Tributes are being paid today to Justin Wilson, the British IndyCar driver, who was declared dead this morning after being hit by debris during a race on Sunday.
Wilson, 37, had been in a coma since a large piece of bodywork from another driver’s car struck his helmet during the race in Pennsylvania.
Friends and family of the Sheffield-born racer had flown to be at his bedside at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest in Allentown.
Wilson was a former Formula One driver who moved to the American racing circuit in 2004. IndyCar confirmed his death and described him as “one of the most respected members of the paddock”.
In a statement on his website, his parents Keith and Lynne and his brother Stefan, said: “Justin was a loving father and devoted husband, as well as a highly competitive racing driver who was respected by his peers.
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“The family would like to thank the staff at the Lehigh Valley 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.”
Mark Miles, the chief executive of Hulman & Co, the parent company of IndyCar and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 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.”
Wilson’s younger brother Stefan, also a racing driver, paid tribute on Twitter.
“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 wrote. “I often told him, I just want to grow up to be half the man he is, as that will make me a pretty good man.”
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Wilson was hit by what appeared to be a section of fellow driver Sage Karam’s car after it spun out on lap 179 of the 200-lap race. The father-of-two was airlifted to the hospital immediately after the crash and never regained consciousness.
Karam was one of several IndyCar drivers to respond to the news on Twitter, writing: “I can’t find the proper words to describe the pain and sympathy I feel for Justin and his family. #RIPJustin”
Tony Kanaan, the 2004 IndyCar champion and 2013 Indy 500 winner, wrote: “Oh man, my heart is aching another friend gone. Godspeed to one of racing’s truest gentlemen. Why do we do this? Because we love it, don’t want to be anywhere else but a race car. We will keep your legacy my friend. Racers race.”
Chapter of accidents
Dan Wheldon The 33-year-old from Milton Keynes, was one of the most charismatic drivers in IndyCar when he took part in the final race of the 2011 season in Las Vegas. The two-times Indianapolis 500 winner ploughed into an accident involving several cars and was killed.
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Dario Franchitti Britain’s most successful motor racing export won four Indy and Champ Car titles and the Indianapolis 500 three times. His 11-year career was brought to an end when he crashed at a race in Houston in 2013, breaking his back. On medical advice, the Scot retired.
Mike Conway He was a promising young star at the 2010 Indy 500 when his car was launched spectacularly into the barriers. The driver from Kent spent months in a back brace and was treated in a cryogenic chamber for a broken back and leg. Astonishingly, Conway won his comeback race 11 months later, although he now refuses to race on oval tracks.