Image via IndyCar
Update: On Monday evening, officials announced that Wilson had died from his injury.British racing driver Justin Wilson is in a coma with a severe head injury following a freak accident in yesterday's IndyCar Series race at the Poccono circuit in Pennsylvania.Sheffield-born Wilson was struck on the head by a piece of bodywork from another car following a crash at the superspeedway track. The incident occurred during the latter stages of the 200-lap race when leader Sage Karam hit the wall hard and his car disintegrated. The nosecone became detached and struck Wilson's helmet.Wilson was almost certainly knocked unconscious instantly, with his car spearing off into the wall and no head movement when he came to a rest. He was immediately attended by the series' medical crew. Karam escaped without serious injury.Wilson was airlifted from the circuit for treatment. A statement later confirmed that he had "suffered a severe head injury" and was "in a coma and listed in critical condition while undergoing further evaluation" at a nearby hospital.The race was won by Wilson's Andretti Autosport team-mate, Ryan Hunter-Reay.Wilson has more than a decade of experience competing in America, winning seven races in Indy cars as well as the prestigious Daytona 24 Hours sportscar race. Prior to this he won major titles in Europe, and spent a season in Formula 1 before relocating to the States.A veteran at 37, he is rated as one of the series' most intelligent and reliable drivers, and is considered one of the best-liked characters in the sport.
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