Father, Husband, Friend, just an amazing human being. We will miss you to no end. Love to the Wilson Family. #RIPJustin
— Scott Dixon (@scottdixon9) August 25, 2015
Monday evening, the racing world got the news it dreaded. Following an accident at Pocono Raceway Sunday afternoon, IndyCar driver Justin Wilson succumbed to his injuries and passed away at the age of 37. Immediately, the tributes and remembrances came pouring in.
Statement from Wilson’s family:
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.
Justin was a loving father and devoted husband, as well as a highly competitive racing driver who was respected by his peers.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Lehigh Valley Health Network Cedar Crest 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.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Wilson Children’s Fund care of INDYCAR.
Wilson Children’s Fund
C/O INDYCAR
4551 West 16th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46222
Statement from Mark Miles, CEO of Hulman & Co.:
On behalf of the Wilson family, it’s with profound sadness that we announce that Justin Wilson died this evening at Lehigh Valley Health Network Hospital in Allentown, Pa., as a result of the head injury he sustained yesterday at the Pocono Raceway event.
He passed away in the company of his family, his brother, Stefan, his loving wife, wonderful wife, Julia, and his parents, Keith and Lynne.
Justin’s elite ability to drive a racecar was matched by his unwavering kindness, character and humility, which made him one of the most respected members of the paddock.
As we know, the racing industry is one big family, and our focus now is on rallying around Justin’s family to ensure that they get the support that they need during this difficult time.
Anyone who follows our sport knows Justin is one of the most well-respected, highly regarded and loved people in the entire paddock. He will be missed.
I want to express sincere thanks on behalf of Justin’s family and the INDYCAR and Andretti Autosport organizations, to the Holmatro Safety Team, to Drs. (Michael) Olinger, (Andrew) Stevens and (Terry) Trammell, and INDYCAR nurse Denise Titus. Also to the staff at the Infield Care Center at Pocono Raceway, and also the skilled and thoughtful professionals at Lehigh Valley Health Network in Allentown.
The outpouring of support from the motorsports community, fans and stakeholders has been amazing. I know the Wilson family is very, very appreciative. In particular, the Wilson family wishes to thank Justin’s fellow drivers and their families who have been so thoughtful, kind and supportive.
Statement from Andretti Autosport:
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Justin Wilson. He was a tremendous racer, a valuable member of the team and respected representative to our sport. While Justin was only part of the Andretti lineup for a short time, it only took a second for him to forever become part of the Andretti family. His life and racing career is a story of class and passion surpassed by none. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Wilson family and fans worldwide.
Godspeed, JW.
Statement from Ed Carpenter on behalf of the IndyCar drivers:
I’m here on behalf of all the drivers in the IndyCar Series. It’s days like this that are extremely hard on all of us. We just want to offer our sincere condolences to Justin’s family, to his parents, especially Julia, Jane and Jess, and Stefan.
Obviously, Justin was a great professional driver and extremely good at his craft. Beyond that, he was a great guy. One of the few, if only, guys that really was a friend among everyone in the paddock, amongst the competitors, and respected for the way he carried himself.
I think for me, for what Justin’s gone through over the past couple years, how hard he worked to get back into the car this season, and the opportunity that he had with Andretti, I think he exemplified the reason we all love doing this. He fought so hard to come back.
As challenging as today is and yesterday was, he was doing what he loved to do, what we all love to do, and why we’ll all be back competing in his honor in the near future.
Thank you.
Pocono Raceway Statement on the Passing of Justin Wilson (see image) –> pic.twitter.com/UqHLCdOrSJ
— Pocono Raceway (@PoconoRaceway) August 25, 2015
A brief statement from Mazda Motorsports on the passing of @justin_wilson. pic.twitter.com/A1LAcuCoe2
— Mazda Motorsports (@MazdaRacing) August 25, 2015
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!
— Stefan Wilson (@stef_wilson) August 25, 2015
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
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. pic.twitter.com/Q3hOCtu5Pv
— Stefan Wilson (@stef_wilson) August 25, 2015
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
I can't find the proper words to describe the pain and sympathy I feel for Justin and his family. #RIPJustin
— Sage Karam (@SageKaram) August 25, 2015
My friend, brother, teammate and especially to one of the most amazing people I have had the pleasure to be around. I love u @justin_wilson
— AJ Allmendinger (@AJDinger) August 25, 2015
Life isn't fair sometimes. We lost one of the great ones today. One of the best ever. I know ur up there being a Wheelman JW. Ur amazing!!!
— AJ Allmendinger (@AJDinger) August 25, 2015
Thanks for showing all of us how to be a great race car driver but more importantly showing us all how to be so humble.#RIPJW. I will miss u
— AJ Allmendinger (@AJDinger) August 25, 2015
Most importantly his family. His beautiful wife and kids. His parents. His brother Stef. All of thoughts and prayers need to be with them.
