If you’re not familiar with Dale Coyne driver Justin Wilson – just look for the tallest driver on the Indycar grid standing 6’3”. It’s not just his height that makes him stand out, as Wilson is one of the more talented drivers getting the most out of his Dale Coyne race car.

Currently, Wilson sits in eighth position in the driver’s championship in an IndyCar season that’s wide open. Consistency has been key for Wilson, as he’s tasted the podium twice with two third-place finishes and has landed in the top-ten, six times.

The oval part of the season is soon to conclude after Iowa and Pocono that is followed by a stretch of seven road/street courses, which are Wilson’s specialty. If Wilson can stay competitive in those races, he will be in a good position for his best finish in the IndyCar series. 

The road/street courses start with the Honda Indy Toronto, which will host a double header for the first time in its 27-year history. Toronto is the second of three double-headers during the year, and Wilson was in Toronto to promote the race and help unveil the custom-made Waterford Crystal race trophies at William Ashley's flagship location in Yorkville.

Wilson is interested to see how the driver’s treat both races. “It’s going to be very physical. In the 1st race in Detroit the drivers hung back and went all-out in the 2nd race,” Wilson said. “It will be interesting to see what people do this time around.”

Wilson is looking forward to the Honda Indy Toronto and considers the Toronto track at Exhibition Place one that he can win. 

“It’s a track that fits my style and where we can be competitive all weekend,” Wilson said.

Add in a much helpful teammate in Mike Conway, who will re-join Dale Coyne for the road/street courses and we can be seeing Dale Coyne racing up with the front runners. Conway dominated the podium in Detroit with a first and third place finish in both races. Wilson sees the benefit in a competitive teammate as they can learn from each other and test out more things with the race car that he can’t do as a lone driver.

To get to know more about the racing world and Dale Coyne’s Justin Wilson, we are introducing our new segment called Up-Close and Personal. 

Justin Wilson

Team: Dale Coyne Racing (IndyCar)

Age: 34

Born: Sheffield, England

Residence: Longmont, CO

First street car: 1995 Peugeot 306 Diesel

Longest road trip: 18 hours from Mid-Ohio track to Florida

Favourite vacation spot: haven’t taken a vacation in 10 years. Life has been one big vacation and when you’re travelling for your profession, all I want to do is relax at home. Maybe soon I will head to the Caribbean – you never know.

Pets: none, however my mom makes up for it as she has 10 horses, cats, dogs, guinea pigs, hens – you name it. My kids love it when there.

Favourite race track: Watkins Glen – the place where I got my first win for Dale Coyne Racing.

Favourite racing memory: winning the Rolex 24 hours of Daytona driving the No. 60 for Michael Shank Racing

Favourite driver growing up: Nigel Mansell, always appreciated the talents of Ayrton Senna, but I wanted to root for the underdog.