The Montreal Hairpin at the Snetterton Circuit, will be renamed in honour of the late Justin Wilson. The Brit, who was tragically killed last year was a protege of circuit owner Jonathan Palmer.
Wilson had been a talented driver who became the inaugural Formula Palmer Audi Champion in 1998. The success saw him promoted to the International Formula 3000 series, where he would win the title three years later.
He had a short foray with Formula 1 and the European Minardi Cosworth and Jaguar Racing teams, though soon moved his sights towards the United States. While there, he twice finished runner-up in the Champ Car Series and later competed in the rebranded IndyCar until his tragic death in August last year.
“Justin Wilson, the champion of my inaugural Formula Palmer Audi championship,” started Palmer, “Thoroughly deserved the support which that success brought him, and it was enormously satisfying to watch him make the best possible use of every opportunity he had through to F1 and IndyCar racing.”
“But not only was Justin an outstanding racing driver, he was also the epitome of a true sportsman, earning universal respect and admiration. He leaves a lasting legacy that we will cherish and perpetuate, with the naming of Wilson corner at Snetterton an important part of that.”
The newly renamed Wilson corner poetically leads on to the Palmer corner before the long back straight. The upcoming BTCC races at the circuit will be held on what would have been Wilson’s thirty-eighth birthday.
Justin’s younger brother Stefan Wilson, commented on the announcement; “This is such an incredible gesture by MSV and I know Justin would be very honoured and humbled to learn that he has a corner here at Snetterton named after him.”
“Snetterton has a special place in our memories as our dad raced here back in the ’60s and he would tell us stories of racing down the old Norwich straight.”
