INDYCAR community gathers to honor Wilson at IMS

Steely determination and dedication that marked Justin Wilson's varied motorsports career was remembered alongside his compassion, quick smile and love of life during "Celebrating the Life of Justin Wilson" on Sept. 29 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The program, which was streamed live on IndyCar.com, paid tribute to the veteran Verizon IndyCar Series driver who succumbed Aug. 24 to a head injury sustained in a freak accident the day before in a race. He was 37. A funeral was held Sept. 10 at St. James the Great Church in Paulerspury, England.

"We are here to remember much more than the race car driver. We are here to celebrate a husband, a father, a friend, a role model," Indianapolis Motor Speedway J. Douglas Boles said in opening remarks. "We are celebrating a man who left this community, this (IndyCar) family much better than what it was when he first got here."

On and off racetracks around the world, Wilson was an individual that everyone looked up to literally and figuratively. Several video presentations during the program highlighted Wilson's career accomplishments, but more importantly featured the role of the man in the life of his wife and two young daughters, the community and in motorsports. His passion for racing and devotion to his family and community outreach will be his legacy.

Wilson, who was diagnosed with the learning disorder dyslexia as a youth, often shared with school children at Verizon IndyCar Series venues how he adapted through assistance from family and teachers and through technology. He also was a regular and eager participant in Racing For Kids visits to children's hospitals. With various race teams in the Verizon IndyCar Series, Formula One and sports car racing, he was an integral member counted on for his technical insights and his quick pace on the track. He also was heavily involved in Verizon IndyCar Series safety initiatives. He was a role model.

Wilson's brother, Stefan, read a letter from Justin's widow, Julia, who was in attendance.

"Our world has been turned upside down; I miss him every hour of every day," she said in the letter. "Justin was my and the girls' hero. This (gathering and the preceding weeks) made me realize he was that to everyone."

In closing, four-time and reigning Verizon IndyCar Series champion Scott Dixon presided over a champagne toast in tribute to his friend and fellow competitor, with more than 600 additional glasses raised in the audience of the IndyCar community.

"You'll be forever in our hearts. We are the lucky ones," he said.

Following the announcement of Wilson's passing, there was an immediate outpouring of emotional and charitable support for Wilson's family, which is ongoing via an online auction of racing, sports and entertainment memorabilia. Through Sept. 29, the auction on eBay has raised more than $350,000 for the Wilson Children's Fund. Donations from the INDYCAR community raises the total to nearly $450,000.

Tribute T-shirts are available by clicking HERE, with proceeds also directed to the fund.

Source: IndyCar