— AJ Allmendinger (@AJDinger) August 25, 2015
Ur my boy forever. Love you @justin_wilson. One of the best ever. On and off the track. pic.twitter.com/kDZxxfj0jN
— AJ Allmendinger (@AJDinger) August 25, 2015
My brothers… @MichaelShankRac @OzzNegri @JohnPew1 @justin_wilson. Greatest moment of my life. Forever. Brothers. pic.twitter.com/GqyJsou8WS
— AJ Allmendinger (@AJDinger) August 25, 2015
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
picture of the podium where @justin_wilson scored his first career win. @AJDinger and @paultracy3 completing the trio pic.twitter.com/eVHCQD3DH3
— Darian Vincent (@DarianVincent) August 25, 2015
Thankful to have known @justin_wilson & honored to have shared a seat with him. He was a Great Man and will be missed pic.twitter.com/vgRS4iEzsm
— Michael McDowell (@Mc_Driver) August 25, 2015
https://twitter.com/dfieldsfrye/status/635993832996347905
Justin, was a pleasure to know you and to be your teammate. I will always remember you as a fantastic person. RIP
— Carlos Huertas (@Carlos_Huertas) August 25, 2015
Saddened to hear the news that Justin Wilson has passed away.
Our thoughts are with Justin's family, friends and his team. #RIPJustinWilson— #TeamKHI (@KHIManagement) August 25, 2015
After Vegas and today I don't know if I have any tears left. #TwoGoodOnesGone #Devastated #IndyCar
— Matt Archuleta (@indy44) August 25, 2015
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
May these two gorgeous British boys rest in peace together. #BadassWilson #Lionheart pic.twitter.com/z2mludlVWM
— Holly Wheldon (@hollywheldon) August 25, 2015
Two little girls lost their Daddy. A woman lost the man she married. Its not our place to debate why, how, or what if. Just pray. #RIPJustin
— ????? ????? (@EmilyKozel) August 25, 2015
"I know that God is involved in all things yet I am sad and confused at times"—Kenny Crosswaithe. #RIPJustinWilson
— Chip Ganassi (@GanassiChip) August 25, 2015
The sport we love can be so cruel. Today is one of those days. IndyCar lost a great driver and great friend. The world lost a great person.
— Charlie Kimball (@charliekimball) August 25, 2015
Taught me life lessons, this one did. Will miss my friend and co-worker. #BadAssWilson #IndyCar @justin_wilson https://t.co/L4wxhWB4tr
— Kate Guerra (@kateguerra4) August 25, 2015
https://twitter.com/pjchesson/status/635994812559327233
So sad to hear about the loss of Justin Wilson. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family through this tough time #PrayersForJustin
— Matt DiBenedetto (@mattdracing) August 25, 2015
One of our racing family's most authentically real person, who forever made us better people. #PrayingfortheWilsonFamily @justin_wilson
— Sarah Fisher (@SarahFisher) August 25, 2015
My heart breaks for Justin's family and friends. https://t.co/QpJldzyc2n
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) August 25, 2015
I'm so pissed off I lost my friend tonight . I'm so pissed off that his kids/wife don't get him to grow up with. I'm just so sad…
— Meyer Shank Racing (@MeyerShankRac) August 25, 2015
My heart absolutely aches for the Wilson family. Praying for God's overwhelming peace and comfort for Justin's wife and daughters.
— Jami McDowell (@McDzFamily) August 25, 2015
Heartbroken. We lost an exceptional human being, a badass driver. A guy everyone loved and could look up to. So cruel. Rest in Peace Justin.
— Tristan Vautier (@TristanVautier) August 25, 2015
We ll miss u very much @justin_wilson .Thanks for everything you did for @IndyCar . Thoughts and prayers to Wilson family. #RIPJustinWilson
— Simon Pagenaud (@simonpagenaud) August 25, 2015
Thoughts & Prayers to @justin_wilson wife, daughters & family & let's honor him as a great racer and person!
— Connie Montoya (@conniemontoya) August 25, 2015
Today reminds us how tough racing can be, the worst is accepted, but never expected. Our brotherhood lost a member today. #RIPJustinWilson
— Cale Conley Racing (@CaleConley) August 25, 2015
Tough day in motorsport today as we loose another great person and driver.
RIP Justin. You will be miss. Thoughts and prayers for his family— Juan Pablo Montoya (@jpmontoya) August 25, 2015
My heart aches We're a family of 1 no matter the type of racing Last few wks have been trying. Thoughts & prayers to the Wilson family??
— Ashley Deihl Stremme (@AshleyStremme) August 25, 2015
Sometimes it's hard to cope a loss in the sport that so many of us love but all we can do is send out condolences to the Wilson family RIP
— Tyler Truex (@Tyler_Truex) August 25, 2015
The risk is known. It is one you accept. Let's not forget he was doing something he loved, however tragic this all may be.
— Kyle Shear (@KyleShear) August 25, 2015
It was an absolute honor to share the track with @justin_wilson he was an incredible human being. #RIPJW
— Conor Daly (@ConorDaly22) August 25, 2015
Godspeed, Justin. #IndyCar pic.twitter.com/pXSwQWtSdc
— Texas Motor Speedway (@TXMotorSpeedway) August 25, 2015
So distraught to hear the news of Justin's passing. He was such a fantastic human being & will be dearly missed.
— Will Power (@12WillPower) August 25, 2015
Father, Husband, Friend, just an amazing human being. We will miss you to no end. Love to the Wilson Family. #RIPJustin
— Scott Dixon (@scottdixon9) August 25, 2015
The sport we love can be so cruel. Today is one of those days. IndyCar lost a great driver and great friend. The world lost a great person.
— Charlie Kimball (@charliekimball) August 25, 2015
Taught me life lessons, this one did. Will miss my friend and co-worker. #BadAssWilson #IndyCar @justin_wilson https://t.co/L4wxhWB4tr
— Kate Guerra (@kateguerra4) August 25, 2015