The traditional look of IndyCar racing centers around no fenders and no cockpit covers. The four tires and the driver’s head have always been exposed.
However, Justin Wilson’s death caused by flying debris to the head is restarting conversations about mandating a cockpit canopy — similar to that of a fighter pilot or those used by some National Hot Rod Association top fuel drivers.
“Could a canopy have helped? I don’t know,” said Art Kilgore, a Furniture Row Racing crew member who previously served as chief mechanic for Wilson in the Champ Car World Series. “It might have diverted the part away from his head and over him.”
Wilson died of severe head trauma after the nose cone from a single-car accident in front of him bounced off the track multiple times and struck him in the head. In 2006, Kilgore was crew chief for Wilson’s RuSport teammate, Cristiano da Matta, when da Matta struck a deer during a test session and suffered life-threatening injuries from the animal’s impact to his head.
A roll bar in front of da Matta’s head might have lessoned impact, but it probably diminished his ability to see the deer. Many oppose a canopy for that reason, in addition to the added evacuation time to get away from a fire.
NHRA top fuel drivers Tony Schumacher and Antron Brown are among those who race with full canopies. Brown said it might have saved his life last year in Atlanta.
“(The wing) headed right back at me and hit the canopy,” Brown told USA Today. “It hit so hard that it buckled it but didn’t break it. I was going 315 mph at the time. If the canopy hadn’t been there to stop the wing, it would have hit me in the head. I wouldn’t be sitting here talking to you today.”
Since Wilson’s accident, Schumacher told USA Today: “That’s the exact reason I use it. I don’t know what’s coming off the car next to me, what’s coming out of the stands. I don’t know if I’m going to hit a bird. I’ve hit three birds. I’m going 330 mph, and if can deflect it in some way, I’d like it to do that.
“I’ll say it for the millionth time: I’m glad it’s not mandatory, but I’m surprised everyone doesn’t use it. I wouldn’t drive a car without it.”
Colorado National Speedway is a NASCAR-sanctioned track with open wheel divisions, including sprints, grand American modifieds and mod-coups. Track photographer Joe Starr said they all have gated windshields or protective bars from the hood to the roof.
“There’s something in front of the drivers, for the most part, to protect them from something flying into the cars,” Starr said.
Justin Wilson is the 11th driver since 1982 to die from injuries sustained during a Champ Car, U.S. Auto Club, Indy Racing League/IndyCar series event
2015 Justin Wilson, Pocono, Pa.
2011 Dan Wheldon, Las Vegas
2006 Paul Dana, Miami, Fla. (practice)
2003 Tony Renna, Indianapolis (testing)
1999 Greg Moore, Fontana, Calif.
1999 Gonzalo Rodriguez, Laguna Beach, Calif. (practice)
1996 Jeff Krosnoff, Toronto
1996 Scott Brayton, Indianapolis (practice)
1992 Jovy Marcelo, Indianapolis (practice)
1982 Jim Hickman, Milwaukee (practice)
1982 Gordon Smiley, Indianapolis (qualifying)
Compiled by Mike Chambers from , Motorsports Memorial, Wikipedia
