Indy Driver suffers severe head injuries after being struck by debris
LOS ANGELES, Aug 24 AFP - Coma-stricken British driver Justin Wilson remains in a critical condition after suffering a severe head injury in an IndyCar race at the weekend.
The 37-year-old was left fighting for his life after being struck by debris during Sunday’s race at Pocono Raceway. He is being treated in intensive care at a hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania following the accident, IndyCar officials said in a statement released on Monday.
“He remains in critical condition,” the statement said.
“INDYCAR continues to send its thoughts and prayers to the family and thanks the entire motorsports community for the outpouring of support.”
Wilson appeared to have been struck in the head by debris from Sage Karam’s car when it crashed in front of him in the final laps on the “Tricky Triangle” of Pocono Raceway during the penultimate race of the season.
A file photo showing Justin Wilson, of England, putting on his gloves as he prepares to drive during practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis earlier this year. Picture/AP.
Wilson was rushed to a hospital by air ambulance.
Karam was leading when his Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet spun on lap 179 of the 200-lap race. He was able to exit his car and was treated for a foot injury. However, a piece of Karam’s car, possibly the nose cone, appeared to strike Wilson, whose car then swerved into a wall.
Wilson has driven in major US open-wheel racing since the 2004 season.
A married father of two daughters, Wilson lives in Colorado with his wife, Julia.
-AFP