Justin Wilson, 37, died Monday, a day after he was struck in the head by a piece of debris during the Verizon IndyCar Series race at Pocono Raceway, according to IndyCar.
Wilson was hit by debris from the car of rookie Sage Karam, who was leading the ABC Supply 500 when his No. 8 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet spun on its own in Turn 1 on Lap 179 of the 200-lap race Sunday. IndyCar drivers are far more susceptible to head injuries because the cockpits are open and their helmets exposed.
Wilson is the first driver since Dan Wheldon in 2011 to die in a major U.S.-based auto racing series.
He is survived by wife Julia and daughters Jane, 7, and Jessica, 5.
IndyCar driver Justin Wilson dies | USA TODAY Sports
Wilson was hit by debris from the car of rookie Sage Karam, who was leading the ABC Supply 500 when his No. 8 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet spun on its own in Turn 1 on Lap 179 of the 200-lap race Sunday. IndyCar drivers are far more susceptible to head injuries because the cockpits are open and their helmets exposed.
Wilson is the first driver since Dan Wheldon in 2011 to die in a major U.S.-based auto racing series.
He is survived by wife Julia and daughters Jane, 7, and Jessica, 5.
IndyCar driver Justin Wilson dies | USA TODAY Sports
