IMSA: MSR pays tribute to Wilson after win

Michael Shank Racing's trip to Victory Lane in Monterey ended a long dry spell dating back to the team's last overall win in 2012. Team owner Michael Shank and drivers Ozz Negri and John Pew celebrated that Rolex 24 At Daytona win with A.J. Allmendinger and Justin Wilson, and with Wilson's death in August, MSR's triumph on Sunday at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca gave some of the Briton's friends a chance to celebrate on his behalf.

Wilson's younger brother Stefan, who was making his first sportscar start at the event in a support series, was present for MSR's win, which seemed fitting.

"Yes, for sure," Negri told RACER. "It's funny. It was actually more vivid because Stefan was there and we talked. The way Stef speaks, his mannerisms, is identical to Justin. And the angle I look at his face, is the exact same angle as I looked at Justin's face because I'm looking up! Not only did Justin come to my mind, but also AJ. AJ, for some reason, he's a special guy. He's the best American racecar driver, in my opinion. For some reason I just think about him a lot. We all have a special bond. I think about the both of them a lot."

Shank added: "I hadn't really thought about not winning since 2012, left, until after the race. It's so difficult to win in our series and we have podiums and been close many times but for a variety of reasons didn't get the 'W.' So, yes, the win at Laguna means a ton! I think of Justin Wilson all the time, I don't need a win to think more about him. It's still a very tough subject for me, but I feel like he's with us in both in our worst of times and when we win."

Pew shared Shank's sentiments.

"Yes, I think about him a lot," he said. "I thought about him after we won Laguna as I thought about the last time we won. January, 2012 with Justin, AJ and Ozz. I will never forget that day or Justin. That was a truly magical day that Justin was a huge part of."

Stefan Wilson is also slated to make his first appearance later this month at the Indianapolis 500 where he'll attempt to qualify for the 100th running of the legendary race. Although he'll prepare for the event without his big brother, the MSR crew will be rooting for Wilson to carry on the family name in open-wheel racing.

"John [Pew], (Justin's friend and MSR spotter) Barry [Waddell], and I actually stopped by Stef's tent to say hi, just to talk to him," Negri added. "And then a couple of times we ran into each other and started to chat about stuff. It was a good feeling to see him there in a racecar. I felt very happy for him.

"It will be awesome to see him in the 500. He was talking a little about the Indy 500 and we're just all so excited for him."

Shank's Ligier JS P2-Honda carried a special tribute livery in honor of Wilson after his death, and the practice will continue when Stefan unveils a special helmet design at Indy featuring Justin's livery on one side and his own on the other side.