Spanish veteran Oriol Servia has been confirmed to drive the #25 Andretti Autosport Honda in honour of his good friend Justin Wilson at Sonoma this weekend.
Servia’s appointment puts to rest uncertainty over whether Andretti would in fact field the car following Wilson’s tragic death a day after the Pocono race last weekend.
The 41-year-old Servia’s only start in the series this year was at the Indianapolis 500 when he failed to finish following a crash with Ed Carpenter.
“It’s hard for the words to come out the right way,” Servia said.
“I have known and raced Justin for more than 10 years.
“I have an enormous amount of respect for him as a racer, but his qualities as a human were definitely an inspiration to anyone who ever met him.”
Team owner Michael Andretti said fielding the #25 with Servia behind the wheel is the way Wilson would have wanted to be honoured.
“Justin was a true racer and advocate to our sport,” Andretti said.
“We will have Justin and his family in our hearts this weekend as we honor him in the way he would want us to, by doing what he loved – racing.”
Wilson’s brother Stefan had been mentioned in dispatches as possibly taking the drive however he decided his efforts were bettered focussed on supporting the family.
“As a family, we cannot imagine a better person to race in Justin’s honor than Oriol (Servia),” Stefan Wilson said.
“His path and Justin’s crossed in many different ways through the years. As a competitor, and also as a person, he carries Justin’s spirit well, and we know that Justin would approve.”
The American Honda Motor Company and Honda Performance Development have announced a contribution to the Wilson Children’s Fund based on laps completed by all Honda entries.
The Wilson Children’s Fund was established this week to benefit Wilson’s young daughters Jane and Jessica.
American Honda and HPD will contribute $50 per lap completed at Sonoma by each of the 13 Honda entries for a possible donation of more than $55,000 to the Wilson Children’s Fund.
“Justin was a valuable member of our racing program, but he also was our friend, and all of us at American Honda and HPD grieve together at his loss,” Art St. Cyr, president of Honda Performance Development, said.
Meanwhile Marco Andretti has led a motorcade of several IndyCars including Australia’s reigning series champion Will Power and two safety crew teams on a drive north over the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco as a tribute to Wilson.
An account has been established on behalf of the Wilson family. An online option will be established soon. Those wishing to contribute can send checks to:
Wilson Children’s Fund
c/o Forum Credit Union
PO Box 50738
Indianapolis, IN 46250-0738
Phone: (317) 558-6000
UK-based supporters can send cards and other condolences to the family to:
Keith Wilson c/o Lisa Davis
PalmerSport
The Old Post Office
Worthing Road
Southwater
West Sussex RH13 9EZ
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