IndyCar driver Justin Wilson died Monday night after suffering injuries in Sunday’s ABC Supply 500 at Pocono Raceway.
Wilson was struck in the head by debris from another racer on Lap 179 and is the first driver to die during a United States major-circuit auto race since Dan Wheldon passed in 2011.
Mark Miles, CEO of Hulman & Co. — the parent of IndyCar and Indianapolis Motor Speedway — released this statement following his death:
This is a monumentally sad day for IndyCar and the motorsports community as a whole. 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 is survived by his wife, Julia, and daughters, Jane and Jessica.
[h/t: USA Today]