RIP Justin Wilson

This is a blog I was hoping I'd never have to write. Yet deep down I've always known this day would come again.

I started this blog in 2012 after Dan Wheldon's passing, because it affected me so tremendously and I needed an outlet for my sadness. I'm glad I did, because I've been introduced to a community, a family, that I never expected. And right now that family is mourning once again and leaning on one another for support.

We lost another good one, and it's both saddening and maddening. By all accounts Justin Wilson was a genuine, likable, selfless gentleman. He fought to bring awareness and education about dyslexia, which he had himself. While with Dale Coyne Racing, he was an avid supporter of the Boy Scouts. He frequently visited with sick children in hospitals. The "gentle giant" seemed to always have a smile on his face, and was one of the most liked drivers in the paddock--and in an era of #IndyRivals, that's saying something. Why did we have to lose such a good person? Why??

I see too many similarities between Wilson's death and Wheldon's. They were both popular, charismatic drivers who were inexplicably only racing part-time. They both suffered head injuries while driving on a fast oval. And the saddest similarity of all--they both left behind two young children. If you believe in fate or God's will, then you might see some more parallels. God allowed Dan Wheldon to have one final victory--the Indy 500. He also allowed Justin Wilson to stand on the podium one final time--at Mid-Ohio mere weeks ago. Now, I'm sure they are racing together once more.

Because of all these similarities, and the fact that we have experienced another IndyCar tragedy only four years after the last one, the mainstream media will call for change. They have already begun discussing closed cockpits, a conversation that began after that fateful day in Las Vegas, but soon quieted down. And yes, part of me wonders if we didn't do enough to improve safety. Those conversations will continue, but now is not the time to get into that. Right now it is time to reflect on a life well-lived and a family left behind.

My heart aches for the Wilson family. Yes, racers say they know the risks and that death is always a possibility. Wilson himself even admitted discussing this very grave situation with his wife. But the speculation never matches the cold harsh reality when it finally happens. Those two girls need to know what a courageous, kindhearted person their father was. I hope all of us in the IndyCar family constantly remind them of that.

Rest in peace, Justin, and may your family find strength and comfort in this difficult time.