IndyCar driver Justin Wilson in a coma after Pocono crash

[harrybarracuda]

LONG POND, Pa. — Justin Wilson was transported by helicopter to a hospital Sunday after he appeared to have been struck by a piece of debris from Sage Karam’s car when it crashed in front of him during the final laps of the ABC Supply 500 at Pocono Raceway.

In a statement just after 9 p.m. ET Sunday, the Verizon IndyCar Series said:

“Wilson sustained a severe head injury during today’s event at Pocono Raceway.

Wilson is currently in a coma and in critical condition while undergoing further evaluation at Lehigh Valley Health Network Cedar Crest Hospital in Allentown, Pa.

IndyCar sends its thoughts and prayers to Justin, his family and Andretti Autosport during this difficult time.

Additional updates to Wilson’s condition will be released when available. “

Karam was leading when his No. 8 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet spun on its own in Turn 1 on Lap 179 of the 200 lap race. As parts from his car littered the track, one of the pieces appeared to strike Wilson, who was trailing.

Wilson’s car immediately veered to the left and into the inside wall on the exit of Turn 1. Safety workers immediately arrived and frantically worked to extricate Wilson from the No. 25 Andretti Autosport Honda.

The wall where Wilson hit was covered by a SAFER barrier.

[harrybarracuda]

Sad. RIP geezer.

Justin Wilson dead: IndyCar driver dies due to serious head injuries suffered in freak crash



The British racing driver Justin Wilson has died at the age of 37 due to the serious head injuries he suffered in a freak accident at an IndyCar Series race at Pocona in the United States, it has been confirmed.

Wilson, who was born in Sheffield, was struck in the head by a large of derbris that had come off of Sage Karam's car in a separate crash while the Chip Ganassi Racing driver was leading the race on lap 179 of 200.

The race continued under caution behind the safety car while medics treated and extricated Wilson from the wreckage, before airlifting him to the nearby Lehigh Valley Health Network Cedar Crest Hospital in Pennsylvania.

A statement released on The Official Site of IndyCar News, Drivers, Schedule & Shop | IndyCar.com read: “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.

Justin Wilson dead: IndyCar and ex-F1 driver dies after succumbing to serious head injuries suffered in freak Pocono crash - People - News - The Independent

[gwargamel]

^ Truly sad loss. He was a good driver and a great person. RIP

[VocalNeal]

Pragmatically speaking it would have been pretty quick without warning and he was doing what he enjoyed when it happened.
By the grace of god we should all go that way but reality is different.

[Black Heart]

Wilson, who was born in Sheffield, was struck in the head by a large of derbris that had come off of Sage Karam's car in a separate crash while the Chip Ganassi Racing driver was leading the race on lap 179 of 200.

Be gentle on me.

Wilson - died from being hit on the head from debris fro another racer's car?

So, the guy that hit the wall lived?


I just want to clarify.

EDIT IN:

OK. I youtubed another vid.

Now, I understand.

[harrybarracuda]

Wilson, who was born in Sheffield, was struck in the head by a large of derbris that had come off of Sage Karam's car in a separate crash while the Chip Ganassi Racing driver was leading the race on lap 179 of 200.

Be gentle on me.

Wilson - died from being hit on the head from debris fro another racer's car?

So, the guy that hit the wall lived?


I just want to clarify.

EDIT IN:

OK. I youtubed another vid.

Now, I understand.

Not so much hit on the head by it, more drove his head straight into it at high speed.

Happened to young Henry Surtees as well, drove into a bouncing wheel.

[chassamui]

Very sad. Nice bloke.

[harrybarracuda]

Max Chilton has just been on Sky talking about closed cockpit testing, which apparently the FIA are already doing.