By Frank Santoroski, Staff Writer
KV Racing Technology announced today that Stefan Wilson will join their team for the historic 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Oil. The effort is made possible through a very special partnership with the Indiana Donor Network and the cause Driven2SaveLives.
The Indiana Donor Network, one of 58 designated organ recovery organizations in the United States, oversees and coordinates organ, tissue and eye donation, and provides public education on donation and transplantation across the state.
Wilson is the younger brother of IndyCar driver, Justin Wilson, who lost his life after a racing accident at Pocono Raceway last Summer. Stefan Wilson will run the number 25 on the racecar, honoring his older brother.
“As you may know, we lost Justin last August, and in the following days, it was quite easy to dwell on the negatives of that, ” said Wilson. “Other than being a special race car driver, an amazing father, an amazing brother and an amazing son, he was also just really good at finding positives in even the most negative situations. What he was able to do, by simply making a decision to be an organ donor…looking back on that, the one shining moment to come out of that tragedy is that fact that five people are still on this earth because of what Justin decided to do.”
Wilson, who hails from Sheffield, England, is a veteran of the Indy Lights Series where he took two race wins en route to 3rd in the standings in 2011. He is also the recipient of the 2007 McLaren Autosport BRDC Award for promising young British drivers.
He had a dream come true in 2013, where he was able to race against his brother in the Verizon Indycar Series at the Grand Prix of Baltimore.
“I was always proud of Justin. I’m eleven years younger than him, so I grew up being his pesky little brother.” Wilson continued. “It was always a dream of mine to race here and join him on the grid. Obviously, that dream is not going to be quite that way. I’ve always envisioned him here, and I’ve never envisioned a situation where he wouldn’t. I know he is going to be looking down, and for me, I just want to make him as proud of me as I was of him.”
In addition to the association with Driven2SaveLives, the car will also receive backing from GAP Guard and will be powered by Chevrolet. Wilson will be teamed with Matthew Brabham and Sebastien Bourdais for the 500.
“Having spoke with Stefan throughout the winter about this project, I am very pleased to see it come to fruition.” said team owner, Jimmy Vasser. ” Not only has Stefan proven to be a fast driver, but he brings the complete package to the table. It also goes without saying that it will warm the hearts of everyone in the racing community to see him drive the number 25.”
To register to become an organ donor, or for more information about the Indiana Donor Network, visit Driven2SaveLives
Image: Chris Owens/INDYCAR
