Grand Prix, finishing eighth and scoring his lone Formula One championship point of his career. Beginning in 2008, Wilson had competed in eight straight Indianapolis 500 races (2008 – 2015), finishing in the top 10 three times, with a best finish of fifth in 2013. Wilson also competed in the Verizon IndyCar Series Grand Prix of Indianapolis in 2014 and 2015. He is just one of three drivers who has competed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the United States Grand Prix, the Indianapolis 500, and the Grand Prix of Indianapolis.