IndyCar driver Justin Wilson is in a coma after a massive accident at yesterday’s Pocono, when he was struck in the head by the nosecone of Sage Karam’s wrecked Indy car at speed, which knocked him unconscious while he was driving. The accident occurred in the late laps of the race, when Karam’s Ganassi-backed car got loose and went head-first into the wall, breaking up the nose area. The nose cone became airborne and hit Andretti-backed Wilson in the helmet, at which point his car drove into the barrier. Karam was treated for a foot injury, while Wilson was airlifted out of the racetrack. IndyCar released a statement this morning on his condition:

“Verizon IndyCar Series driver Justin Wilson sustained a severe head injury during today’s event at Pocono Raceway. Wilson is currently in a coma and in critical condition while undergoing further evaluation at Lehigh Valley Health Network Cedar Crest Hospital in Allentown, Pa.

“INDYCAR sends its thoughts and prayers to Justin, his family and Andretti Autosport during this difficult time.

“Additional updates to Wilson’s condition will be released when available.”

While the racing community waits with baited breath in the hopes that Wilson is able to pull through, members within the community have come together to help out. Most notable is NASCAR driver Tony Stewart, who officially hasn’t spoken, but donated his private plane and pilots to assist Wilson’s family in getting to the hospital.

The accident bears and eerie similarity to Felipe Massa’s 2009 incident, when he was struck in the helmet with a coil spring during qualifying at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Massa ended up requiring a titanium plate in his skull and missed the remainder of the 2009 season.

(Courtesy: motorsport.com)