IndyCar driver Justin Wilson remains in a coma after debris hits him in head

Justin Wilson remains in coma and in critical condition with a severe head injury Monday after a large piece of debris struck him, causing him to crash during Sunday’s IndyCar race at Pocono Raceway.

The incident occurred when race leader Sage Karam slammed into the Turn 1 outside wall on Lap 179 of 200, sending debris flying into the air. As Wilson raced through the area, debris off Karam’s car hit Wilson in the head. Wilson, seemingly knocked unconscious, veered nearly straight on into the inside wall, which was covered with an energy-absorbent SAFER barrier.

The 37-year-old, a native of Sheffield, England, was transported by helicopter to Lehigh Valley Health Network Cedar Crest in Allentown, Pa.

Ryan Hunter-Reay, Wilson’s Andretti Autosport teammate, won the ABC Supply 500. The 2014 Indianapolis 500 winner and 2012 IndyCar Series champion was not informed of Wilson’s condition until crossing the start/finish line.

IndyCar staged a muted victory celebration, canceling the customary confetti shower and other proceedings.

“I actually thought when we won the race, just prior to that, I was told he was in the ambulance with Sage going to get checked,” Hunter-Reay said. “I thought everything was fine. Come to find out, it wasn’t that straightforward.

“Can’t say enough about the guy on and off the racetrack. Thinking about his family, for sure. His two daughters; can’t imagine.”

Karam, 19, took several minutes before extracting himself out of his car. He was taken by ambulance to an Allentown medical facility for evaluation of a right foot injury. No further report on his condition is known.

Wilson began his career racing in Europe, eventually advancing to Formula One where he made 20 starts in 2003. The following season he transitioned to American open-wheel racing competing in the defunct Champ Car World Series, then moving in 2008 to the IndyCar Series.

Between Champ Car and IndyCar, Wilson owns seven wins in 173 starts.