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Justin Wilson dies after IndyCar crash caused by flying debris
The British racing driver was struck on the helmet by a nosecone after crash at Pocono Raceway on Sunday
British IndyCar driver Justin Wilson has died from a head injury after he was struck on the helmet by debris during a race on Sunday.
The 37-year-old, who spent one season in Formula 1, was airlifted to hospital on Sunday after the crash at Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania, but died on Monday.
The accident happened when another driver, Sage Karam, span out of the race on lap 179 of 200. A piece of debris from his car, believed to be the nose cone, then hit Wilson as he drove by. The British driver was apparently knocked unconscious and his car careered into a wall on the inside of the track.
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Trackside medics worked to free Wilson from his Andretti Autosport Honda, and he was airlifted to hospital, but died on Monday, less than 24-hours after the crash.
News of his death was confirmed in a statement from his family. They described him as a "loving father and devoted husband, as well as a highly competitive racing driver who was respected by his peers". He leaves a wife, Julia, and two children. His brother, Stefan, later tweeted that his Wilson had requested that his organs be donated in the event of his death.
There were tributes from IndyCar and Formula 1 drivers. His current team, Andretti Autosport, described him as a "tremendous racer, a valuable member of the team and respected representative to our sport". Sunday's race-winner and team-mate, Ryan Hunter-Reay, called for improved safety measures, including protection for drivers, reports The Guardian.
"Just to be innocent bystander like that and get hit in the head with a nose cone is a scary thought," he said.
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McLaren driver Jenson Button led the tributes from the F1 fraternity. He described Wilson as "a great person and racing driver" and added: "I raced with Justin as far back as 1989 in karting and remember his smile was infectious, such a lovely guy."
Wilson spent the 2003 season in F1 and scored his sole championship point for Jaguar when he finished eighth at the United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis. He began his IndyCar career in 2004.
"Once he arrived in North America, Wilson instantly endeared himself to the paddock," says NBC. "Known as a gentle giant at 6ft 4, he was an excellent driver too, with the paddock always regarding his skills as being far better than the equipment he raced in.
The last IndyCar driver to be killed was another Briton, Dan Wheldon, who died when his car became airborne during a crash in Las Vegas in 2011.
Brazilian F1 driver Felipe Massa suffered "life threatening" injuries, and had a metal plate inserted into his skull, after he was struck on the helmet by a spring in 2009 and crashed into barriers at full speed.
