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Wilson's Andretti Autosport Honda being prepared for the 2015 Indy 500. He would lead towards the end of the race due to pit strategy before clipping another car and finishing 21st.Michael Andretti was able to scrape together enough money to run Wilson for the 2015 Indy GP and 500. Wilson was immediately quick, despite having yet to turn a wheel with the new aero kits. He ran well at the GP until his car broke. He lead the closing stages of the 500 due to alternate fuel strategy. In a Honda, he was able to run with the faster Chevrolets until his worn tires and empty gas tank forced him to pit. His performance at Indy was so impressive, Honda paid Andretti to keep Wilson around for a few more races. While it took him a few races to get back up to speed, Wilson's years of experience helped Honda unlock the potential in their aerokit, improving the entire stable of Honda teams. With a bit of luck, and a mountain of courage, Wilson finished 2nd at Mid Ohio, just three races after his return. He could have taken the win, but the driver he was fighting for the lead was Graham Rahal. With Rahal second in the points, Wilson graciously let him go and settled for second. After all, for Honda, his employer, securing more points for Rahal was more important than his own personal glory.
Wilson's results in 2015 do not do justice to the performances he gave. Not only was Wilson the fastest Andretti qualifier in the 500, but he was the fastest Honda period!I think that moment at Mid Ohio sums up Justin Wilson the best. He fought for wins, he worked hard for success, but at his core he was a team player. If he had to take the bullet for a teammate, he would. While many drivers believe the world revolves around them, Wilson knew that he was only a piece of a much bigger puzzle and his greatest talent was finding his place no matter where he was. He was a great believer in charities, specifying that a spot be reserved on his Dale Coyne cars for a charity sticker at every race. Even in death, Wilson gives: his donated organs will save 6 total strangers.
Before Sunday, Andretti was trying to put together a fulltime ride for Wilson in 2016. A shame then, that despite a decade in Champ Car and IndyCar, car owners and sponsors were only just beginning to recognize what Wilson could bring to the table. He was a diverse driver, well versed in setting up a car, and knew when to push, and when to hang back. Even if he could not bring home a championship himself, he was damn sure going to try and bring one home for his team. He drove in F1, scoring points for Jaguar in just his 4th race. He also won the 24 Hours of Daytona and competed at LeMans, ran in ALMS, and also tried his hand at Formula E.
Despite walking the grounds for four straight weekends, this is the only shot we got of Justin at Indy. Here, he banters with Helio Castroneves as they sign autographs for legions of fans.Justin Wilson is survived by his wife Julia, brother Stefan, and two daughters Jane and Jessica. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to a trust set up for Wilson's daughters (Wilson Children's Fund, C/O INDYCAR, 4551 West 16th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46222). Justin, thank you for the many happy memories. You were the epitome of a hero in sports and you are sorely missed. Rest in Peace.
