Formula Lites mourns series' supporter and team partner Justin Wilson

ABOVE: Justin Wilson (left) joined Pikes Peak International Raceway's
President Bob Boileau, JDX Racing's Vini Papareli
and Raphael Matos at July's Formula Lites race at VIR.

As heartfelt tributes continue pouring in from around the motorsports world, today Formula Lites series' management, corporate partners, teams and racers join in mourning yesterday's tragic passing of Justin Wilson.

Wilson, who succumbed to head injures suffered during Sunday's IndyCar race at Pocono, was not only an active advocate for the new Formula Lites SCCA Pro series, but also a partner in the JDX Racing team fielding a car for current points leader Vinicius "Vini" Papareli.

"On behalf of the entire Formula Lites family, our hearts join with so many others in sending prayer and deep condolences to Justin Wilson's family, friends, Andretti Autosport and all who knew him," said series managing co-partner Dennis McCormack." Justin was a gentleman racer who personified everything good about our sport."

Wilson was on hand at the Formula Lites race at Virginia International Raceway, cheering on talented 16-year-old Papareli with fellow open-wheel and sports car racer Raphael Matos. Successful in open-wheel and sports car racing, Wilson was part of Loveland, Colo.-based JDX Racing along with motorsports veterans Harrison Brix and Jeremy Dale, both successful drivers in their own right.

Wilson, who also shared a long alliance with Formula Lites' engine supplier Honda, was scheduled to attend the series' next event at Colorado's Pikes Peak International Raceway for the upcoming Labor Day weekend.

"It's clear that Justin had a special ability to make an impact on so many people around the world," concluded series co-managing partner Ryan Arciero. "Formula Lites was certainly no exception. We were blessed to have his influence passed on to our teams and competitors. Justin will be sorely missed."