During what has been a tough year so far, Justin Wilson’s 2011 became much worse yesterday evening.
A quick off-circuit trip for the Englishman during free practice resulted in a painful back injury. Leaving the track at turn one at Mid-Ohio Sportscar Course, Wilson suffered an anterior compression fracture of the fifth thoracic vertebrae.
The excursion launched Wilson’s Dallara, causing him to come down hard on Mid-Ohio’s short infield, sending a tough shock through his lower back. The Dreyer and Reinbold runner was to be transported to Indianapolis today for further examination.
Wilson will be replaced for this round by the occasional ALMS racer Simon Pagenaud. It will be the Frenchman’s second appearance of the season – Pagenaud replaced Wilson’s teammate Ana Beatriz at Barber Motorsports Park earlier this season after she injured her hand at St Petersberg.
Pagenaud has qualified 18th for this race and will be hoping to better the 8th place finish he managed at Barber.
The F1 and Motorsports Archive wishes Justin all the best and hopes he recovers very soon.
