DETROIT—Despite losing his life after a freak IndyCar accident at Pocono Raceway ON aUG. 23, driver Justin Wilson's reputation as a wonderful human being is now part of his legacy.
On Aug. 25, Justin Wilson's younger brother Stefan—himself an accomplished race car driver who has competed in the Verizon IndyCar Series and Indy Lights—tweeted out that by donating Justin's organs, the fallen driver helped save six lives.
“With #giftoflife @Justin_Wilson saved 6 lives today. He just keeps setting the bar higher. Keep Julia & the girls in your prayers #myherojw,” he tweeted, referring to Mr. Wilson's wife Julia and two young daughters.
IndyCar announced on Aug. 24 that Justin Wilson, “who enjoyed success in multiple motorsports series during a two-decade professional career,” died that day from a head injury sustained in the Verizon IndyCar Series race that was held Aug. 23 at Pocono Raceway.
“This is a monumentally sad day for IndyCar and the motorsports community as a whole,” said Mark Miles, CEO of Hulman & Co., the parent of IndyCar and Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“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.”
Mr. Wilson, 37, driving the No. 25 Andretti Autosport Honda, was struck by debris from a single-car crash on Lap 180 of the 200-lap race on the 2.5-mile Pocono triangular oval. He was airlifted to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest in Allentown, Pa., where he died, IndyCar said.
This report appeared in Autoweek magazine, a Detroit-based sister publication of Tire Business.